The comics hobby has lost a legendary figure. John Verzyl passed away from a heart attack this past Saturday. As you'd expect the CGC forums are full of wonderful stories about John.
I only ever met him the one time. 2005 at Gibsons after the CGC Forum dinner. I was talking to Fred McSurley and John walked by. Fred pulled him over to introduce me and what followed was about an hour of me peppering John with questions and then sitting back and listening to him drop knowledge on me. Hearing about the Church Marvel Comics #1 alone was incredible.
He was one of the most knowledgeable, passionate and generous collectors I've met and he'll be missed.