I first met the wonderful Dell Heyn about 25 years in the past after I shut down my publishing firm and commenced organising at card reveals operated by legendary Chicago-area promoter Fred Copp. On the time, Fred ran 4 reveals every week — Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I might arrange on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday reveals (all in several areas!). So would an everyday group of fantastic guys together with Dell.
Typically, you could possibly not see Dell as he was blocked from view by his packing containers and packing containers of dime and quarter playing cards however you knew he was there by the sound of his booming baritone which supplied varied opinions on the state of the Chicago sports activities groups, sports activities playing cards and sports activities card reveals.
I loved hanging out with Dell and the others three days out of each week. Dell was so nice. On the time, I used to be making ready to attend legislation faculty and learning for the LSAT and located the cardboard reveals a welcome reduction from my research.
I used to be dwelling on the Northwest Aspect of Chicago in these days as have been lots of the different guys who would arrange at Fred’s reveals, together with Dell, who got here to my home to buy a Raphael Palmiero card. Palmiero was his favourite participant and he had the world’s foremost assortment of Palmiero playing cards.
I actually loved hanging out with all of the common sellers at Fred’s reveals like Dell, Willie, Dan, Don and some others that might come out and in.
Finally, Dell stopped coming or would arrange often. He discovered different reveals with larger crowds together with the Orland Park present and the Gonzaga present. I adopted Dell to those reveals although nonetheless tried to make time for Fred’s reveals.
Really, I adopted Dell in every single place from the Nationwide, Solar-Occasions reveals, to Fort Wayne and to Canton.
Wherever Dell arrange, the scene was the identical. Huge quantities of packing containers of playing cards with Dell swimming within the center. I do not assume he had a card on his desk that value greater than a $1. His arrange was distinctive and he excelled. I do not know anybody who made a lot cash with so many cheap playing cards. His gross sales on the Nationwide annually have been legendary. They need to have created an award for Dell as a result of he made extra money promoting dime playing cards on the Nationwide than most sellers made promoting $100 playing cards.
I’ve to assume he did so properly as a result of he was liked by all. There was at all times a crowd by his tables irrespective of the place he arrange.
I simply noticed him lately on the April 5 Oak Creek present. Dell was an enormous supporter of my present and I’m eternally in his debt. To get the Dell stamp of approval actually meant one thing to me and I used to be so appreciative that he arrange each month at my present.
We had come alongside approach these previous 25 years since we first met. Dell noticed my full head of hair fade. I noticed his darkish black hair go grey. But there he was each month in Oak Creek or at Orland, nonetheless behind that huge wall of dime playing cards… and right here I’m each week nonetheless behind a wall of classic sports activities playing cards. Some issues by no means change.
Not having Dell in Oak Creek and Orland each month is a change I do not need. I’m going to overlook Dell Heyn like no person’s enterprise. I by no means acquired to speak concerning the MegaShow with him. He selected to go on a cruise as a substitute of organising. I used to be certain I might persuade him to arrange on the subsequent one in September.
Dell was simply 50 years outdated. He was born within the magical 12 months of 1975, the primary 12 months I collected baseball playing cards. I by no means realized I used to be 8 years older than him. I at all times figured we have been about the identical age.
Eventually week’s Orland present, promoter Wealthy Troy stated just a few good phrases over the loudspeaker about Dell. People have been shocked to study of Dell’s passing. Everybody had such fantastic issues to say about him.
That incredible card present within the sky simply signed up an absolute gem of supplier. Say whats up to everybody up there for us Dell. Till we meet once more. I want I might have informed you the way a lot I respect you and the way a lot I loved our friendship. You have been one thing particular. My condolences to all of Dell’s family and friends.
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