Bill Stroud pool stories................

[ibuycues]

Bill Stroud was in the pool world for over 50 years, and was known as a man of character who had happy campers for decades who bought superb cues from him, cues that generally delighted the purchasers.

He had dozens of stellar innovations that improved the way in which cues were made, and always gave generously of his time and knowledge to fellow cuemakers.

He introduced the idea of DYD to AZ to cause a body of players to bring their own creativity to the design of cues. Many of the designs found their way into cues made by others, even into some custom case designs, as I remember.

I get that he fell short in delivering on the DYD cue, and understand the anger. I was one who spent time on a design, and later had the cue made by someone else.

Bill had planned for 30 years to return to playing when his years as a cuemaker were completed. At one time he was an excellent, A-level player, a very smart one too. He waited too long.
He developed massive headaches from the brain cancer, terrible, complicated eye surgeries for several years. He got into some real head and eye issues during the DYD time frame. He sold his equipment when he was told he would not have a long time ahead, so Barbara would not be stuck with a workshop to address.Then, with advances in cancer treatment, immuno-treatments were able to extend his life a bit.

He played in several tournaments, including Oklahoma tournament (finished top 4), and a couple DCC events. After each match, he was so tired he immediately went to lie down, couldn’t even roll over. He was just trying to complete His dream in the short time he had left.

Those who knew him well knew how proud and stubborn he was. Would never even mention the troubles he was in, let alone how it was affecting him. I tried several times on calls with him to have him let me explain to the world what he was going through. His pride got in the way, would not let me even hint that he was in harm’s way.

No, he didn’t deliver on DYD. I get it. Terrible, certainly! But I also see clearly the overarching situation, and although he couldn’t finish the cue, he entered into that whole thing with good intentions. Not wanting to screw anyone. At all.

He is gone. I remember him for all the bright lights he brought to our pool world, several thousand happy campers, cuemaker assistance, innovations, and all the rest, and will not stand by while someone who got his nose bent tries to diminish totally the life work of a great contributor. And friend.
Bill, may you rest in gentle peace forever.

Carry on!

Will Prout

 

[lfigueroa]

I first met Bill years ago at a national 8ball tournament in Ohio.

Much later on I spent a small amount of time with him at a couple of US One Pocket Opens. And my opinion is that Bill was a honest and decent man who played pretty sporty and was one of the great cue makers of our time. I also believe he probably never set out with the intent of deceiving the AZ community. But, as do many things in life, something went sideways and he wasn’t able to meet the commitment he made. And, most certainly he didn’t handle the end game on the project well.

So, he screwed up.

I’m not going to preach about tossing the first stone but I will say that I myself have done things in my younger days that my older, and marginally wiser self, now shakes his head about. There is no honor in staying true to an oath you made as a younger man if it now involves someone who is dead and buried.

Let them rest in peace.

Lou Figueroa

 

[overlord]

Now I remember a little more about meeting Bill at that tournament in Burbank. When I bought my Joss West used, it was in terrible condition and it came with one original shaft and one shaft made by another cue maker and the rings didn't match. I had Ernie G. refinish it and rewrap the cue.

When I met Bill, I asked him if he would make a couple of shafts for the cue. He told me he would not, after being rude to me.

I learned later the he had no interest in servicing the cues he had built. There was a guy that advertised on this forum who made shafts for BS's cues because he wouldn't.

Just my experience with the man may he rest in peace.

 

[HawaiianEye]

Now I remember a little more about meeting Bill at that tournament in Burbank. When I bought my Joss West used, it was in terrible condition and it came with one original shaft and one shaft made by another cue maker and the rings didn't match. I had Ernie G. refinish it and rewrap the cue.

When I met Bill, I asked him if he would make a couple of shafts for the cue. He told me he would not, after being rude to me.

I learned later the he had no interest in servicing the cues he had built. There was a guy that advertised on this forum who made shafts for BS's cues because he wouldn't.

Just my experience with the man may he rest in peace.

You should have got a Jackpot.

I have seven shafts for mine.

 

[boogieman]

You guys don't seem to get it. I'm not angry or frustrated. I gave my word that I would do what I'm doing and I'm doing it. It's really that simple. I also know that we have all sinned and fallen short. That has no bearing on my reaction to this situation. Do I forgive him for what he did, not that it's my place, but sure, I do. Will I stop making sure it's not forgotten? Nope... Maybe if I leave the site again or threads come and go without me noticing them.

