Retailer Kirby Tardy of Tardy's Collectors Corner in Grand Rapids, Michigan saw the news of Will Eisner's death (see 'EXTRA: In Memoriam: Will Eisner') and shared his thoughts:
I first met him at a small Detroit Comicon in the early 70's. His views on comic books and life in general instantly attracted me and I chose at that time to make comic books my life and 30 years later I'm still making a living in that profession. I still have every item he's ever signed for me and very fond memories of him over the years. During the mid-to-late 70's I would find myself set-up next to Denis Kitchen at the old Chicago Comicons and Will was usually right next to us making new collectors non-stop. This business owes him more than can be calculated. I believe I'll go home, have a drink and read a comic in the memory of Will Eisner, one of the best persons I've ever known. Today is truly a sad day. My condolences to his family.
