APA Members Remembered

Will Pewo

Will Pewo of Oklahoma City, Okla., left this world on Jan. 14, 2012. He was a member of the APA for 14 years. He was also the first member from the Central Oklahoma APA to compete in the Wheelchair Challenge at the APA National Team Championships—he finished in 9th Place at the 2011 event. Will was already planning his return to the event in 2012. He was an excellent poolplayer—he loved the game. Even after he became an amputee, he never let it stop him. Will was a great motivator and was always willing to give advice and instruction. His teammates and anyone who knew him will miss the jokes and laughs had with him. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of shooting pool with or against him.

Carolyn Brown

Carolyn Brown from Bakersfield, Calif., passed away on March 1, 2011. She was often a Team Captain and usually on numerous teams every session. Carolyn was a dedicated APA member for about 15 years. One of her greatest life moments was being a player on the team that won the National Team Championship Ladies Division title in 1998. She also competed in the National Team Championship Ladies Division in 2002 and 2010.

Ray Friedman

Ray Friedman of Woodbridge, Va., passed away on March 20, 2011. Ray was on the Empty Pockets team that played at Fast Eddie's in Springfield, Va., for almost 15 years. He also played 320 matches. Ray's love for NASCAR, the Yankees and APA poolplaying brought him many friends and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Melanie Gonzales

Melanie Gonzales of the Harlingen, Texas passed away on Oct. 24, 2011. She was Team Captain of the Chix N Dix pool team based out of Chuck's Ice House in Harlingen. Her team took 1st Place in the last round and will now not be able to shoot in the playoffs. She will be missed greatly.

Dennis Ray Ingram

Dennis Ray "Boomer" Ingram from Lincoln, Ill., played in the APA League of Logan County. His two sons, Dustin and Andrew, are also active APA members. Dennis enjoyed playing pool and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Lincoln Sportsman Club. He passed away on Feb. 26, 2011.

Ron Schulmeister

Ron Schulmeister of Atlanta, Ill., passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at his home, surrounded by the love his family. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, bowler, winemaker and poolplayer. He was a longtime member of the Logan County APA. Ron participated in the 9-Ball National Team Championships in 2007; his team was the first from Logan County to ever place in the prize money! He and his wife Bonnie also participated in the preregistered Jack & Jill Championship in Las Vegas. Ron loved pool and played until his cancer prevented him from shooting. His wife Bonnie says that you may only be able to be a 7 in 8-Ball and a 9 in 9-Ball, but now Ron is in heaven and he is a 10 and saying, “Rack ‘Em Up!”

Albert "Wizard" Speelman

South Central Arkansas APA member Albert "Wizard" Speelman passed from this world on June 11, 2011. Al was a member of the Boozefighters motorcycle club, and his APA 9-Ball team consisted of several of his Boozefighter brothers. His 9-Ball team, Under the Radar, qualified for the Local Team Championship this year and Al played his final match on the day of his passing. He joined the APA in June 2008 and played on both 8 and 9-Ball teams. Anyone that knew Al loved him. Al was a very kind soul and he will be missed by all.

Mike Winebrenner

Mike Winebrenner of Norfolk, Va., passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2011. Mike loved to play both 8-Ball and 9-Ball and was always an asset to his team. He had over 200 matches played in the Southside APA after moving from Charleston S.C., with many matches played there. While Mike always acted like a “tough guy”, everyone knew he had a soft heart and there was little he wouldn’t do to help a friend or neighbor. Mike, and his unique chuckle, will be greatly missed by family, friends, teammates and even opponents.

Kerry Belflower

Kerry Belflower of Titusville, Fla., passed away on Aug. 23, 2010 when he lost his short battle with cancer. Kerry loved shooting pool and racing cars—he did both for several years. He shot pool up to a few weeks before he passed away. Kerry loved spending time with his family and friends, but his two sons were the apple of his eye. He was a wonderful, special person and will be missed greatly by family and friends.

