Quote:
Originally Posted by Papa Hubby
My family would like to thank you guys about the kind words you have spoken describing the man you call the "Virginian". He truly was exactly as you have it. Very kind, very soft spoken, very forgiving, slow to anger, and just a pleasure to be around. He had a very soft and gooey, loveable inside that you guys enjoyed every time you spoke with him or had a Skype session with. These qualities among many others made it so easy to become his friend and this was throughout his entire life.
I want you to know a little about his background so that maybe you can understand how this came about. It may help some of you in your future in some way. He was raised in a small town in Virginia to a Christian home. Southern Baptist Christian home. A home where everyone didn't just attend church but where most everyone participated. His father helped Jerry Falwell of the renowned Thomas Road Church back in the early 70's. He was a member of the youth singers of our local church where his great uncle was a pastor. Deep family roots are in the ground of this community. No doubt he was a loveable kid growing up all on his own but there is no doubt all his surroundings he participated in helped to build that loveable core that you all came to know.
I ask you to ask yourselves that if those qualities of his are what you really were drawn toward then please investigate what made him so special. Don't let his death here on earth go without helping you in some way. Nothing else would be so special as to hear from some of you that this would lead you to a better direction.
There is no doubt that the life of the west, the cards, and other factors had their toll on him. He grew a scaly bark around all that sweet center he had. So much so that he couldn't take it anymore. This really hurts. All of us feel it.
He talked about you students a lot. He really loved working with you guys. I watched several sessions and I could see why they were drawn in. All the ones I saw were nice winning sessions. That's always good! I wish you all great success in your future sessions where you learn from each other many lessons each of you have. You probably have lots to learn and share from each other since everyone didn't get the same lesson.
Thanks again for all the kind words. It does mean a lot to me because I'm his brother.
-Robert
Robert, my sincere condolences to you and your family, Sir.
Your brother was definitely one-of-a kind. The type that would think about others before himself. For example, a while back when he needed to go to your neck of the woods expectantly, he asked me if I wouldn't mind changing the time of my session so he can do it from your place. I said, "Bill, it's not a problem. Enjoy the time with your brother. Let's re-schedule".
I enjoyed my time with him and I will never forget it. Not only for the poker knowledge, but just as much for chatting and shooting the breeze with him over skype for a couple hours every week.
There were times, in the beginning, that he would just preach to me about certain things such as pre-flop play for example, and just listening to him had such a pleasant and relaxing effect on me. It wouldn't matter if he was talking about poker or if he just shooting the breeze, he was just a pleasure to talk with.
I can only imagine how much he is helping other people right now in paradise.
God Bless,
Tony