Wednesday afternoon the club was informed that “Silent” Bob Kleinschmidt, our 2007 ICPC Champion, had passed away earlier in the week.  I was fortunate to have played against him- he was a heck of a player and a no-nonsense straight shooter.  He was also the least excitable person I can recall ever knowing.  

Having played him heads-up so many times, I am qualified to say that he was gracious whether  his hand won or lost.  I can also say that I’ve been victim of one of his bad beats- being a man of few words, he’d never apologize but you could see it in his eyes that he was not happy about winning in a way he considered less than square.  

Bob was a man who had a certain kind of quiet grace.  We collectively would like to say to him and all who new knew him, “Well played, Sir.”
 


Comments

Denny

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:58:47

Being one of the others who had the privilege to play poker with Bob Kleinschmidt, I would like to add my thoughts to his recent passing. From the very start, I could tell that Bob was both a very good poker player and a truly nice guy. It is hard to be both and still win at poker as many have found, but he never was given to big explosions or negative comments. You could always count on Bob to play well and to take his losses as well as he took his victories.

From the time that I first met Bob, he had health problems. Because of this, it was always good to see him when I would show up for the game. He always tried to make it as long as his body would allow it. It hit me as a blow to the heart when I heard of his passing.

I always enjoyed playing cards with Bob and could only hope to play one more, but alas, that is not to be the case.

He will be missed and there will be a chair open for him in my poker heart.

 

Herb

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:41:36

Wish I had known Bob. Sounds like he was a really great guy and admired by friends.

 

Tuffy

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:01:48

Bob Kleinschmidt usually sat at the Northeast corner of Table 1 in our weekly Wednesday game. He was quiet, well mannered and a rock of a poker player. If Bob was in a hand to the end and he was the aggressor....YOU'D BETTER HAVE THE NUTS!!! Bob also knew this and if he didn't have IT, he had the discipline to fold. Bob made a living off of many a calling stations.

Bob's sportsmenship is rare and he stood as an example of how to conduct oneself in the heat of competition at the poker table.

It's no surprise that you've been chosen to go to another Final Table, one that is managed by the poker gods. Feel free to send some Royal Flushes to the mortals in the ICPL.....anytime!!

Take care my friend-
--Tuffy

 



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