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" >,[email protected]<,
To: sming
Cc: "Graeme" >,[email protected]<,
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

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

**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) ,

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

, and

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

, 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) ,

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

, and

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

; 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

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

, 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.

 

[cherish]

Hope this Poem helps all as it has done for me Julie thanks for all you have done for all of us..Your Dedication and Love for all will live on.Hugs and Prayers to the Family
Do not Weep For Me


Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep.
I am Not There. I Do Not Sleep.

I Am A Thousand Winds That Blow.

I Am The Diamond Glint On Snow.

I Am The Sunlight On Ripened Grain.

I Am The Gentle Autumn Rain.

When You Awaken In The Morning's Hush,

I Am The Swift Uplifting Rush

Of Quiet Birds In Circled Flight.

I Am The Soft Stars That Shine At Night.

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Cry.

I Am Not There, I Did Not Die.



~Author Unknown~

 

[portia]

My condolences to Herb and the family.

She was a wonderful lady. Will nwver forget.

Portia

 

[eggroll]

I am in absolute shock. Julie was a wonderful and dear friend. She was an inspiration to me an all of us in our industry. Our industry is a better place because of her tremendous work. Julie will always hold a special place in my heart. Our deepest condolences to her special husband Herb and to the rest of her family.

m.h.d.s.r.i.p.

Tyrone, Errol and all of us at Vegas Partner Lounge

 

[The Dude]

Julie's funeral will be held at the
Rose Hill Burial Park Abbey Mausoleum Chapel
6001 NW Grand Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
US
USA
2:00pm Monday 22th.

(Message edited by admin on December 20, 2003)

 

[The Dude]

IGC's Statement:

JULIE SIDWELL WILL BE MISSED BY THE ONLINE GAMING INDUSTRY
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, December 18, 2003 The Interactive Gaming Council joins the worldwide online gaming community in mourning the death of Julie Sidwell, who passed away Wednesday night at her home in College Station, Texas.

Julie had recently begun working for eCOGRA (e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) as the Fair Gaming Advocate for the London-based organization.

Julie was best known for her work with Gambling.com, one of the earliest portals for the online gaming industry. Until September, she was the Administrator of the Gambling Grumbles section of Gambling.com, mediating disputes between players and online casinos for nearly four years.

Players emailed Julie with their complaints and she worked tirelessly at tracking down the casino managers, trying to get both sides of the story. In Gambling Grumbles, she summarized the results of her investigations. In many instances, grateful players received the money that they had previously been denied. Julie pursued scores of cases, whether the disputes involved $100 or $10,000.

In this largely unregulated industry, there are numerous sites and individuals who act as watchdogs. Unlike many, however, Julie did her work with style and grace. She laid out the facts as she understood them, and her tone never reflected anger.

The many players who received assistance from Julie, of course, never met her. They could not have known that the last years of her life were filled with pain. Complications from a horseback riding accident left her immobile most of the time. She worked from her bedroom, which she often could not leave for days on end.

Those of us in the industry were blessed to know her personally, said Rick Smith, Executive Director of the IGC. She made tremendous effort to attend most of the industrys major conventions. She was usually in a wheelchair, and she tired easily from all of the activity. But her spirit was wonderful. She always seemed cheerful, and was a pleasure to be around.

Julie also wrote articles for Gambling Online magazine, and she worked with several casino operators to train staff in dispute resolution.

Julie cared deeply about our industry, said Sue Schneider, chair of the IGC, but she never lost her primary focus, which was looking out for the players. She had a special talent, allowing her to be respected by not only the CEOs who run online gaming companies but also their players.

Julie was my friend, said Micki Oster, a longtime colleague. We shared many fun and happy times together. Professionally, Julie always conducted herself with integrity, and the respect she earned from both the industry insiders as well as the players was well-deserved. I am so proud to have known her.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Julies husband, Herb, who patiently helped her cope with the demands of travel to industry gatherings, and to her daughters and other family members. Julies funeral will be held next week.

 

[The Dude]

eCOGRA's Statement:

A Sad Day for the Online Gaming Industry, Julie Sidwell Will Be Missed

LONDON December 18, 2003 Julie Sidwell, eCOGRAs Fair Gaming Advocate, passed away last night.

This is a very sad day for eCOGRA, its staff and all those who have been fortunate to work with Julie over the years.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Julie was a tireless advocate for the online gaming industry and its players. All those fortunate to have known Julie will miss her work, and more importantly her touching smile and warm personality. Julies passing is a loss not only for eCOGRA but also for the entire online gaming industry.

Julie will be most remembered for her gracious presence and tireless work. Julie was the Administrator of Gambling Grumbles for Gambling.com, in charge of dispute resolution between casinos and players. She has written many articles for Gambling OnLine Magazine, with regard to player disputes and casino responses, and has assisted several operators in the training of staff to prevent disputes and increase resolution efficiency.

Julies work with eCOGRA was an important part of our organizations mission. Julie will be dearly missed by all her friends and colleagues.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Julies family during their time of sorrow; Julie will not be forgotten and can never be replaced.
####
Contact:

Andrew Beveridge, eCOGRA
CEO & Executive Director
Phone: +44 207 887 1480
[email protected]

 

[The Dude]

From Microgaming:

JULIE SIDWELL

Julie Sidwell made it her goal to champion fair gaming, and she did this with a driving passion, tempered by a cheerful and open approach. Julie's sincerity and integrity, and unerring sense of fairness, won her the respect of player and operator alike.

Although Gambling Grumbles and eCOGRA were the organisations that she worked through, Julie dealt with a wide range of persons and companies, and Microgaming was fortunate to work with her a number of times. Whatever task Julie undertook, either with us or for the industry, it was always accompanied with confidence, a passion for the industry, and an optimism about everything that she did.

Julie's legacy to this industry will be the uncompromising standards that she set in her pursuit of fair play. But Julie will also be remembered for her warmth and friendliness, and the courage in adversity that characterised the way she dealt with all around her, and with life.

Her passing is a great loss to the industry and to those who knew her. Our thoughts are with Julie's family during this difficult time, and we would like them all to know that she will be remembered also as a special and valued friend.

 

[jpm]

What an enormous loss for everyone who enjoys online gambling, I don't think anyone could ever replace her. She will be sorely missed. A very sad day indeed.

 

[jigga]

Rest in Peace Julie.

Your presence will be missed. Your absence will be felt.

 

[The Dude]

I've put together a few words for Julie here Old URL

I want to thank everyone for sharing your thoughts about her. Thanks!

 

[spearmaster]

Very sweet, Bryan. Thanks for sharing!