Bill Brashears

Bill Brashears from Charlotte, N.C., spent many long hours in Host Locations speaking with the owners, bartenders and patrons. He was an APA League Operator in Charlotte from 1989-1996. According to current Charlotte Metro League Operator KT Thompson, "Had Bill not come to Charlotte—we might not be here today. Due to Bill's hard work and tenacity, I think that Charlotte Metro APA still has a lot of 'old' players playing pool." He will be greatly missed. Bill passed away in June 2010.

Tushawn Drew

Tushawn Drew of Roanoke, Va., loved to play pool. Those who knew him described him as a "big teddy bear" and a dedicated father to his six children. Tushawn began playing in the APA in 2004. Anyone that knew him said, "If I've had a bad day, Tushawn could still make me smile." He will be missed by all and remembered forever. Tushawn passed away on Nov. 7, 2010.

Mike Finders

Mike Finders from Olathe, Kan., passed away on Sept. 7, 2010 of a heart attack. He played in the APA for 17 years. Mike was a skill level 6, but his wisdom couldn't be replaced. His wife and children still play in the League. He'll be missed by all and remembered forever.

Portia Green

Portia Green from Royersford, Pa., passed away on Dec. 18, 2010. She was from Montgomery County and played APA in Chester County. She was a great sister, friend and skill level 3 player. Portia played APA for one session. She will be honored every time her brother steps up to any pool table.

Roy L. Hill

Roy L. Hill, of Atlanta, Ill., passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, when he lost his battle with cancer. Roy loved to shoot pool and shot up to a week before he passed away. He will be greatly missed.

Kathy Kirner

Kathy Kirner from Brentwood, Mo., became an APA member in 1998. She played exactly 1,200 League matches before she lost her battle with cancer. Her family—husband Dan and sons Danny and Jonathan—are also long-time and devoted members of the APA. She was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by everyone associated with St. Louis APA. Kirner passed away on Sept. 23, 2010.

Kenneth Earl McRoberts

Kenneth Earl McRoberts of Atlanta, Ill., enjoyed playing golf and shooting pool. He was a member of the Logan County APA. Many in the Logan County APA heard the comment, “Kenny Mac whack.” He will be missed by all and everyone will remember the “Kenny Mac whack.” Kenny passed away on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010.

Raymond Menell

Raymond Menell from Bellmore, N.Y., passed away on April 1, 2010. He played on the team, Armed and Dangerous, at Raxx Poolroom in West Hempstead, N.Y., in the Nassau County APA. Ray was extremely loyal to his team and was always willing to pitch in and help the team in any way he could. Ray was an APA member for about seven years. He had a huge heart and was kind and fun-loving to all. Raymond was a retired police detective and will be missed dearly by many.

Timmy Myers

Tim Myers from Middletown, Ill., was a great poolplayer, bartender and friend.  He was fairly new to the Logan County APA. He was a good person and will be missed. Tim passed away in November 2010.

Kern Nargassans

Kern Nargassans from Breaux Bridge, La., became an APA member on Sept. 18, 1990 and played until his passing on Jan. 4, 2010. Kern was born on Aug. 12, 1953 and loved shooting pool. He was a kidney transplant recipient, but loved the game and his fellow poolplayers so much that he wore a face mask to filter smoke in the pool halls. At the time of his passing Kern was shooting on two teams—the Cajun Q'z and the 9-Ball Slammers team. He is loved and missed terribly by all.

Charles Nichols, Jr.

Charles Nichols Jr. from Maumelle, Ark., also known as Nick, passed away on June 12, 2010. Nick was an APA member on off for over 10 years. After many years with several teams, the timing was finally right and he joined a team of some of his best friends. He was always making jokes, watching sports or hitting balls (pool or golf). He will be missed dearly by many.

Teddy Riordan

Teddy Riordan from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., was a fantastic skill level 7 and loved by all. He was an APA member for almost 10 years—playing on several teams each session. A class act in many ways on and off the table, Teddy was a dear friend to many. He will be missed.

