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

 

[The Dude]

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.

 

[BingoT]

Ted has helped me in the past with some things.& I have learned a few things as well from Ted.

My condolences go out to Ted's family & close friends.
RIP Ted
God Bless
~T~

 

[Christoff]

RIP Ted, you were a great guy and will be sadly missed

 

[unicorn40]

I'm in shock here too. I didn't meet him personally, but have had emails over the yrs. and he helped me with a few problems i'd had. He sure will be missed by all. My condolences go out to his family and many friends.

 

[Pinababy69]

In total shock right now, and too sad for words. RIP Ted.

I don't know who I'm going to go to now for help with my computer, advice on stuff gaming related and just someone to talk to.

This industry has lost a true pioneer, and as unbiased an advocate as you will find anywhere. And the world has lost a great person. I have lost a friend.

LOL @ Simmo's recollections of Ted on the phone. We spoke one time for two hours on the phone...and it was a battle who could talk more.

I just don't know what else to say...I will miss him.

 

[prk]

very saddening news. I've always looked up to Ted, as one of the most knowledgeable and respectable persons in our industry.

A vivid anecdote illustrates this: I remember having to deal with complaint posts on a certain affiliate forum, just a few days after starting my first job as an affiliate manager, back in 2003 or 2004. Despite posting several times and being as straightforward as I could, the thread dragged on, and I felt that I wasn't trusted or even listened too. As a newbie, I was taking this quite personally.

Even though he didnt know me, and had very limited dealings with our affiliate program, Ted stepped in the conversation to back me up, and everything eased out afterwards. All in the name of fairness

My thoughts are going to his family and friends.

 

[lovetogamble]

Although I never knew him personally I remember him as far back as 2000 at Freecasino.com. He seems very nice and knew a lot about the online gambling business. He was looked too and up too by many a new online players and web masters. Whatever he said you could take to the bank. He will be miss. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace Spearmaster.

 

[Ed Ware]

R.I P. Ted

Condolences to Ted's family from all who knew him at 32Red. Ted was one of the industry's characters and authorities and will be sadly missed.

Ed.

 

[nisosbar]

Very sad to hear this. Condolences to his family.

 

[amandajm]

rip Ted, rip.

 

[winbig]

Wow, what a shocker. My heart goes out to his family. Ted, you will be missed.

 

[jelsmith]

So sorry to hear this.

 

[dominique]

I am at a loss for words - I am just shocked.

Ted was the first affiliate I ever met in person - back when he still had gottobet and was an affiliate.

The best word I can find to describe him is - real. Ted was always outspoken, and he always said exactly what was on his mind - the quintessence of honesty and straight forwardness. It was always refreshing to talk to him. Whether I agreed with him or not - I always liked him - a lot - and I always sought him out whenever we were in the same town at the same time.

When his views ran contrary to a crowd he still always stated them clearly and he was never intimidated.

It is unreal to see the pioneers of the online gambling scene pass on so young and in such rapid succession - Ted, Lou and Allan - Spearmaster, Professor and Captain.

Without them laying a foundation the scene would be very different today. It would be a lot worse. They each fought for a clean industry in their day, and without them I think we would all be a lot worse off.

RIP Ted - I will miss you a lot.

 

[LaurieJim]

My thoughts and prayers go out to Teds family and friends, he was a great help to players and affiliates with his words of wisdom and was someone you felt and knew had your back.

I last heard from Ted in July , he will missed more than words can say.


Rest in Peace Spearmaster


Laurie

 

[peralis]

I will miss Ted a lot. He was always there when you needed him and a lot of fun to be around.

RIP my friend!

 

[vinylweatherman]

Ted was quite an adversary! We would often lock horns over issues where I strongly supported players, even where things looked a little questionable. Ted would put arguments for the casino, as well as correcting me on matters of fact Vs impression/rumour. He would sometimes challenge me to show my proof, or quote references.

Our opposing views on Playtech were a particular bone of contention between us, and I did wonder why I was getting an "easy ride" these last couple of months.

Condolences to his family, who I am sure will feel this loss more than anybody in the industry.

I met him once, at a dinner in London put on by 32Red. I was there in recognition of my persistence in getting to the bottom of the causes of a Microgaming cock-up that made their casinos unable to operate on increasing numbers of players' PCs (including mine). We may have coexisted at other events, but I do not recall seeing him.

 

[clubworld]

Ted was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by all of us.

 

[Micki]

Ted

I am totally at a loss to express how I feel. I knew Ted for at least a decade. He was a very special friend. Although we didn't see each other too often, it was always great when we did get together in the various parts of the World.

My condolences go to his family.

 

[Dave]

Wow. Rest in peace, Ted. Seems like just yesterday we were chatting in Vegas about the Zeus slot machine, and about how Ted and a few others had to switch restaurants the night before because the waitress wasn't cooperating -- LOL. Good times... I was looking forward to seeing him again in Vegas this year -- it certainly won't be the same without him. My deepest condolences to Ted's family.

 

[Sloto]

Totally shocked! Ted was a great guy, always smiling and full of ideas you will be missed buddy x

 

[Holland87]

Though I did not know Ted on a personal level, I had the fortunate pleasure of meeting him in person last year.

My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

 

[Rusty]

I only knew Ted as Spearmaster here on the forum but it is still a shock and very sad to hear such news.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends for whom this must be very hard.

 

[lauram]

Spearmaster will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. My sympathy to the family.

 

[betpartners]

I never knew Ted personally but did exchange communications on occasions and i found him a very reasonable and articulate man and enjoyment to debate with.

I extend my sympathies to family and friends.

 

[Mousey]

Though I saw this post earlier, I couldn't respond... even now... I'm at a loss...

