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!

[SlotsAff]

So sad to hear this - RIP Ted

[greedygirl]

Words cannot begin to describe how sad I am. Ted was one of the first people I met in this industry and he became such a close friend.

When it came to industry stuff, Ted could be a bit of a terror--he could be stubborn and a titch ornery, but generally, it's because he was right. He just understood everything and could dissect things so easily. Really, he was a bit of a savant.

It wasn't so much the industry side of Ted that I loved so much. It was the fun times spent with Ted. Walking for miles in the snow in London...hanging out in casinos all over the world (with Ted inevitably bitching!)...Ted falling asleep at the Affiliate Awards dinner (hysterical!)...it goes on and on and on.

The last time we saw Ted was in Vegas, last November. It's one of my fondest memories of Ted. He was never really a drinker (always preferred a coke), but the first night we were all together, Ted was just plain drunk. It was one of the funniest things ever--Ted being giggly and silly and talking about boobs!

Now, it just doesn't make sense that I'll never see or speak with Ted again. It's just so sad.

RIP, Ted--we'll all miss you so very much.

[Former Member 14]

I've just read this a few minutes ago over at CM.

Like everyone who has been in the industry from the early days, I too am shocked and speechless.

Ted was another of the industry gentleman who I admired because he'd always stand up for what he believed was right, even if it meant upsetting the apple cart, so to speak.

We certainly came to loggerheads a few times but I never held a grudge about it, much the same as I believed Ted didn't either.

It's certainly another BIG loss in such a short time.
Ted was a top bloke who gave so much, a guy who was happy to give his time to the betterment of our industry.

Ted you'll be sadly missed but now your at peace.

Deepest condolences to Loh family.



Sincerely

Dave

[Integrity]

This is all just too much, too quickly.

I cannot believe I am once again writing a posts in remembrance of a friend who has gone on too soon. To be honest, I am feeling a little angry... beaten down... robbed. This industry needed Ted. He was a man not afraid to tell you exactly what he thought or how he felt about issues. He was brash, bold, and opinionated at times. In other words, I respected the hell out of the man.

Although I considered Ted a friend, I know there are many more of you out there who were much closer to him. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Bryan, Ian, and his family. Ted was an outstanding individual, filled with integrity and character. He was a brilliant mind, and we are all at a loss with his unfair, untimely departure.

.

[Betpartners]

So sorry to hear this, did not now Ted personally though did communicate online occasionally.

I extend my sympathies to his family and friends.

[Webzcas]

Ted was one of my best friends in the industry and was instrumental in helping me make the transition from part time webmaster to full time webmaster.

Ted was one of the best guys you could wish to meet, inside and outside the industry. Myself and my wife could proudly call him a friend.

Ted also in the past wrote for Online Casino Reviewer whereby he wrote the articles in the Casino Software section. He also wrote for one of my other sites Betsage.

I am going to miss him greatly. Every morning, I am going to miss logging on in the early hours and being told to go back to bed by Ted on MSN as soon as I sign in.





RIP Buddy

x

[MichaelCorfman]

Ted, you were one of the first webmasters I knew well, and I both respected you and considered you a good friend. Rest in peace brother.

Ted was one of a small circle of folks I've known for years that I always tried to sit down with and spend time with when we were at the same conference, and that happened pretty often.

I first got to know Ted well when he and I and a few other webmasters would meet to provide advise and input in the early days of eCOGRA about about what we thought they could do to make a difference.

He was one of a very small group of early pioneers that earned my respect and with whom I choose to state that publicly by exchanging links or promoting their sites - Ted of Got2Bet plus Casinomeister, GoneGambling, Wizard of Odds and Gambling.com.

Ted, I always enjoyed our times together. I'll miss you friend.

Michael

[Paolino]

Another sad news, and another friend who passed away. My deepest condolences go to his family. Rest in peace Spearmaster.