Joe Rizzo

Joe Rizzo from New York, N.Y., was a dedicated, steady and smart poolplayer. He played in New York City, Bayonne and East Rutherford, N.J.—sometimes in two divisions in one night. Many of the lucky players who knew him benefited from the "Joe Rizzo School of Pool." He was the king of defense—never overdone, just as needed. Joe will always be remembered by the players, friends and most lovingly by his family who were so generous to share him with all of us. Joe passed away in 2010.

David Speaks

David Speaks from High Point, N.C., joined APA in 2003. He always worked hard to get APA teams in the bar he played out of. He had a true heart and pool was his life. David always strived for that trip to Vegas— in 2007 the dream came true for a very deserving person. He was a good player and teacher and remained one of the friendliest and most enthusiastic players in the League up until he was hospitalized. David passed away on June28, 2010 at 45 years young. He will be remembered fondly at Triad APA.

Tom Stark

Tom Stark of Fort Ann, N.Y., passed away just before Christmas 2010. He was a new player to the APA of Greater Albany and just reached his 10th match played—one of which was a rackless night. He will be missed by all.

Frankie Threatt

Frankie Threatt from Winston Salem, N.C., played with the Triad APA for over 7 years. Many members contributed to a fund for Frankie when he had a horrible car accident one night in 2005. He not only came back and played again, but earned his original skill level and then surpassed it. Even when he became disabled and was unable to play, Frankie went out and bought a computer pool game so he could stay in the game. Frankie also introduced his brother, Dennis, to the League. Dennis still plays with Triad APA today in the Winston Salem area. Frankie passed away on Monday, December 6, 2010.

David Wallace

David "Frosty" Wallace of Troy, N.Y., became a member of the APA of Greater Albany in 2008. He lived and breathed APA League night and played his way to a skill level 5 in both 8-Ball and 9-Ball. He played for as many as five of his "Quick Sticks" teams in one session. In 2010, he became a member of the Board of Governors and a Division Representative. He captained his Quick Stick teams to the Local Team Championships. David was a true competitor and sportsman of the APA. He will be deeply missed.

Kayla Watkins

Kayla Watkins from Pickens, S.C., was an APA member—playing pool was everything to her and she played in every tournament she could. Kayla started school at Tri County Tech to get a degree in Criminal Justice just before she passed. She also saw an Army recruiter. She was a great daughter, friend and sister. Kayla passed away in an auto accident on Jan. 15, 2010.

Wanda Brenwald

Wanda Brenwald from Jamestown, Pa., passed away on Nov. 6, 2009. She was a great member of her APA team, Mama's Girls/Kisses Itches, always showing up and supporting the team even if she didn't play. She was a member of APA for many years. Wanda's team has been marking the 8-ball with her Rackless Night patch. She's missed by all.

Terry Brazil

Terry Brazil was known to be one of the best poolplayers in the Spokane, Wash. town of Deer Park. He played Double Jeopardy on Sunday nights and participated in the local league. He was a good sport and always had a positive attitude. Terry's poolplaying talents were exceeded by no one, although he remained humble to that fact. Brazil passed in early 2009.

Rick Cox

Rick Cox was an avid pool player and a member of the APA family in Melbourne, Fla., since 2003. He was an excellent Skill Level 6, and played on a 9-Ball team at the National Team Championships in 2004. He was a founding member of the team titled, Crackshots. The Crackshots played at Nationals in 2009 on an Open 8-Ball team; Rick was cheering them on from Florida. He had many friends in the APA, was respected by all, and will be fondly remembered by all that knew him. Rick passed away on Aug. 31, 2009.

Ed Divers

Ed Divers of Hopkins, S.C., joined the APA on July, 3, 1997. Ed competed in the APA National Team Championships in 1998 and 1999 in 8-Ball and 2000 and 2008 in 9-Ball, as well as several Doubles events. Ed served as a Division Representative for the Northeast Columbia 8-Ball Division 002 for 2 years. Ed was a dedicated father, team captain and friend to all. The Georgia/South Carolina APA League misses him greatly. Ed passed in 2009.

