A Sad Farewell To Cardboard Connection Writer Chris Stufflestreet

A few weeks ago I reconnected with a childhood friend of mine over Facebook. During the course of our conversation, he asked me what I enjoyed most about owning my own business. Two of the first things to come to mind were the people I work with and the people I work for - that is, collectors like yourself.

Since starting The Cardboard Connection a little over 4 years ago, I've had the privilege of working alongside many of the nicest, most talented writers in the industry. Their collective contributions have drawn millions upon millions of collectors and fans to site, without whom none of what we do would be possible. Somewhere along the way, what was once a staff and a website transformed into a team and community. The thing about a team is that once you lose a teammate, the team is never quite the same.

Such is the case with the loss of our vintage trading card columnist, Chris Stufflestreet, who passed away Wednesday as the result of a severe heart attack. He was only a few months away from celebrating his 40th birthday. Chris was a invaluable member of The Cardboard Connection team who will not not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter, as well as the rest of his family.

Chris wrote over 200 articles for The Cardboard Connection during his time with us. He also ran several popular card blogs, including 1973 Topps Set and Vintage Sportscards.

Chris was an extremely hard worker that I could always count on to do whatever work need to be done. I'll certainly remember him as an insightful and knowledgeable vintage trading card writer, but the thing that I'll remember most about him is the love he had for his daughter. I hired Chris a few days prior to my youngest daughter's birth, so our daughters became a regular point of conversation between us.

We'll miss you Chris...