GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 15 - January 2011

In Memory of SPEARMASTER L ast November, Ted Loh and a close-knit group of us made our annual trek to Las Vegas. For Ted, Vegas was more like “Mecca.” He was the picture of health, moaning and groaning over his bad luck on the slots and video poker games. For anyone who ever had the privilege of hanging out with Ted while he was gambling, it was cheap entertainment at its finest! “Bullshit,” “bloody hell” and other “Ted-isms’” were the verbal abuse he would hurl at the machines that dared not give Ted a win. It was just weeks later when Ted informed a few of his closest friends that he’d been diagnosed with liver cancer. Ted Loh . . . Spearmaster? No. It made no sense. He’s too young . . . too healthy . . . too tough. We just saw him — he was fine! This just can’t be. Someone as brilliant as Ted would definitely win the battle against cancer. After all, he knew EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING. He could debate anything with an uncompromising energy. It was easy to feel a bit steamrolled by his opinions but it was never personal — he was just incredibly passionate in his beliefs. No doubt he’d steamroll the cancer with the same conviction. Through the years, Ted built successful portals, worked with Playtech and consulted for many. His knowledge of the Asian online gaming market was incomparable. With all that, it’s not his paid work experience that made Spearmaster so beloved; it was his generosity and dedication and love for this industry that touched anyone who knew him. Ted would tirelessly fight for what was “right,” whether it be with the player or the casino or the software provider. He’d take heat from all sides, but he’d never waiver in his convictions. Certainly, all of the “karma points” Ted had earned would work toward beating the cancer. As a friend, Ted was always there. He could be frustrating at times, demanding at others, but always a TRUE friend. Even while he was going through treatment for his cancer, he was helping anyone he could, with little regard for his own situation. His warmth, grace and humor were mainstays in our lives. With all the love and prayers we showered upon Ted, it was a given he’d beat the cancer. The sad truth is that with all of Ted’s fight, passion, conviction, karma points and our love and prayers, the cancer won out on September 20th, 2010. At only 46 years of age, Ted has left behind a loving wife and three school-aged children, all of whom he was unconditionally devoted to. While our loss is incredibly painful, his family’s loss must seem insurmountable. Rest in peace, Ted. I know you’ve finally found the big jackpot, up wherever you are. You’ll forever be in our hearts. By Debbee Silverman TED LOH 1964-2010 65 In memory of Spearmaster