It was a few years ago. I really don’t remember how long but it doesn’t matter to what I’m going to tell you. My wife and I were hosting a typical “chip get together” The kind of event that was fun. An event characterized by eating, drinking and exchanging those little pieces of clay. Jerry and Janice O’Neal were here so were the Mowrys; Bill Akeman and his girl friend Nancy Clarke as well as Bruce and Eileen Landau. At that time it was kind of a who’s – who in the hobby, a lineup of wonderful people; a group of people who knew how to have a good time and enjoy themselves. A group one could always be comfortable with.

Eileen announced that she and Bruce were going out to dinner and couldn’t stay long. I asked Bruce if he brought my chip. He did. It was a 50 cent Stardust. I paid him and went outside to bring in the homemade polish sausage cooking on the charcoal grill. When I set the platter on the kitchen table Bruce’s eyes got as big as a small child gazing upon a gift that was meant for him but not as yet received. I asked him if he would like a taste.
“But of course” he replied. Eileen reminded him of their dinner engagement. Bruce acknowledged her with a nod and proceeded to cut the sausage link I gave him into bite size pieces.

It appeared to me, the first bite went down with a smoothness of swallowing a fine wine. I chuckled to myself how Bruce enjoyed life. Everything about life, every aspect of giving and taking. He was a model for those who know how to live and get the most out of each day. Anyway, Eileen insisted that they must go. Bruce asked me if he could have another sausage for the road…….”But of course my friend, help yourself”……..Lord, I miss him.