I am at a loss for words ,,,

[Casinomeister]

I just spoke with Brian Cullingworth over the phone and both of us are in a state of disbelief. Our close fried Julie Sidwell passed away only a few hours ago in Texas due to her waning health.

This is a blow to us all. Her spunkiness, her humor, her dedication to help players will be truly missed. I don't know what to say at this time. I'm at a loss for words at the moment.

She was one of the few individuals that really made a difference.

[Casinomeister]

For those of you who may not know Julie Sidwell, she was the venerable "Gambling Grumbles" persona who made the sure that online casinos were toeing the line. She had a knack of spotting a wolf in sheep's clothing and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She was admired by thousands of players and casino operators as well. This is a very dark day indeed.

[jyde]

So sad...

[schankwart]

Oh God...

I am in a state of shock! This for me came out of nowhere, I had no clue that she was in a bad condition...

Julie, once more...: Thanks for all you have done for me!!!

-Enjoy it up in heaven, Julie! May all good be with you!!!

RIP

(Message edited by Schankwart on December 18, 2003)

[jetset]

The tragic news that Julie Sidwell passed away today in Houston, Texas is just in.

This tireless online gambling players' advocate was deeply respected by virtually everyone in the industry for her courage, integrity, balance and commitment, qualities that are not always found in such abundance.

Her spirited and skilled work as the driving force behind Gambling Grumbles, where she mediated successfully in hundreds of issues was widely read and appreciated. More recently she was appointed to the key Player Advocacy management post at eCOGRA.

Because she refused to dwell on it, many people did not know that Julie fought a grim daily battle with acute pain and disability, being largely confined to a wheelchair in her prime by an accident that left her with severe physical disabilities.

She never allowed it to slow her down but was often exhausted by the pressure of work and an international travel schedule to speak at conferences and advise others on customer care.

Through it all she was supported by a truly outstanding man in her husband Herb, who was completely devoted to her and managed to care for her continuously and run a successful oil business at the same time, often from diverse parts of the world. With his dry Kentucky humour Herb was the perfect foil in a social sense to the effervescent Julie.

To say that her skill, integrity and commitment will be seriously missed in the industry is an understatement, particularly as she still had such a great contribution to make. For those who knew her personally and were priveleged to count her a friend her loss is devastating.

Herb and the family are in everyone's thoughts right now, because Julie surely lies at peace. R. I . P.

Brian Cullingworth

[fortunelounge]

It is with huge shock and sadness that we learnt of the passing of one of the industry's greatest players' advocates.

Julie had unfailable integrity and was relentless in her quest to resolve player issues - always courageous enough to tackle even the most difficult or potentially explosive situation. She kept us on our toes and through all of this she remained a true lady and a gentle soul.

Julie - we salute you wherever you are.

Our deepest condolences to Herb and family.

Fortune Lounge Group

[xianna]

[tpjr]

Herb...Gerrie and I send our love...we know how much you will miss her. Never complain, always smile, think of others, laugh when you should cry, be stronger than all of us...this was Julie. Gerrie and I took so much from her...I will save her last email from Thanksgiving. God bless you. Tony
PS Thanks Bryan for allowing us to vent.

[gomag]

Like everyone else we here at Gambling Online Magazine are in shock and saddened by the news.

I personally had the pleasure of knowing Julie for many years and enjoyed our many conversations and meetings. Julie was one of our most respected writers and I know GOM readers will certainly miss her contribution.

GOM sends our condolences to Herb and the entire Sidwell family. Julie will missed, but not forgotten!

Eric Morris

[nightwalkeriam]

So sorry to hear of the lost of this lady, may prayer's be with those that were close to her.