Jaden

I've not read the whole thread and I'm not dogging on you, but what does this oath you made serve? Even wedding vows (an oath between man and wife and God) end at "death do us part." It's not really serving any purpose that I can see. The dude's dead. He can't scam anyone anymore. You don't have to warn anyone to prevent them from being scammed. Have you ever had a family member die who had wronged you or pissed you off? You remember the good times because the bad times don't really matter anymore. Some things aren't worth letting live in your head rent free.

I'm not saying you should think the dude is perfect, but I just don't see what purpose it serves.

 

[cuetechasaurus]

Sadly I must concur with Jaden on this one thing. Billy was my friend and we got along well, but when the DYD cue contest tuned out to be a big letdown for so many people I called him to find out what happened and why he never followed through. I reminded him of his stellar reputation as a cuemaker and how highly he and his cues were regarded. I told him he didn't need to let that all go away because of this.

He then informed me that he had sold his equipment and had no intention of making any more cues. I asked him why he didn't make just one more cue for the winner of the contest. His response was that he didn't care. To say the least that was a disappointing thing for me to hear. I didn't want to believe that a friend of mine could be so callous about something that I thought was important for his legacy.

I never spoke with Billy about it after that, when I saw him at DCC or at any other time. He acted as if it never happened and refused to discuss it with other friends of his. Somehow, somewhere I believe it had to eat at him inside for what he had done. I know I couldn't live with something like that on my conscience.

I didn’t know Bill and I don’t know exactly what happened, but I’m guessing that after he started that promotion to build someone’s dream cue, he was diagnosed with cancer and thus never fulfilled that agreement. Is that correct?

If that’s the case, I’m wondering if the cancer diagnosis just shattered his life and made him not want to spend his last days alive toiling away on a cue. Him going out and playing in pool tournaments could just be him wanting to spend his limited time doing things he enjoyed rather than working. When you mentioned that he said he didn’t care anymore, that sounds a lot like what a depressed individual would say. Since he was diagnosed with cancer and sold his equipment it sounds like he didn’t pull a stunt with the dream cue contest in order to help his business, though I could be wrong.

I honestly don’t know, you certainly have more info based on your interactions with him. I’ve dealt with a life changing medical diagnosis before, and though not a death sentence like cancer, it did change my outlook on life radically. I went from being a Christian to an atheist (you’d think it would be the other way around, lol) and I went through a few years of deep depression. It also made me a lot more empathetic to people going through situations like that, I want to know what someone’s motivations were and what they were thinking before I form an opinion on them.

I’m just wondering if people are being to harsh on this guy based on my limited knowledge of the situation.

 

[Dead Money]

Bill Stroud was in the pool world for over 50 years, and was known as a man of character who had happy campers for decades who bought superb cues from him, cues that generally delighted the purchasers.

He had dozens of stellar innovations that improved the way in which cues were made, and always gave generously of his time and knowledge to fellow cuemakers.

He introduced the idea of DYD to AZ to cause a body of players to bring their own creativity to the design of cues. Many of the designs found their way into cues made by others, even into some custom case designs, as I remember.

I get that he fell short in delivering on the DYD cue, and understand the anger. I was one who spent time on a design, and later had the cue made by someone else.

Bill had planned for 30 years to return to playing when his years as a cuemaker were completed. At one time he was an excellent, A-level player, a very smart one too. He waited too long.
He developed massive headaches from the brain cancer, terrible, complicated eye surgeries for several years. He got into some real head and eye issues during the DYD time frame. He sold his equipment when he was told he would not have a long time ahead, so Barbara would not be stuck with a workshop to address.Then, with advances in cancer treatment, immuno-treatments were able to extend his life a bit.

He played in several tournaments, including Oklahoma tournament (finished top 4), and a couple DCC events. After each match, he was so tired he immediately went to lie down, couldn’t even roll over. He was just trying to complete His dream in the short time he had left.

Those who knew him well knew how proud and stubborn he was. Would never even mention the troubles he was in, let alone how it was affecting him. I tried several times on calls with him to have him let me explain to the world what he was going through. His pride got in the way, would not let me even hint that he was in harm’s way.

No, he didn’t deliver on DYD. I get it. Terrible, certainly! But I also see clearly the overarching situation, and although he couldn’t finish the cue, he entered into that whole thing with good intentions. Not wanting to screw anyone. At all.

He is gone. I remember him for all the bright lights he brought to our pool world, several thousand happy campers, cuemaker assistance, innovations, and all the rest, and will not stand by while someone who got his nose bent tries to diminish totally the life work of a great contributor. And friend.

Carry on!

