Don Schlaff passed away

[Preece1]

All,

My Uncle Donald passed away two weeks....it has been difficult for me to write this and let people know that a hobby pioneer and one of the very good ones is gone. I spent the last couple of weeks going through his things, including many cards, and putting things in order. As some of you know, I have gone through some serious health issues over the last year,but nothing compared to the sadness of putting my uncle to rest.

Many will remember him by his hobby nickname, Santa Clause, in the 1970s when he would give free Old Judge, T206s, T205s, etc. to new collectors that would send him a self addressed stamped envelope. Anything he had he would give to someone in need or someone he could make happy with a gift. I learned my love of the hobby from him and will miss him more than words.

[DHogan]

Patrick,

I'm very sorry to hear of you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Leon]

Hi Patrick
Sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. It's always sad to hear of old time collectors passing away. May your uncle rest in peace.

[CW]

I'm also sorry to hear about your family's loss, Patrick. Just from the Santa Clause story alone, it sounds like he was a great man who touched many people's lives in a positive way.

[ullmandds]

patrick...i'm so sorry to hear about your uncle...you have an amazing collection I can only imagine his influence!

[ethicsprof]

my deepest sympathy,
a great loss of a true hero and pioneer in the hobby.

barry

[benchod]

Patrick,
I'm very sorry to hear about your uncle. You told me how influential he was to you in building your collection.
My deepest sympathy

[Wite3]

Patrick,
so sorry for your loss...your uncle was a great collector and an even better man.

Joshua

[Republicaninmass]

Sorry to hear, his stories will live on!

[wonkaticket]

Patrick, sorry to hear my deepest condolences to you and your family. It’s good to see you pop up here just wish it was under better circumstances.

Cheers,

John

[griffon512]

sorry to hear of your loss Patrick, sounds like a great man

[gfgcom]

Patrick,

Sorry for your loss

Dave Levin

[the 'stache]

Patrick, you have my sincere condolences. Your Uncle Donald was a wonderful man.

Nothing I could possibly say right now can assuage the sadness that you feel. And I feel awful knowing this, as it hurts me seeing good people suffer. But there is one thing I do want to share with you. It's something little, but I want you to know it nonetheless. The example Donald set is still inspiring people today. I can't tell you how many people have gone out of their way to do nice things for me since I joined out forum. Things done without expecting anything in return, done out of the goodness of their hearts. I could go into a lot of detail, but won't. The important thing is to know that the kindnesses your Uncle bestowed upon others...they have not been forgotten.