I am very sad to report that Chuck Easley a.k.a. rookie789 passed away February 15 at the age of 77. Chuck was an avid and talented blackjack tournament player. He was one of the regulars in the great days when we had Global Player. He was well known in the Vegas blackjack tournament scene. On a personal level I first met Chuck at the Stardust at the very last blackjack tournament ever held there. He helped me get into that tournament. He was one of my earliest and most valuable mentors in blackjack tournaments. I'm sure many of you have a story you can share about Chuck...
These are starting to hit closer to home for me. I never met Chuck, but did have a few interactions with him here. Very sad news.
Chuck and I are both from the northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area and for over 10 years we took the same flights out of Oakland for blackjack and baccarat tournaments in Las Vegas. For the final year or so, ending last fall when he could no longer travel, I was his wheelchair pusher... as he waived his cane left and right to clear the path! At every tournament we played pai gow together for fun and roulette for expected play. And no mercy for any cocktail waitress who happened to walk by too close! He often related incredible stories of his early tournament endeavors and the people he played with, including many who are reading this now. Two months ago he said he was told that he had 6 months or less to live. He was very much at peace with that. That was good. That was Chuck. I will miss his casino presence, his stories and his friendship.
I came in far too late to enjoy the golden age of BJT's, barely catching the end of it. But I ran into Chuck at many tournaments & enjoyed his company immensely. He always had a great story to tell of those days gone by, sometimes we'd have a couple of beverages and trade his "road stories" of the better BJT days vs. my own of long ago bowling tournaments. I looked forward to crossing paths with Chuck every time. R.I.P., sir, and thank you for your stories and your company.
There isn't much I can add to what has been said. I first met "Rookie" at the Las Vegas Hilton about 12 years ago. Since then, we shared many drinks, meals and conversations together and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. He was very knowledgeable and always fun to be around. R.I.P my friend! Billy C
I am saddened by the loss. I was fortunate to share a meal or two and many beverages with Chuck. We had a more vicarious relationship through Global Player and IM's. I will miss his wisdom and scoldings and goat cheese.
