It is my sad duty to inform the chipping community that Al Bernstein passed away several weeks ago! I have just been informed of that by Bill Lange, he who does not post here. Al was a long time collector and an irascible human being with a heart of gold. He loved his grandson and he loved the hunt for chips and cigarette lighters. What a combination. I spent many an hour arguing with Al over values and have not kept in as good a touch as I should have. Chris and I are saddened by his passing. His membership number was in the 500's so truly an early collector. As Chris says, Al is in a better place!"