Russell Thomas Douglass

Russell Thomas Douglass from Salisbury, Md., was better known as "Mickey.” He began his APA membership in 1994, where he played on several teams with his wife, Edie. In 1999 he began playing in Delaware and remained a member until his passing on Dec. 4, 2009. Russell will be truly missed by all.

Shelton Garrell

Shelton "Dwayne" Garrell of High Point, N.C. played in the APA in High Point and Kernersville. He joined the APA in June of 2005. He was known for his kindness and good sportsmanship. Shelton passed away on June 5, 2009.

Rose Ann Graf-Rutledge

Rose Ann Graf-Rutledge of McLean, Ill., was an active member of the Logan County APA. She was loved by everyone who knew her. Rose passed on Sept. 21, 2009.

Ellen Harvey

Ellen Harvey, whose family owns Harvey’s Inn in Sidney, Neb., passed away on Oct. 31, 2009. Ellen could always be counted on to cheer for her teams that played out of Harvey’s Inn. She will truly be missed by everyone in the APA that had the pleasure of knowing her. The APA teams from Harvey’s Inn will be shooting pool with heavy hearts this session.

Thomas Hoffert

Thomas Hoffert of Salem, Ore., was an avid poolplayer, a kind person, and a caring friend. He passed away just nine days after learning that he had colon cancer. Thomas will be missed by all.

Donald Ray Langley

Donald Ray Langley of Lincoln, Ill., passed away on June 14, 2009. He enjoyed riding his Harley and shooting pool. He was a people person. Don was a long time member of the Logan County APA. He was on a 9-Ball team that is going to Vegas for the National Team Championships in August 2009.

Brian Mason

Brian Mason of Troy, N.Y., played out of Diamond Eight Billiards on the "Intimid8ers" Sunday night team. He was an awesome person and a great shot, who always demonstrated good sportsmanship. Brian passed away on Sept. 16, 2009.

Gary Naugle

Gary Naugle of Lawndale, Ill., has been with the APA for many years. He  was also on the Board of Governors for the Logan County APA. He was responsible for organizing several teams that shot out of the small town of Lawndale. Gary passed in October 2009.

Debbie Netherton

Debbie Netherton of Charlotte N.C., was an avid poolplayer for the last 18 years. She played both 9-Ball and 8-Ball. She was even lucky enough to make it to Vegas for the National Championships twice! Debbie passed away in October 2009 after a long battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed!

Neil Olesen

Neil Olesen was one of Temple, Texas most liked players. He was the type of person who was always there for anyone. It did not matter if Neil knew you or not, whether you needed help or just wanted to talk, he would be there.

John Sullivan

John "Pap" Sullivan of Somerset, Pa., passed away on May 3, 2009 at the age of 87. He first joined the APA at the age of 82. He was a SL3 and loved to shoot pool. John was thrilled to earn a trophy after his team won the playoffs, as it was the only one he ever received in his lifetime. His team went on to compete in the 2006 National Team Championships. John was loved by all the players in the Somerset area. Even after he could not get around to shoot, he kept his APA membership current and would still go watch his team play.

Steve Wilhite

Steve Wilhite of Newport, Ky., was a member of North Kentucky APA from January 2007 until his passing on March 1, 2009. Steve was an avid poolplayer who was dedicated to his teams and to the APA. He achieved a SL5 in 8-Ball and a SL6 in 9-Ball. Steve's 9-Ball team will be playing in the 2009 Local Team Championship. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him and the entire North KY APA League.

Dave Zertuche

Dave Zertuche, an avid APA League member for 8 years in the Denver, Colo., area passed away on Feb. 19, 2009 after a short illness.  Dave achieved a Skill Level 6 in 8-Ball and reached a Skill Level 7 in 9-Ball.  Dave was well-liked throughout the League and made many friends. He was also an avid musician who played guitar, sang and loved performing at churches and other venues. According to his family, the one other thing Dave loved doing was telling stories (whether they were true or not).

