Kirby Tardy of Tardy's Collector's Corner in Grand Rapids, MI pays tribute to his friend and early business partner Paul R. Hooker who died suddenly on December 26th:

Paul R. Hooker 55, died suddenly Friday December 26th while scuba diving at his winter home in Belieze, Central America.

On June 6, 1979 Paul and I opened the doors to The Collector's Corner in an old drugstore in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.  He provided the seed money, carpentry, book keeping skills and manned the cash register.  I provided the comics and contacts.  That first year we traveled the mid-west schlepping comic books and comic creators Mikes' Gustovich and Vosburg to an incredible array of conventions, swap meets and flea markets doggedly jump-starting the relatively unheard of business of comic-book specialty store.  Thanks in great part to Paul's early commitment, The Collector's Corner, (Tardy's C,C, Inc. since 1980), has been going strong ever since.  Even though our business partnership only lasted one year, our friendship endured for over 40 years.  He was my oldest, dearest friend and I will miss him forever.  Cherish your loved ones and realize every day is a gift.

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