A Memorial Tournament for "breakup" (Bill Johnston) - very nice gesture

W

Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Later this month there will be a series of memorial events at the Anchorage Billiard Palace in Anchorage, Alaska in honor of the funniest poster ever seen here on AZB - Bill Johnston (aka "breakup").

Bill was a legendary poster here on AZB; but he was also a regular at the Anchorage Billiards Palace from it's opening in 1988, until Bill's untimely death last year. Sue Griffin is putting on these events in memory of Bill.

For those who were not fortunate to know him; he was a student of the game, a truly funny guy, and we miss him terribly. He and I had a "feud" that lasted a year here on AZB. Here is a link to the description of the funniest parts. Skip the video; just read some of the links that Bill lists (post #9), and read the "interview with Efren" (link in post #6). Those posts will sum up what a creative guy he was.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=39216&highlight=breakup

I encourage EVERYONE IN ANCHORAGE to show up for the events; because Bill sure the hell would have.

Here is a copy of the flyer for the events (I'll attach it in a couple of minutes).
 

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2l82bgr8 said:
We really wish we could be there. Bill was the best and we miss him.
Ric & Bonnie
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R&B (hey, great initials),
Thanks for the nice sentiment. I haven't heard from our Alaska members yet (sodapopd); I'm hoping there will be a good turnout. If I wasn't working, I'd fly there myself.
 
That is very cool. I am sure Breakup is smiling from ear to ear in heaven to know how much he is loved. :)

JAM
 
Breakup was from Champaign, IL, where I went to school. Hope he's doing great right now, wherever he is.
 
Williebetmore said:
R&B (hey, great initials),
Thanks for the nice sentiment. I haven't heard from our Alaska members yet (sodapopd); I'm hoping there will be a good turnout. If I wasn't working, I'd fly there myself.
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definitely going to be there (& not just 'cause I practically live there) for Bill's annual event. I'm hoping for a good turnout also...
 
I also would love to attend his memorial tournament. Bill was a GREAT guy and much-loved. I always remember him with a grin.
 
Mr. Bill;

I am glad the ol' ANCHORAGE BILLIARD PALACE is open again - and think a memorial event for Bill Johnston is a great way to get it going.

If I had time I would go up there too. (I don't believe - for a "second" that WillieBetMore is even thinking of going up there. His heart is too weak. But it might be a great place for the BetMore Cup Challenge).

Maybe "we" can get my 'ex' to move the dates to June-July - the weather is awesome - and the people are nice too. The fish are runnin' and the bears take care of the undesireables - (are ya listenin' Willie?)

We can arrange for armored service to protect the "Betmore Cup". Perhaps Billiards Digest or AZbTV could provide news coverage. I know JCIN and TAR would come up to put on a live feed.

Wha-duh-ya-say???

Mark Griffin
BCA Pool League
Diamond Billiards
former owner of "Anchorage Billiard Palace"
 
Did "Flapper" move back up to Alaska ? I know that his lounge in New Orlean's 'Fat City' went under after hurricane Katrina.
D.
( I Rep breakup about once a month )
 
Flapper

Doug - (long time no see);

Flapper was a good friend of Bill's. They would play a lot of one-pocket. Flapper would play like 7- no count with Bill. (Yep-in one pocket).

I asked around our office (We have 4 displaced Alaskan's here) and we 'think' Flapper (Greg Hamilton) moved back to Alaska after Katrina - and now heard he might have bought back his old bar back.

Decent guy who has a great understanding on pool and cards.

Mark Griffin
 
Today, I Can't Beat An Egg

Mark Griffin said:
Doug - (long time no see);

Flapper was a good friend of Bill's. They would play a lot of one-pocket. Flapper would play like 7- no count with Bill. (Yep-in one pocket).

I asked around our office (We have 4 displaced Alaskan's here) and we 'think' Flapper (Greg Hamilton) moved back to Alaska after Katrina - and now heard he might have bought back his old bar back.

Decent guy who has a great understanding on pool and cards.

Mark Griffin
Click to expand...


Thanks Mark, on my last trip to New Orleans (pre-Katrina), I stopped in to see Flapper at his lounge. I hadn't seen him in decades, although I did beat Flapper, Frank White, Flip, Mike Brewer and a host of others to win a 9 ball tournament at The Royal Cue in New Orleans East in 1969. I brought him an 8'x10" color photo of Minnesota Fats putting on an exhibition at The Royal Cue with Flapper standing by the table. He didn't recognize me after all the years had passed, but he wanted that picture. I gave him the photo and we sat at his bar and drank our way up to current times...... Greg is a nice friendly person and played a great game of pool.
D.
 
That's great that the BP opened again!!! Where is it located now? I'm coming back up next year to visit & would like to see the place. When on old seward it was a daily hangout for me.
 
Mark Griffin said:
I am glad the ol' ANCHORAGE BILLIARD PALACE is open again - and think a memorial event for Bill Johnston is a great way to get it going.

If I had time I would go up there too. (I don't believe - for a "second" that WillieBetMore is even thinking of going up there. His heart is too weak. But it might be a great place for the BetMore Cup Challenge).

Maybe "we" can get my 'ex' to move the dates to June-July - the weather is awesome - and the people are nice too. The fish are runnin' and the bears take care of the undesireables - (are ya listenin' Willie?)

We can arrange for armored service to protect the "Betmore Cup". Perhaps Billiards Digest or AZbTV could provide news coverage. I know JCIN and TAR would come up to put on a live feed.

Wha-duh-ya-say???

Mark Griffin
BCA Pool League
Diamond Billiards
former owner of "Anchorage Billiard Palace"
Click to expand...


Mark,
There are only 2 chances that my wife would permit me to make such a trip just to play pool - slim and none. Plus the cost of a round-the-clock security force to guard the Cup would be somewhat prohibitive; even if they were available. The only worthy security team is now tied up guarding the Crown Jewels in England.

So I guess your feeble attempt at intimidation (damn, those bears look big....and hungry...) has failed. Though the conditions and equipment are primitive in Betmore's Basement; I'm afraid that will have to be the venue - as tradition requires (possession of the Betmore Cup has never been contested in any other place).

When you finally work up the nerve for a return visit, let me know. I can reserve a date for a match. The throngs of pool fans that line up daily just to catch a glimpse of the Cup will be disappointed; but I will close the room so there will be some privacy.

I am in the process of obtaining an appraisal of the value of the Betmore Cup; a team of museum curators and antiquity experts is working as we speak. Though I will not be permitted to make the results public; I can assure you that it is enough to make your stroke wobbly (errr.....more wobbly....). Good luck, you'll need it.
 
That's What I'm Known For.... My THINKING (and my patient generosity)

Williebetmore said:
I am in the process of obtaining an appraisal of the value of the Betmore Cup; a team of museum curators and antiquity experts is working as we speak. Though I will not be permitted to make the results public; I can assure you that it is enough to make your stroke wobbly (errr.....more wobbly....
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Do NOT polish the cup and ruin the 'patina'....... imo

Doug
( the better the story, the higher the appraisal )
 
106

CaptiveBred said:
I'll be there and I plan on winning all three events :)
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Ah, aren't you a little old to play ?
Captive Bred
iTrader: (0)
Date of Birth:
January 7, 1902


Doug
( I mean, it IS 3 events )
 
CaptiveBred said:
I'll be there and I plan on winning all three events :)
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Youre going to make me come off the stall arent you........ :eek: :D
Eric, the new Palace is at 36th and C St.
Chuck
 
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