Ted Loh aka Spearmaster RIP

[Simmo!]

Many of you will have known Ted Loh, aka Spearmaster, either in person or through the forums. I'm sad to report that Ted passed away earlier this week after a battle with cancer. He had recently had an operation to try and remove the threat, an expensive operation that came with risks and had to be undertaken in Singapore where Ted spent a fair bit of time, but nonethless a risk Ted felt, following prognosis, he had to take.

I spoke to him by phone in hospital on Monday and it was clear that things weren't good. I promised to call back to resume on Tuesday but unfortunately Ted lost his fight overnight.

I have to say - and anyone who knew him personally will testify - when you have a conversation with Ted where you could get a word in edgeways then you know things aren't right. If there was one person who could talk, it was Ted! He was very opinionated, especially in matters concerning the industry but you have to put your hands up and say he was not only very enthusiastic but knowledgable too.

When I first entered this industry back in 2005, Ted was one of the first characters I met and I can't start to tell you how much he helped me and there will be many others here and elsewhere who can turn around and say that Ted's advice helped shape their future. Some of his debates with players and affiliates alike on the forums lead to some very entertaining threads and while on the surface, Ted could appear stubborn at times, I know from our regular conversations he did tend to listen as much as he talked!

One of my lasting memories of Ted will be of him sitting in Vegas, playing Zeus II and getting very worked up about it's RTP! If a machine was beating Ted, Ted was momentarily convinced he'd sat at the machine with the lowest RTP in the whole casino. It was at times hilarious to watch. But at least he knew when to move on before it got too bad!

Ted, if you're reading this, take it easy mate and while you're up there, go have a chat with Zeus and sort out your differences!


Simmo!

[jetset]

Over the past decade I was priveleged to call Ted a friend, both personally and in business, and his passing leaves me feeling very down today.

He was a warm, smart and immensely likeable guy with a comprehensive knowledge of the business and gambling generally, and I will miss him as I am sure will his many friends in the industry.

Part of the tragedy is that he was only middle-aged and still had so much to accomplish and offer.

Conferences will never be the same without interacting with the man.

R.I.P. Ted.

[Marie2473]

I am sorry to hear this!
Hopefully he is in a better place with no pain.
A few weeks ago a childhood friend of mine also passed away in this horrible disease... She was only 29, but I know that she was in alot of pain so that makes it easier.

I am sure that they are both now looking down on all thier friends and loved ones...

R.I.P

[maxd]

I had known Ted for about a decade. He was one of the first and most active forum members on what was, at the time, one of the first forums out there dedicated to the online gaming scene. Over the years he ... well, he was Spearmaster and if you didn't know who Spear was then you didn't know much.

I'm not sure how he managed it but he became an integral part of what online gaming was: no matter what was happening he was out there and you knew you'd hear his opinion sooner than later and it would matter.

So yeah, what Jet more or less said: it won't be quite the same without Ted out there doing his thing.

[Webzcas]

Still can't take it in that you have gone Ted. Lost for words to say to be honest.

You were instrumental in helping me make the transition from part time affiliate to full time affiliate. You became over the years a very good friend and Keely and I are going to miss you very much.

One of my fondest memories of Ted was the day after Bryan's 50th in London. We were sat together in the small gpwa presentation that Michael Corfman was giving. We decided to slink off and then headed straight to Hamleys in Regent Street. We must have spent over 3 hours going through every corner of that store. No offence to Michael, but we found that much more fun

Rest in peace buddy. You will never be forgotten.

x

[Casinomeister]

I'm in shock and at a total loss of words. Ted was one of my dearest friends. What makes this even more tragic is that he has a wife and three young kids - two teenage girls, and a boy my son's age (9).

I'm sure this is a blow to everyone, and he knew a lot of people. He was a driving force here at Casinomeister - and there hasn't been too many business decisons made without his consultation and blessings.

I have many, many fond memories of Ted. I really don't know what to say at the moment. This is a huge loss.

[alexpratt]

Ted was an incredible person who although I only saw now and again at industry events I could honestly call a friend, he was always full of life and his enthusiasim was infectious - When you spent time with Ted you always left with a smile.
I will never forget my slot and noodle marathon in Macau with him where he literally jumped form slot to slot showing me how they work, the bonus, the sounds, and of course in detail as to why it won't pay him out

Ted - I am gutted I won't get to play Bruce Lee ever again with you RIP My Friend

[AudiManinBoro]

While not knowing him personally, I know many of you did and I grieve for his loss and the effect it will have on his family and closest friends. RIP Ted

[KasinoKing]

I was fortunate enough to have met Ted in person several times, the first being at ICE London in January 2007. I was lucky enough to get to know him a little in an informal sense, when 6 of us went for a curry together after the show.

I can only echo what those above have said - he was a truly great and very friendly guy.
I'm socked at this news and my condolences go out to his family and his many close friends.
This is a very sad loss.

KK

[Auditor]

I only met Ted a few times, but that is all it took.

Ted would always tell you exactly what he felt, I will miss the honesty and knowledge he brought to the forums.

Terrible loss, my deepest condolences to the Loh family and his dear friends.