This is another tough one for me to announce but Dave Montanari of Monti's Slots has passed away. I was informed today by a friend of his, though David's son, also David.
Since I got into the antique slot world, he was my main "go to" for information on all things Mills, Jennings, etc. I had many great e mail conversations with him over the last few years and will miss him greatly, not only as a master of antique slot repair but just as unique and rare gem of a man.
He was a very interesting person, living in Quincy California, a town up north that I'd never ever heard of.
He not only repaired, restored and sold slots, he also was an actor, doing old west re-enactments with his wife. Sadly she passed about a year ago and he was having a very difficult time with that, as anyone would with their beloved wife.
Here's a link to his NLG profile. It's interesting to read his "about me" and "interests."
https://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?action=profile;u=983