Tribute thread to those we lost in 2007

Blackjack

Blackjack

Illuminati Blacksmack
Silver Member
Just a thread to remeber those people in the pool world that we lost this past year.

I will comment on a few that I knew personally - please feel free to add anybody I may have missed.

I was close to Joe Calnan (Daytona Joe) and I will miss his friendsip, his indness, and his love for life. He was big guy with a big heart and a genuine love for people. I know that he and Chris Cass (Aiardo) are up there having a great time.

I had many wars with Kyle Tafoya in many tournaments in the southwest. He was a great guy and a great player who would go to any lengths to play or get to and from tournaments. He is one of those guys that always made you smile and laugh. He was a joy to spend time with, a joy to play, a joy to watch play, and I will miss him more than anyone on this list.

Rude Dog was a valued member of this forum, a good guy, and one hell of a pool player. His passing was a complete shock to me. Too young. He had a alot of ups and downs in life, but I am glad to have been part of his trip to the US Open a few years ago, courtesy of this forum. John had a great time, and he was so grateful for that opportunity. Just a great guy.

Those we lost in 2007

Daytona Joe (Joe Calnan)
Dave Piona
Bill Johnston (Breakup)
Tyler Strawn
John Morton
Bugs Rucker
Tony Steele
Steve Knight
Kyle Tafoya
Anne Mayes
Jimmy Mac (James McAdams)
Andy Hudson
Jeff Kaletta
Herb Wilmot
Mike Betts
Scott Anderson (Adanac67)
Shane McGill
 
It was hard for me to look at this list and see so many guys (and gals) who I spent time with and whose company I enjoyed. Many of them were younger than me. I didn't even know about the American Steve Knight passing away. This has to be big Steve from San Diego and Colorado. He was a very fine player!

Dave, John, Mike and Kyle were all close friends of mine. May they rest in peace, along with the others.
 
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Blackjack said:
Just a thread to remeber those people in the pool world that we lost this past year.

I will comment on a few that I knew personally - please feel free to add anybody I may have missed.

I was close to Joe Calnan (Daytona Joe) and I will miss his friendsip, his indness, and his love for life. He was big guy with a big heart and a genuine love for people. I know that he and Chris Cass (Aiardo) are up there having a great time.

I had many wars with Kyle Tafoya in many tournaments in the southwest. He was a great guy and a great player who would go to any lengths to play or get to and from tournaments. He is one of those guys that always made you smile and laugh. He was a joy to spend time with, a joy to play, a joy to watch play, and I will miss him more than anyone on this list.

Rude Dog was a valued member of this forum, a good guy, and one hell of a pool player. His passing was a complete shock to me. Too young. He had a alot of ups and downs in life, but I am glad to have been part of his trip to the US Open a few years ago, courtesy of this forum. John had a great time, and he was so grateful for that opportunity. Just a great guy.

Those we lost in 2007

Daytona Joe (Joe Calnan)
Dave Piona
Bill Johnston (Breakup)
Tyler Strawn
John Morton
Bugs Rucker
Tony Steele
Steve Knight
Kyle Tafoya
Anne Mayes
Jimmy Mac (James McAdams)
Andy Hudson
Jeff Kaletta
Herb Wilmot
Mike Betts
Scott Anderson (Adanac67)
Shane McGill
Click to expand...

May all thier rolls be good on the other side! Nice post!
 
Additionally

Don't forget Robb Saez's father who has just passed. My heart and sympathies go out to each and everyone of these peoples family and friends.

Kevin
 
I believe we lost New York Blackie this year, too. Since I don't know his real name, maybe he's on the list already, but I just don't know.
 
Blackjack said:
Just Rude Dog was a valued member of this forum, a good guy, and one hell of a pool player. His passing was a complete shock to me. Too young. He had a alot of ups and downs in life, but I am glad to have been part of his trip to the US Open a few years ago, courtesy of this forum. John had a great time, and he was so grateful for that opportunity. Just a great guy.
Click to expand...


he was a good friend whan I was down and out, just before I filed bankruptcy, when I just came to Vegas but wasnt living here yet full time, he showed me around and we went to all the bar tournments, I played walter glass I thought I had it easy......I got drilled-bad. We ran around every night for along time, he was loved by the guys in the bowling alley at the Gold Coast. Some how we lost touch and I dont remember the last time I saw him. :( I was his punching bag before he would win almost all the bar tournments. I will forever remember him he touched me and showed me around town that eventually lead to my success, "Thanks John" RIP my friend.

