I just heard of the passing of a friend.

Back in November 2009 I wrote about my time at the Baltimore show. As I was checking out a nice dime collection at the Liberty Seated Collectors Club table, a man named Bob Hammond engaged me in conversation. By the end of that chat, he had paid my initial LSCC membership fee and pointed me toward acquisition of a book I had been seeking. We had also connected in that he lived most of his life in the city in which I grew up, and that I may be distantly related to his wife.

In the three plus years since, I saw him at each Baltimore show. He always seemed happy to see me. He was full of enthusiasm for coins and related material (like his find of an old print of the famous Ye Olde Mint painting) and for his friends in the hobby, and usually had something interesting to show.

In this week's Early American Coppers e-newsletter, I read of his passing last week. I did not know Bob well, but counted him as a friend. He will be missed.

Changing topic slightly - This serves as a reminder. We are all aging, and our passing may come suddenly, at any time. Please be ready - not only having your worldly affairs in order to make things easier for your loved ones who remain, but also being right with our Maker. If you are not at that point yet, please consider it.

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