Will Prout

Amazing. Thank you for the great post. I know first hand what brain cancer can do to a person and how quickly things go down hill for them. RIP Momma and Mr. Stroud. Two vibrant people who did many great things and died way to soon because of brain cancer.

 

[pvc lou]

That's your prerogative. You don't have to do what I want, also I didn't say you had to. I said if you want me to let it go, that's not gonna happen. Continuing to respond and keep this thread up will ensure I continue to post. That's all I said. Just like you can choose to do what you want. I can choose to do what I want.

Jaden

or you could blow it out your ass instead.

 

[Razor]

I'm not aggravated. I won't let it go. I made a promise and I intend to keep it. You don't want to be reminded that he was a lying piece of shit, don't bring him up where I can see it.

Jaden

So let me get this straight, anytime someone makes another post in this thread or anywhere regarding BS, you'll scream "BILL STROUD EVIL MAN"? Does this oath you made just apply to AZB or are you covering the entire interwebz - as the DYD cue reminder in chief? Who does this help? In the overall grand scheme of things, what good does it accomplish?

BTW, you've already kept your "oath" by reminding everyone. But what you're also saying is, hey guys, let this thread die and I'll shut up about it, or keep posting and I will keep screeching. Do you understand how the internet works? And I understand you can do whatever the hell you want (within the rules) but this all seems like a nonsensical approach. Maybe find something more positive to work toward.

Anyway, on the balance, one mistake does not define and is not the total measure of a man's entire life. Thanks to the OP for the link to the stories and RIP Mr. Stroud.

~Razor

 

[Dead Money]

I do. All the time. I blow a fart in bubble sign language stating "Billy Stroud's a douche". The real thing that made me decide to do that is all the douches who tried to defend the behavior and say it wasn't a big deal. So everytime someone tries to defend the behavior it simply sharpens my resolve. Oh, I'm sure I'll leave the site again anyways, so you probably won't have to worry too much. This site really doesn't serve as much purpose as it used to anyways.

Jaden

The really funny thing is that I LOVE his cues, he was an amazing craftsman. One of the few cuemakers who would flatbottom veneered points and still knife edge them. It was virtually impossible to tell his cues that had cnc'ed points. I'll also admit that the DYD winner was a ridiculous design that ANY cuemaker would have difficulty doing. The only thing that would've made it worse is if the points had been in snakewood. The problem isn't even with not finishing the cue. The problem is the way that it was handled. It was a "I don't give a shit, my word means nothing" attitude and that always deserves ridicule and never deserves praise.

The problem here Jaden in continuing to take this stand is it is poisoning your future interactions with everyone here going forward. I think it is poisoning you as well. Mr. Stroud did not do anything to you personally. I would hate to see how you would act if someone really fucked you over personally. You are free to make your own decisions but not free of the consequences they may cause.

 

[Dead Money]

Well you're surely right about one thing, you wouldn't like to see how I would act if anyone fucked me over personally.

As for the rest, I've decided to edit every one of my posts and let it go. Just ain't worth the aggravation.

Jaden

Very good sir. Don't forget the signature.

 

[Biloxi Boy]

Never mind

 

[garczar]

When the new AZ format started i took everyone(4) off my 'Ignore' list. I thought, heck i'll give 'em all fresh lives. Well, congrats Jaden. You are now the first to be firmly ensconced there. What a colossal tool.

 

[bbb]

Bill Stroud was in the pool world for over 50 years, and was known as a man of character who had happy campers for decades who bought superb cues from him, cues that generally delighted the purchasers.

He had dozens of stellar innovations that improved the way in which cues were made, and always gave generously of his time and knowledge to fellow cuemakers.

He introduced the idea of DYD to AZ to cause a body of players to bring their own creativity to the design of cues. Many of the designs found their way into cues made by others, even into some custom case designs, as I remember.

I get that he fell short in delivering on the DYD cue, and understand the anger. I was one who spent time on a design, and later had the cue made by someone else.

Bill had planned for 30 years to return to playing when his years as a cuemaker were completed. At one time he was an excellent, A-level player, a very smart one too. He waited too long.
He developed massive headaches from the brain cancer, terrible, complicated eye surgeries for several years. He got into some real head and eye issues during the DYD time frame. He sold his equipment when he was told he would not have a long time ahead, so Barbara would not be stuck with a workshop to address.Then, with advances in cancer treatment, immuno-treatments were able to extend his life a bit.

He played in several tournaments, including Oklahoma tournament (finished top 4), and a couple DCC events. After each match, he was so tired he immediately went to lie down, couldn’t even roll over. He was just trying to complete His dream in the short time he had left.