And my condoliences to all the other fallen warriors in our world and their loved ones. That list is too long. AS BAD AS IT SOUNDS THERE SHOULD BE A MEMORIAL FORUM HERE.

Happy 2008 to everyone.
 
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RIP tyler

2 years ago I made a nice score at the derby betting on him playing Ryan Mcreash.
Total one sided match, I miss that dude.
 
Tucker

I knew a couple guys mentioned and knew of a few more - I hope ther all in that poolroom in the sky - hanging out hitting balls - making games - god bless em all - I want to mention 1 more probably not as well known

but the game is gonna miss him and those like him as much as the big name guys

Tucker Shepard a real strong player from the DC area passed this year I'm told

Tucker was a fixture at Jack and Jill's an Arlington Va poolroom owned by Weenie Beenie in the late 60's early 70's - Wimpy Lassister was but 1 of the many close friends of Tucker's from that era they all came through there Mosconi , Ronnie Allen, Fats , SeattleSam , goose , Geese , Delaware Don, the Iceman, Earl Shriver, Red, Blue, Green, IDigo(you get the picture) you name em if they played pool they came through Jack and Jill's and he knew em all- and played em all too (not always even) of course

I once had the pleasure of spending an afternoon/evening watching Tucker, Wimpy, Eddie Taylor and Beenie at the Cue Palace a poolroom that was on US route 1 in Alexandria,VA in the 60's

Tucker played Beenie 50 no count for 50.00 a game



Tucker was the houseman there and introduced me to 1 pocket at 9 to 6 then 10 to 5 then 10 to 4 then 8 to 4 (he plays 1 handed jacked up) probably 2 or 3 bucks a game 10 at most- I never won a game! (but enjoyed playing him anyway) The man was an artist

I was but 1 of his many regular customers who he instructed for whatever the bet was.(he did try and teach us too)

I once saw him play 20.00 9 ball using his (suitcase) type cue case instead of his stick - the guy he was playing did spot him the 5 but the guy he was playing was no slouch

He was a charector right out of a Damon Runyon novel from the days when hustling was a true art form and and while there was certainly better players then him - damn few could match him for the ability to make people happy as they were forking the post over to him be looking foward to the oppertunity to play him again - some guys were on his schedule - such as every Fri 7:30 Don plays him bank pool usual donation 40.00 - etc...

There is a thousand stories about him in the DC/VA area and he will be missed

If I hadn't run into him back then I would probably be president of the USA today. No Doubt the country would be better off. - but as it worked out- I spent a good 25 years hanging out in various poolrooms indulging in my share of booze ,drugs ,women ,gambling, etc...and for that I thank you Tucker!!

the rest of my life has been mostly wasted

Happy New Year to all
 
Blackjack said:
Just a thread to remeber those people in the pool world that we lost this past year.

I will comment on a few that I knew personally - please feel free to add anybody I may have missed.

I was close to Joe Calnan (Daytona Joe) and I will miss his friendsip, his indness, and his love for life. He was big guy with a big heart and a genuine love for people. I know that he and Chris Cass (Aiardo) are up there having a great time.

I had many wars with Kyle Tafoya in many tournaments in the southwest. He was a great guy and a great player who would go to any lengths to play or get to and from tournaments. He is one of those guys that always made you smile and laugh. He was a joy to spend time with, a joy to play, a joy to watch play, and I will miss him more than anyone on this list.

Rude Dog was a valued member of this forum, a good guy, and one hell of a pool player. His passing was a complete shock to me. Too young. He had a alot of ups and downs in life, but I am glad to have been part of his trip to the US Open a few years ago, courtesy of this forum. John had a great time, and he was so grateful for that opportunity. Just a great guy.

