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Ralph Stricker, The Gentleman of Blackjack
Normally, I won’t repeat something read on another forum (bj21 in this case) and I haven’t received verification. But, apparently Ralph, the Silver Fox, is no longer with us. He earned the title of gentleman, because no one ever saw him take the negative road. I wish I could say the same about myself. Funny thing – back in the pre-web days, we had a phone conversation where he said that wasn’t the way he was at all in person. He was passionate and vocal about his beliefs in person. He just controlled himself in public. In those early days, he understood the value of keeping his passions in check. Shows that he was a better man than I.
I only physically met him once. It was in Atlantic City. But, he could no longer play. The wonders of medical science allowed him a couple decades after diagnosis of emphysema. But, even the mini-O2 tank wouldn’t allow him to play the game he loved in the smoke-impregnated carpets of A.C.
He lived in North Brunswick, NJ. It’s a pleasant area, but far from the gaming establishments. I asked him once why he didn’t move to a climate more amenable to his condition (drier), and that might allow him to stay “in the game.” He said it was because he wanted to be close to family.
I shall miss him.
"I don't think outside the box; I think of what I can do with the box." - Henri Matisse
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Originally Posted by Ronster
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