Big Bernd Goebel was a HRC Pin Collector from Germany. But more than that he was a very very nice guy - and the biggest party animal I ever met :-)

Bernd and I became good friends. We traded pins of course but also did a lot of partys and travelling together.

One of the best trips we did was for example a trip to the old HRC Oasis (now closed) in England. What a great weekend we had.

In 2000 I became president of PIN (Pin Collectors International Network) and Bernd became my Vice-President. Together we organized PIN March Amsterdam 2001 - the biggest Hard Rock Cafe Pin Collectors event ever with more than 450 pin collectors from all over the world. How proud we both were - especially as this event took place in a CORPORATE Cafe.

After I had to leave office of PIN because of my job Big Bernd became the new president of PIN.

So much partys and events we travelled together to: From PIN Marches to Grand Opening Partys to PINDEXes and Y-ME Events. We were there together.

In 2004 Big Bernd flew to Las Vegas for PINDEX 2004. Karin and I were not able to go there this time cause of my job. Bernd had a blast there again. PINDEX was fantastic again. But on his way home he had an accident on the highway and was killed.

Big guy, we will always remember you - and have CORONA on you... I miss you man... and hope you trade pins and party with Uncle Dan in heaven now...