Bob Denn 1927-2006
Damn, even though I knew this was going to happen, it still hits me
pretty hard. I'm thinking of all the time that our paths in this
game crossed. Those of us who had the honor of playing at his clubs
and playing at his annual Arden Cup event all got to see what kind
of a man Bob Denn was. It is not often you see someone with a grace
like his. He wasn't somebody one got to know very well, but his
presence was felt by many in this game. I think back to how he ran
his club. He supplied all the boards, tiles and Sam Timers. For
real. He found many great venues for us. Barnes and Noble,
Borders, and the gourmet food section of Marshall Field's (we're
next to the gourmet chocolate section), where the club is currently
situated. Thinking back, I wish I showed up more often. His
presence was always felt there, by everyone. Before I played there
regularly, the members had gotten him a personalized board in
appreciation of his outstanding stewardship.

The Arden Cup was a testament to who Bob was. It was a chance for
those who didn't get to play in his clubs to find out what Bob was
all about. I'll never forget the extravagant reception he put on at
Maggiano's one year on the Friday before the event began. That was
definitely unprecedented (though he would certainly pull out all the
stops again when he ran the Can-Am last year). The venue is an
excellent one. And there are the trademark bowls of gumdrops at
each board, that are always replenished at various intervals. The
trophies (the eponymous Arden Cup) are something else, too. They're
so heavy that they have to be mailed home to out of town winners. I
wish everyone could have seen when Bob was presented with the
People's Choice for Director of the Year Award at this past
tournament. Those that saw it will never forget. People either
cried or really wanted to.

Over the past few months, I had been going to club, each time
wondering if it would be the last time I would see him again. I
always looked forward to showing up and chatting with him about
whatever was going on in the game at the time. I was able to go to
his place to visit him a couple more times before he finally passed
on. I'm glad I did. It seems like we all know someone who passed
away who we didn't get to spend a few more quality moments with. It
goes without saying that Wendy and I will really miss Bob. It's not
often in one's life that one meets someone like Bob, and sees how he
touches the lives of all around him. I hope that many of you in
this group get the opportunity to come to the Arden Cup next year
and witness his spirit that will imbue this event for many years to
come.