William Ruschaupt

William Ruschaupt of Jeannette, Pa., passed away in July of 2008 after qualifying to shoot on the Marauders 9-Ball team in Las Vegas. After winning the trip he told his father, "This is one of the best things that has ever happened to me, as I have been trying half my life to win this trip." He passed away before the team went, but he was still with them as they shot in Vegas in 2008 and 2009, and will be there in 2010.

Brandon Lee Burton

Brandon Lee Burton of Orange, Texas started playing in the APA Pool League of SE Texas on 5/25/2006. Brandon played on the team, “No Doubt” out of The Silver Fox in Bridge City, Texas. He was an avid poolplayer who loved the game. The team, including Brandon’s mother, Sheila Morris, will be competing in the 2008 8-Ball National Team Championship in August. Burton passed on July 13, 2008.

Thomas Odell Cabiness

Thomas Odell Cabiness played in the APA in Spartanburg, S.C. Cabiness originally began playing in the APA League in Chicago. Thomas competed in the National Team Championships in both 8-Ball and 9-Ball and National Singles Championships where his finished 3rd in the nation. Cabiness passed on March 15, 2008.

Dan Forcier

Dan Forcier, APA League Operator Mike Forcier's brother, was known to be kind and caring, with a heart of gold. Since Mike and Joyce first began as League Operators, Dan played on teams 3-4 nights per week in Schaumburg, Ill. He especially loved his role as captain, and truly enjoyed seeing the progress of his novice players. Forcier passed on July 2, 2008.

Mark Hadden

Mark Hadden of Bradenton, Fla., could always light up a room with his smile. He was a quiet, soft-spoken young man. Mark started with the APA in December 2007, as a beginner, and was constantly working to improve his game. His team, the 8-Ball Busters, qualified for the National Team Championships in 2008. They decided to make the drive to Vegas, however, Mark passed away in his sleep on their way to the tournament. As much of a blow as it was for the team to lose their silent strength, they continued on and played in the tournament in Mark’s honor.

Robert Henson

Known to his teammates and many members in the Southside APA, Virginia area as “Bob,” Henson was known to be cheerful and brought happiness to others around him. He played APA in the Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake areas. Henson passed on Aug. 14, 2008.

Rosalina Janeiro

Rosalina Janeiro played in the APA in Fall River, Mass. She was the captain of her team playing out of the Esquire Cafe in Fall River. She played 8-ball every Tuesday night and loved the game of pool. Rosalina was also a very caring and loving person. Janeiro passed away on Dec. 29, 2008.

Guy Johnston

Guy Johnson of Springdale, Ark., joined the APA in Fall 2005, playing in Benton County on the team, Ball Buster. He was a great person to be around; very outgoing and always there when he was needed to step up and play the game. Guy played pool at his house every night with his wife Barbara and occasionally with friends that would visit. He passed away Dec. 15, 2008.

Richard Knapp

Richard Knapp of Houston, Del., was a Vietnam Veteran who loved to play pool on his team, Luv & Eight, which he joined in January 2007. His teammates always looked forward to seeing Richard on Monday nights and enjoyed how he joked around with everyone. Knapp passed away in September 2008 from cancer.

Dean Percival

Known to his teammates and many members in the Tacoma/Spanaway, Wash. area as “Deano,” Percival was known for his constant smile and good nature. Dean often drank “Duckfarts” for a toast, so after the first night without him, his teammates gathered for a toast of his signature drink. Percival passed in January 2008.

Dave Irons

Dave Irons of Imperial Beach, Calif., was a Doctor of Pharmacology and worked in San Diego with the Poison Control Center. His skill and knowledge as a Skill Level 7 helped his team, "We Fear Nothing," to grow and make the playoffs. Irons passed on Dec. 10, 2007.

Lisa A. Ritchie

Lisa A. Ritchie of Worcester, Mass., was born in Worcester and graduated from the Worcester Girls Trade School. She was a lifetime member of VFW Post Team (Worcester, Mass.), later named to L.R. Marauders. She was a great friend to many and could light up a room with her smile and laugh. Ritchie passed on July 13, 2008.

