This is a column I really wish I wasn't writing.  As many of you know Jon Brecka died last night.  He was my friend and one of the "good guys", both as a human being and a fellow collector.  It is a great loss for those who knew Jon personally and those who knew Jon through his column.  The unexpectedness of Jon's death should give us all pause.  I've been thinking about those I love and the fact that there is no guarantee they will be there tomorrow.  Makes the pursuit of die cast cars seem very trivial.

Jon was a regular visitor to this site and considered it the best on the net.  We have slipped in that area the past few months since I started working but now the updates will be regular to honor Jon's memory and to get this site back to what he thought it was ... the best.  Jon occasionally used information that was posted on CB's in his column to get the newest information out to his readers.  He thought our visitors were wonderful to send so much information on new releases and also share the knowledge they had freely.  That was how Jon perceived the hobby, as something to be enjoyed by all, and it was his joy to share any information he obtained with his readers.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Jon in person, only talking to him on the phone and through email, but the continuing themes were family - he loved Shawn and Kendra so much - and how much fun he had collecting Hot Wheels.  We exchanged pictures of our favorite kid(s), he pictures of Kendra and I pictures of N and C.  He spoke often of his wife Shawn and how proud he was of her.  His love for Kendra was so obvious that words weren't needed ... but he said them often anyway.  He felt very lucky and proud to be Shawn's husband and Kendra's father.

Jon was always eager to learn anything he could about Hot Wheels and he shared that knowledge without reservation.  He will be sorely missed in this hobby.  The fact that so many of you have donated items to be auctioned to raise funds for Jon and his family is a testament to the kind of guy Jon was.  The fact that we are still receiving donations even after news of Jon's death was published speaks volumes.  So this site is dedicated to the memory of Jon Brecka ... Hot Wheels collector and columnist admired by all.  God Bless you Jon.  Trish