Those we lost in 2007

Daytona Joe (Joe Calnan)
Dave Piona
Bill Johnston (Breakup)
Tyler Strawn
John Morton
Bugs Rucker
Tony Steele
Steve Knight
Kyle Tafoya
Anne Mayes
Jimmy Mac (James McAdams)
Andy Hudson
Jeff Kaletta
Herb Wilmot
Mike Betts
Scott Anderson (Adanac67)
Shane McGill
Click to expand...

I only knew Jimmy Mac personally and it was sad that he passed at a relatively young age.

I know several of the others by name and it is very sad; particularly a few that passed at a much younger age...

Anyway... nice post BlackJack to remember those that have passed.
 
I don't know his proper name, but Fox from Waukesha, Wisconsin passed this year as well, September I believe. I was sad to learn of that. I know he was well known in Wisconsin, but I don't know about elsewhere.
 
Blackjack said:
Just a thread to remeber those people in the pool world that we lost this past year.

I will comment on a few that I knew personally - please feel free to add anybody I may have missed.

I was close to Joe Calnan (Daytona Joe) and I will miss his friendsip, his indness, and his love for life. He was big guy with a big heart and a genuine love for people. I know that he and Chris Cass (Aiardo) are up there having a great time.

I had many wars with Kyle Tafoya in many tournaments in the southwest. He was a great guy and a great player who would go to any lengths to play or get to and from tournaments. He is one of those guys that always made you smile and laugh. He was a joy to spend time with, a joy to play, a joy to watch play, and I will miss him more than anyone on this list.

Rude Dog was a valued member of this forum, a good guy, and one hell of a pool player. His passing was a complete shock to me. Too young. He had a alot of ups and downs in life, but I am glad to have been part of his trip to the US Open a few years ago, courtesy of this forum. John had a great time, and he was so grateful for that opportunity. Just a great guy.

Those we lost in 2007

Daytona Joe (Joe Calnan)
Dave Piona
Bill Johnston (Breakup)
Tyler Strawn
John Morton
Bugs Rucker
Tony Steele
Steve Knight
Kyle Tafoya
Anne Mayes
Jimmy Mac (James McAdams)
Andy Hudson
Jeff Kaletta
Herb Wilmot
Mike Betts
Scott Anderson (Adanac67)
Shane McGill
Click to expand...

TAP TAP TAP

They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten, may they all RIP and be all enjoying moving the rock with all the rest of the legends of the game.

Sincerest wishes and prayers to all their families.

Willie
 
sjm said:
I believe we lost New York Blackie this year, too. Since I don't know his real name, maybe he's on the list already, but I just don't know.
Click to expand...


Thanks for remembering him Stu. Al Bonife was a full time pool player for life. A real true, dyed in the wool, hustler. He went everywhere he could get a game, and played everyone who could hold a cue. He was good and he knew it, with a little smirk on his face and a quip on his lips.

He endeared himself to all who knew him, just by being the character that he was. He would smooze you all day long to get the game he wanted, and after it was over, tell you how good you played. Some guys are unforgettable, and Blackie was one of them. His best friends in Pool were Buddy Hall and Mary Kenniston. They were a road team back in the 70's.
 
Dallas lost a great pool friend in Feb. Rodney Maupin died of cancer. He was my pool captain of seven years. All of us will join him sooner or later so let's live every day to the fullest....Happy New Year....SPF=randyg
 
I lost blingblongablingbling, a dear friend and a great pool player, may he rest in peace and may his children live happily thoughout their years on earth.
 
We also lost Brett Smith...(Scott Smith's little brother)

He was my room mate for last year's Derby. That was his last tourny...he passed on from liver cancer less than 2 weeks after returning home. Hell of a guy...

I sure miss him.....

Rick S.
 
I would like to add Jimmy Maute, owner of Doc & Eddies in Albuquerque, NM, who passed away early yesterday morning following a battle with leukemia. Jimmy was a great young man who loved life and people, and all who knew him liked him. He will be sincerely missed. Your prayers for his family and friends are appreciated.
 
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