I am at a loss for words ,,,

[The Dude]

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.

 

[The Dude]

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]

Attach Removed (Old not found)So sorry to hear of the lost of this lady, may prayer's be with those that were close to her.

 

[spearmaster]

I will miss her greatly. Julie was a shining beacon to all that knew her - she had a go get 'em attitude that was second to none - she gave so much to players and the online gambling industry in general - and she never let anything get in her way.

I have been writing a story about her for about a year now - it got left aside as we both were quite busy - and recently she asked me if I was planning to publish that story.

I told her yes - it is too late for her to see, but it's time that the world saw Julie from the eyes of at least one person.

I will post here when it's ready.

My deepest condolences to Herb and the rest of Julie's family. I know you will miss her shining light but take comfort in the fact that she has gone to a better place and the Lord will take good care of her.

Ted Loh

 

[glodge]

My heart felt condolences to Herb and family.
To everyone who had the privelliage to know
such a remarkable person as Julie Sidwell, you
are all in my thoughts.



Joel Mikkelsen

 

[melatnova]

Our deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones.

Thank you Julie for your hard work in the egaming industry. You've always upheld the highest standards and expected the same from all of us.

It's a sad time for us all. You will be missed.

May you rest in peace.

Mel Attia

(Message edited by MelatNova on December 18, 2003)

 

[lanidar]

Very sad...
Julie helped me only once a long time ago.
Very kind woman.
I never have forgotten her.

John

 

[The Dude]

Me and Julie in Toronto 2002
Attach Removed (Old not found)

 

[chip]

A strong advocate for ethical behavior and fairness in the gaming world is a rarity by any standards. Julie's untimely passing is a blow to countless people, but the standards she leaves us are indelible marks for which to be grateful.
Condolences to family and friends.

 

[luckyseven]

It is with great sadness that I read this news. Julie advocated for me last year at Fortune Lounge and managed to resolve a very sticky dispute in an energetic yet wholly fair-minded manner. Her integrity and persistence made all the difference. May her spirit in the gaming community live on.

 

[winningwoman]

To all whose lives she touched, Julie Sidwell was an inspiration to everyone. Her indomitable energy and unflagging positive attitude was the definitive example of living every day to the fullest, no matter what!

If there is a heaven, Julie is up there making sure everyone is treated fairly and can rest assured she will be remembered by all down here on earth.
Condolences to us all!

Marilyn Glazier

 

[deeg]

I never had to the pleasure of meeting Julie in person, but I got to know her from our emails back and forth over the last few years. She was a very smart, sweet lady, and worked very hard to help people.
I was shocked to hear of her passing, but I know that now she's in a better place, and I'll always remember her.

Dee Galizia

 

[wizard]

The "effervescent" Julie worked hard to bring justice and integrity into online gambling. At the conferances she was always the life of the party. Despite poor health she seemed to be always in a good mood. I extend my condolences to Herb, her twin daughters, and other family.

 

[slotchik]

I didnt know her personally either but she has helped me with problem casinos as well as friends of mine. She will be deeply missed. I will say a prayer for her family.

 

[amandajm]

r.i.p our julie

 

[spearmaster]

A small remembrance is posted on the Got2Bet home page - you can find out who first called her effervescent

I will try to get the whole story done as soon as I can - but the holidays and a number of other things will probably mean that the Julie story won't be ready until next month

 

[sming]

Dear Julia,

I miss you, I thank you, and I owe you an appology. When you wrote your 9/27/03 email below,

********************************************
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Julie Sidwell" >,julieat@wt.net<,
To: sming
Cc: "Graeme" >,graeme@gambling.com<,
Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2003 16:09:34 -0500
Subject: Re: 1451GA
Message-ID: >,05d301c3853d$4f74f4b0$a212b4d0@sidwell3<,
References: >,20030927.065337.-610215.3.sming<,

Dear sming

I'm awfully sorry we have been unable to garner a response from the casino despite several attempts on your behalf and that of two other players.

They have simply ignored all correspondence and with the closure of Gambling Grumbles there is nothing further we can do at this point.

I'm so very sorry about this, but as I indicated before the e-mail addresses these guys were using combined with the way they handled your transaction did not leave me overly optimistic regarding their intent to do the right thing.

It's very difficult for me to have to "give up" on a case but I'm afraid this situation is beyond my control.

Please know we wish you nothing but the best.

Regards,

Julie Sidwell
Gambling Grumbles Administrator

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**Please include this message with reply
********************************************

you must be dealing with much more important things in your life, yet ignorantly I kept bothering you with my $152.50 ripoff by Link Removed ( Old/Invalid) . I am truly sorry!

There must be thousands of online players like me, who appear so tiny in front of rogue casinos like Link Removed ( Old/Invalid) ,

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, and

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, yet who have been sincerely helped by people like you and Bryan, for free. And there must be thousands of honest online casinos like fortunelounge casinos who feel the value of the crucial link represented by people like you and Bryan. Indeed, the whole online gaming industry owes a big thank-you to people like you and Bryan. Without you, how can we gamers enjoy the excitement of gambling without the driving to Las Vegas; without you, how can honest online casinos maintain customer trust and undo the damage done by rogue casinos like Link Removed ( Old/Invalid) ,

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, and

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; and without you, how can software providers like Oddson receive the advice that before an online casino operator can prove its integrity, some funds must be required of the operator to be set aside so that in case the operator, like

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, disappears into cyberspace with players' money, we players could be helped and the providers' reputation could be protected?

One last thought, Julia is already in heaven, a place much better than here and she has everything she needs. If the industry realizes the importance of the link represented by Julia and Bryan, then show our gratitude and appreciation now when they can still feel it, here!

Dear Juia, thank you!

Sming

 

[magy]

Julie Sidwell was a great contributor to this industry and a wonderful woman. She touched the lives of many many people, and will be sadly missed by all.

Condolences and sympathy to her family.