[elgoog]

no words.......
RIP Spearmaster

[AmCan]

I first met Ted, when i started hanging out with GreedyGirl and Peralis. My fondest memory was sitting in the bar at the St. Giles in London, with Ted, Debbee, Kevin, Miguel and Bryan Bailey doing shots of tequila. Ted kept on saying he rarely drank, that he didn't tend to get drunk, etc. Well were all pretty drunk then and it was a fun/silly evening. Since then, I ran into ted at most conferences and had a number of great conversations about the gaming business and old IT war stories from our days as programmers before gaming.

I'm shocked and saddened to hear that Ted had passed. Goodbye Ted, may you rest in peace.

[arkyt]

I wasn't aware of his condition, but even knowing that this is very shocking.

I'm so shocked and stressed at all the recent passings that all I can say is RIP Ted.

[Dominique]

Ted was the first affiliate I ever met in person, and he made me feel welcome.

Ted was outspoken and opinionated - and he didn't hesitate to speak his beliefs even when he was confronted with a forum full of people who disagreed.

Ted was refreshingly honest and straight forward, and he was one of the pillars on which this industry grew.

It is hard to believe - Ted, Lou and Allan all gone in such a short time.

All three helped lay the groundwork for affiliates getting a fair shake in this industry.

Now we still deal with issues, but it's nothing in comparison to what we would face if it had not been for these three (and a few more people) confronting affiliate programs and setting a norm. At least now we have a norm to go by and we know which program T&Cs need to be addressed and which don't. That wasn't always the case, and we forget how much we have to be grateful for.

Ted, I will miss you very much. The world is not the same place without you.

[Anthony]

I am so shocked to hear this. Such a loss to us all. My deepest condolences to the Loh family and his closest friends.

I will miss Spearmaster's honesty and knowledge that he shared with us at GPWA.

You will be greatly missed Ted.

[pgaming]

Never had the privilege of ever meeting Ted but I feel this really doesn't matter much.

Not sure how to respond except to say he was truly talented in many ways. He will be missed immensely by me, and so many others. I had no idea of his ill health, so yes, I am beyond shocked!

Peace be with you Ted and family.

God bless

greek39

[Chips]

Rest in Peace Ted. My condolences to the entire family. Our industry has lost yet another important cog in the machine.

Words cannot describe...

[MainStAffs]

Wow! I'm totally shocked. I knew Ted on a real personal level even having visited his home and family in Bangkok. He took my wife and I on a tour to various schools as we were considering schooling our children in Bangkok at one time.

Such a kind and thoughtful person who will be truly missed.

My deepest sympathies to his family.

RIP Ted.

Jason

[GamTrak]

I first met Spearmaster in person at CAP Euro 08. He was a great guy to be around and as you can see had a wonderful smile! My best memory of him will be how he tried to prove that the Grand Prive/eCOGRA audit was flawed and went above & beyond the call of duty for affiliates on MANY issues.

Even though he gave me a 7 day vacation at CM I always had mad respect for him and will miss him. RIP Ted!

[AE-Martyn]

I just wanted to say a few words here on behalf of myself, Jonathan and the whole of CWC.

Ted was well known here (CWC) and like many we met back in 2005. A top bloke, opinionated yes, but he said what needed to be said and was usually right in saying it. Can't fault that.

Ted will be sadly missed and I personally will miss the odd emails we exchanged - usually me begging for traffic and getting turned down and the funny times in hotel lobby's at conferences.

Our thoughts are with close friends and family.

RIP Mr Loh


On a lighter note, I reckon there is some kind of affiliate conference up there somewhere that we don't know about. With Alan, the Prof and now Ted in attendance, that will be one hell of a conference! have a good one fella's.

[Engineer]

Rest in peace, Ted. I can't believe you're gone -- what a shock. You were fun to be around -- I always enjoyed chatting with you in Vegas, London, or wherever we happened to be at the time. It seems like just yesterday we were in Vegas and you were telling me about how you and a few others had to switch restaurants before I arrived because the waitress wouldn't bring any more sake -- LOL! Too funny... My deepest condolences to your family. Rest in peace....