I credit about 6-8 long-time blackjack players and members of various forums with my developement as a blackjack player. Over the years from them I learned, not the basics found in any book, but the knowledge one really needs to be a succeful longterm blackjack player. Thing that can only be learned through experience and players sharing that experience. One of those 6-8 players and members of the blackjack community was a guy who posted on several blackjack forums as Stealth. I learned of Stealth's passing this morning and attempted to pay my respects and condolences on the blackjack forum that he particiapted on but was denied. Although this is about the worst forum I could do so because of what this forum is and has become, I wish to do so here, as there are a still a few blackjack AP's that read (and occasionally participate) and other AP's in Las Vegas that may have known Stealth.
Despite that Stealth resided in Las Vegas, my only interactions with him were on forums and in recent years a few private conversations. I beleive he was a solo player like myself earlier, but in recent years ran and managed a blackjack team, something I have steered clear of. Stealth wasn't one to get into any kind of garbage discussions. He simply shared good information beneifical to both newer players and experienced players alike. He is one of the reasons I continued to periodically read a blackjack forum I no longer participated at. You never knew when you would pick up some tidbit from Stealth that could be beneficial and incorporated into one's own game. And he was always available to answer questions.
All of the gambling internet forums have changed and not for the better from what they were 10-12 years ago. I came alone at just the right time and Stealth was everything good about them. Sharing knowledge and experiences that could benefit others. I am a better blackjack player today because I was lucky enough to have run into a internet poster like Stealth.
To his friends and teammates, my condolences.