Rudy Sebastian

Rudy “The Rude Dog” Sebastian of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away on Oct. 18, 2008. His unique sense of humor and love for the game, as well as his ability to be a team player for the APA and ADA, will be missed. He always had a smile, as well as a joke to tell, to bring a smile to others. Rudy was known as the “class clown." While he always joked he was the “best player on the opposing team,” he always gave every match his best effort, and never asked more from anyone else.

Dwight Ward

Dwight Ward of Philadelphia, Pa., was known to his teammates as “DW.” He joined APA in 2000 with the Delmar Ballers, ranked as a Skill Level 3. Dwight had a love for the game and could always be remembered for his joking demeanor, dry humor and seriousness when shooting. He was always known to have a DVD, book or some type of new trinket as it relates to pool. DW was Captain of a team called Trolley Stop Hustlers and played on other teams at Tacony Billiards. Dwight passed on Oct. 11, 2008.

Walter S. Cook

Walter Cook of Gibsonville, N.C., left us on April 23, 2007. He became an APA member in 2004, and his wife, Lisa is still an APA member. Walter loved the game of pool. He played in Nationals in 1984, where he finished in 7th place. He proudly wore that belt buckle for the rest of his life. Lisa's newest APA team has been named Family Tradition in memory of Walter.

Steve Jackson

Steve Jackson of Newark, Del., forever left his family and friends on Oct. 29, 2007. At one time, he played with his brother on 7 different teams 5 days a week. His team went to the National Team Championships several times, one trip including his brother. When he was present, all times were good for people around him. He is missed dearly.

Jack Kuzmich

Jack Kuzmich was an APA member for 12 years in Westminster, Colo. He was a Skill Level 6 and collector of vintage cues. Many APA members in the Denver area remember Jack as a friendly and outgoing person. He always looked forward to the APA National Team Championships. Kuzmich passed on Oct. 8, 2007.

Chris Lamrouex

Chris Lamrouex of Port St. Lucie, Fla., loved to play pool and made a goal to go professional within 2 years. He competed in the APA National Team Championships twice and the National Singles Championships once. Lamrouex passed on July 6, 2007, shortly after asking his mother to join his team, Charlie's Sugar Daddys. In August 2008, his mother played at Nationals on the team in her son's memory; the entire team carried towels with Chris's photo.

Craig Newcomb

Craig Newcomb served as the co-captain of his team, “Cue for Christ” in Port Arthur, Texas. As an avid poolplayer for about 32 years, Newcomb won over 500 trophies. His four brothers chose to bury Craig in his “Cue for Christ” shirt because it was his favorite. Newcomb passed on Nov. 7, 2007.

Lamont Smith

Lamont Smith from Chattanooga, Tenn., was a member of APA for 25 years. He loved playing pool every Wednesday night. He played out of Chattanooga for many years, but got started in Hagerstown, Md. Lamont's son and daughter-in-law still carry on his dream by playing every Wednesday. His team made it to the Local Team Championships in 2007, but lost there. Lamont passed away Feb.16, 2007.

Connie Terry

Connie Terry of Plano, Texas joined the APA in 2004 because her son, Matt, was captain of a team that needed a beginner player. Known to hundreds of players in the Collin County APA as “Mom,” her funeral was packed with APA poolplayers. Terry passed in December 2007.

Clarence Stanley Dye, Jr.

Clarence Stanley Dye, Jr., of Archdale, N.C., better known as Stan, loved the game of pool almost as much as he did his family. He played in the APA because he loved pool and it gave him a way to continue his game. Stan avidly played in the League for about 10 years. He passed away on Oct. 6, 2006. He is missed greatly.

Carlton B. Lewis, Jr.

Carlton B. Lewis, Jr. of Middlesex, N.C., played in the APA for several years before passing away on Jan. 8, 2006. His team won a trip to Vegas for the National Team Championships in 2001 and 2005. The 2005 Championships were his last; he was determined to go while struggling with cancer. His parents and friends admire his strength and determination, as well as his knowledge of pool. In addition to leading his team to Vegas, he helped many with his patience and knowledge of the game.