Rest peacefully Ted (Spearmaster) Loh. You will long be remembered.

My deepest sympathy to his dear family and friends...

 

[GrandMaster]

This is shocking news. My sympathies to his family.

 

[wangpoker]

RIP, Ted.

My pleasure to have some communications with u. You know Asian gaming market so well and is very objective.

 

[jod5413]

Although we were not friends, Ted was always more than happy to PM with me when I "bugged" him for explanations about this or that when I didn't understand. He was a great poster here and I really believe he was one of the original industry giants.

My prayers and much sympathy to his family and friends. He will be remembered and missed by many.

Spearmaster, rest in peace.

 

[takethemoney]

Rest in peace, Ted. You're a good man.

 

[lagunagirl]

I have been reading the forums since 1998, never posted much. Some of the screen names became like family over the time. Spearmaster was one of the few that I always respected. I feel like I lost a family member.

All my best to the family, he was still so young.

 

[bonustreak]

RIP Ted, you are already missed by many dear friends. I am just at a loss of words. Such a sad day. Thank you for all your words of wisdom and as Simmo said you never lacked in that department. Thank you for teaching me video poker as well!!
This industry will not be the same without you.

few others had to switch restaurants the night before because the waitress wasn't cooperating -- LOL

That is the best memory I have of Ted, him being the bad influence on me for once and ordering every flavor of Saki there was in the restaurant for us all for several hrs until finally the waitress kicked us out! Who would have ever thought innocent Ted would instigate such a thing..lol That was my best time I have ever spent in Vegas and will always be my fondest memory of Ted.

Hugs to a great man xxx

 

[Swede]

I never got the privilege of meeting Ted in person but judging from his contributions online, on the forums, I got a distinct feeling we were pretty much alike.

My deepest condolences to his family and everyone he left behind.

Rest in peace, Mr. Spearmaster.

 

[wizard]

Ted Loh

This is very sad news indeed, which takes me completely by surprise. I've known Ted Loh for about ten years. He was one of the few people who genuinely cared about ethical business practices in Internet gambling. We all have to make a living, including Ted, but he always put doing the right thing far above making a dollar. He also knew the business as few other have. If there was any kind of dispute or story, he always seemed to have the scoop on it.

Ted was not just an outstanding player advocate, but a truly warm and friendly human being. He brought fun and energy to every gathering he attended. Often laughing, and seldom angry, is how I will remember him. If I may take a friendly jab, despite being in the gambling business, he was often not on the sharpest of bets. He gambled to have fun, and put that far above fighting for the odds possible. However, that is how most gamblers are, and I think he connected to many of them for that reason.

So long friend. If there is life after death, you will have earned quite the bonus in whatever comes next -- fully cashable, with no play-through requirement.

 

[pevangel]

OMG I am so terribly sorry to hear this my thoughts and prayers to His Family and to him, RIP Spearmaster, wow I am so use to seeing his replies, what a empty space it will be without him. we in this short period of time have lost so many great online gambling folks this is so sad. all i can say is OMG.


pevangel

 

[blonde]

You will be missed Spearmaster... My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God Bless.

 

[mrracetrack]

Very sad news to read about this today.

I will miss Ted.

Rest In Peace, Spear.​

 

[Pinababy69]

All day I have been wanting to write about Ted, and the memories I have. But every time I start...I get upset and start to cry.

My daughter knows how upset I've been, and wanting to make me feel better, decided to create a montage of whatever photos of Ted are available on the net, and post them on Youtube. She also knew Ted, and they exchanged a few lines on MSN when him and I would be chatting.

I only pointed her in the direction of the photos. She did everything herself on her own computer, including adding music. She knows much more than I do when it comes to that stuff. And she's only just turned ten.

It's only one minute long. She snatched some pics from everywhere...and hope that's okay with everyone.

I miss you so much Ted. And it hasn't even really sunk in as yet.

 

[felicie]

I am very sorry I didn't get to know him even just a little bit and my thoughts and prayers will be with his family and his many many friends. See ya Spearmaster

 

[oren1976]

I knew Ted personally and met him couple of times in Thailand.

Ted never complained about anything, even in the days he mentioned he suffer from the serious illness. I was shocked from the power to discuss regular issues as usual while having a serious type of the illness.

I feel very sorry for his young children and wife. The children were very very important to Ted.

 

[Webzcas]

One of Ted's best friends Debbee aka Greedygirl has alongside Casino City and the GPWA set up a relief fund, for Ted's Family.

Full details are here: https://sussexmskpartnershipeast.com/forum...ted-spearmaster-loh-family-relief-fund.40228/

Please take a moment to look at the post I have linked to directly above and in Debbee's word:

I know times are tough and people have been so generous of late. I’m hoping that there’s still some giving left in everyone for the family of someone who’s done so very much for this industry.

 

[greedygirl]

Lisa--OMG, you've turned me into a blubbering mess (didn't think I could blubber any more today!). The first photo in the video you posted has so much meaning to me. The photo was taken November 16th of last year, in Las Vegas. This would have been my mother's 71st birthday--unfortunately, she passed away (also from cancer), only 3 weeks earlier.

In that photo, you'll see Bryan, Simmo, my mother's best friend, my best friend and me. It was a crazy emotional day/night for me, but it was Ted who was able to pull me out of my funk. Ted had gotten drunk on Sake earlier in the evening, joined up with us and began doing shots of tequila. Because Ted really didn't drink, he became like a silly little boy (so very out of character of him) and had me in hysterics the rest of the evening.

The Vegas trip was the last time we would all be together with Ted, so seeing that photo just reminded me of what was so special and what will never be again. Bittersweet.