It is impossible to describe how I felt when I signed on this morning to read Dick Brach's note. I have known Bruce from before the beginning of the organization of the Club, and I cannot begin to imagine the chipping community or me without him.

Bruce was a friend to all chippers, a generous, optimistic good-natured person who was a tireless promoter of the hobby and everything best about it. He rarely had a bad word to say about anyone, and he helped incalculable numbers of people get started in the hobby.

Those who knew Bruce were his friends. I know of no one in the club, and few people I've ever met, who embraced everyone with the enthusiasm and good will Bruce did. He was always willing to help those who needed his support, no matter what the reason, and his work for the Club should be well-known to all.

His wife Eileen is a sweet woman who loves chip collectors almost as much as Bruce did. Not because she collects chips, because I don't think she does, but because she loves people and was always at Bruce's side when she could be, participating in the hobby and helping the Club as well.

There is a reason Bruce Landau was an early inductee into the Club's highest and most honored group: The Hall of Fame. Everyone who knew Bruce has as many reasons as I do. Those of us who knew him well all have Bruce stories, and once we gather our wits, I'm hoping they'll be told.

I'd like to say more - it's so difficult to pay adequate homage to a man like Bruce - but frankly I'm too shocked to think straight or say more right now.

Bruce will live on in the memories of all who knew him, and his contributions to the Club will stand as memorials as long as there is a Club.

We will miss you, my friend.

Michael