Those who knew him well knew how proud and stubborn he was. Would never even mention the troubles he was in, let alone how it was affecting him. I tried several times on calls with him to have him let me explain to the world what he was going through. His pride got in the way, would not let me even hint that he was in harm’s way.

No, he didn’t deliver on DYD. I get it. Terrible, certainly! But I also see clearly the overarching situation, and although he couldn’t finish the cue, he entered into that whole thing with good intentions. Not wanting to screw anyone. At all.

He is gone. I remember him for all the bright lights he brought to our pool world, several thousand happy campers, cuemaker assistance, innovations, and all the rest, and will not stand by while someone who got his nose bent tries to diminish totally the life work of a great contributor. And friend.
Bill, may you rest in gentle peace forever.

Carry on!

Will Prout

will
that was a great post
tap tap tap

 

[Z-Nole]

When the new AZ format started i took everyone(4) off my 'Ignore' list. I thought, heck i'll give 'em all fresh lives. Well, congrats Jaden. You are now the first to be firmly ensconced there. What a colossal tool.

I hope Jaden didn’t buy a Jackpot, we’ll never hear the end of it.

 

[Island Drive]

Why do you think he didn't follow through?

I remember thos yrs, tho it was also my divorce yrs/tough times/period. But I did remember this Billy/cue incident playing out on line, I also remember Bill losing respect for the AZ community thread posters, because the dirt throwing is not good for business/life and Bill didn't roll that way. Billy retired/ got out and played again , and played well his final years, but lost respect of the pool community, through the threads that he interacted with. Bill and small talk never went hand in hand well/with Stroud. He grew up in, and out of a 60's pool world and his exposure to good and such was ''a way of life'' for em in his early years, remember, he's 100% a pool player. But yeah Jaden, you definitely got into a moment in time, that quite frankly, I thought would of never happened this way. Bill to me has always shown more good than bad. I think you should forgive em. Billy also used to like High end Napa valley wine and was also know to have brought some toot to our gatherings. Remember Scott Smith was on our team.

Your all have a great Xmas and ahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2021

 

[Jaden]

I remember thos yrs, tho it was also my divorce yrs/tough times/period. But I did remember this Billy/cue incident playing out on line, I also remember Bill losing respect for the AZ community thread posters, because the dirt throwing is not good for business/life and Bill didn't roll that way. Billy retired/ got out and played again , and played well his final years, but lost respect of the pool community, through the threads that he interacted with. Bill and small talk never went hand in hand well/with Stroud. He grew up in, and out of a 60's pool world and his exposure to good and such was ''a way of life'' for em in his early years, remember, he's 100% a pool player. But yeah Jaden, you definitely got into a moment in time, that quite frankly, I thought would of never happened this way. Bill to me has always shown more good than bad. I think you should forgive em. Billy also used to like High end Napa valley wine and was also know to have brought some toot to our gatherings. Remember Scott Smith was on our team.

Your all have a great Xmas and ahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2021

Ok you guys can't be bigger so guess what. I won't either. Who gives two shits what an asshole who can't follow through on a promise has respect for. He doesn't deserve respect so who cares if he respects. Posts like this are the reason I keep posting about it. I removed the posts because I had made my point.

Obviously even though I could let it go, you asshole defenders can't so let's go again. Let me be clear on that last sentence, you are defenders of assholes. You are the same people who defend people who rob other people through manipulation or sell something and don't deliver. You don't deserve respect and I couldn't care less if you put me on ignore or whatever.

Jaden

 

[dbgordie]

Ok you guys can't be bigger so guess what. I won't either. Who gives two shits what an asshole who can't follow through on a promise has respect for. He doesn't deserve respect so who cares if he respects. Posts like this are the reason I keep posting about it. I removed the posts because I had made my point.

Obviously even though I could let it go, you asshole defenders can't so let's go again. Let me be clear on that last sentence, you are defenders of assholes. You are the same people who defend people who rob other people through manipulation or sell something and don't deliver. You don't deserve respect and I couldn't care less if you put me on ignore or whatever.

Jaden

No one is defending you. Think about it. Who looks like the POS? You do.

 

[pwd72s]

I enjoyed the video.

 

[Jaden]

No one is defending you. Think about it. Who looks like the POS? You do.

Really? Jay Helfert who spoke to the man himself about it and appears to be the only one who did agreed with me. Whether I do or don't doesn't matter. You can try to defend asshattery all you want, it's only assholes who will try and defend it. The people that agree with me know that dickheads will be the ones who respond so they don't want to speak up and I don't blame them. I have elephant skin, so I don't care.

Jaden