Skip Hughes R.I.P.

[c1943 - 2010]



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To: "AC Group" acvpp@yahoogroups.com,
"AA Skip"s List" vpmail2@yahoogroups.com
"AA vpFREE Group" vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
From: "Jean Scott" queenofcomps@cox.net
Date sent: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:07:22 -0700
Subject: [vpFREE] Fw: Sad News - Death of Skip Hughes

Skip"s wife, Marie, called me yesterday to tell me he had died on Saturday. We had known that he had been struggling with cancer of the esophagus for some time - and he had posted to the VP forums quite a few months ago about this struggle during chemo. But as his usual self, he was optimistic about the outcome and still displayed his wonderfully quirky sense of humor!

Marie said he finally had surgery and seemed to be making a good recovery. After a planned short stay in rehab they were looking forward to his coming home. But as so often happens in rehab, he contracted one of those killer bug infections and that fairly quickly took his life.

Marie is not very computer savvy and didn"t know how to contact any of us in the VP community. She finally found my phone number in some of Skip"s paperwork. I told her I would see that this sad news would be posted since so many of his long-time friends had been wondering about him.

I know that many of you will want to send Marie your condolences. However, I can not give you a snail-mail address since she in the midst of moving from Carson City (where they had settled when Skip started a new job there just before he got sick) back to Las Vegas.

However, the vpFREE administrator has said he would collect all condolence posts and private messages and put them on a memorial page, which he"ll link to Skip"s entry on the vpFREE Hall of Fame page. Then when Marie gets settled here in Las Vegas, I will see that she has help in accessing that memorial page.

When I have more details, I will share them with you all.

________________
Jean $˘ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/


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This is indeed very sad news. Many of us had known Skip for at least 12 years. I was one of the first 40 subscribers to the Skip Hughes Group. He will be missed and remembered.

Thanks Jean, for posting the information.

Jim Wade

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by "jhwsmyrna"


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I"d like to be more eloquent but that just plain sucks. I am so sorry to hear this. Skip profoundly changed my life by introducing me to advantage video poker and for this I am deeply grateful. I was very concerned about his condition when I heard he was ill as I had watched an uncle die of esophageal cancer some years ago. It"s a very hard thing to endure and a horrible way to die. R.I.P., Skip. I will never forget you or your wry sense of humor.

17 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by robert remillard "bremillard"


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I"m very very sorry to hear this. Skip was a generous and funny guy with tons of that most valuable commodity, common sense.
My sympathy to his wife and loved ones.

--Dunbar

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by dunbar_dra "h_dunbar"


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I didn"t have the pleasure of knowing him, but I heard plenty of stories through those that did. Very sad news. My condolences to his family.

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by Mary Ann "justmare111"


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Even though I live more than a thousand miles from Las Vegas, I have met a number of people that I consider friends through the Skip Hughes Group. If it were not for the knowledge I gained from his newsletter, I would never have been able to make 59 visits to the city I call my "second home". Rest well, Skip, you will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Marie and the family.

Paula Litton
Marysville, Ohio

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by rlitton "rlitton"


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Jean-

Thanks for filling us in, even though the news is sad. I never met Skip personally, but had several e-mail dealings with him, and always found him to be a gentleman. He will be sorely missed.

Elaine

17 MAR 2010 acvpp Post by atlanticcityrose "atlanticcityrose"


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I am so very saddened by this news. Neither Ellen nor I ever met Skip, but we wrote an article for VPP (on restaurants!) and considered ourselves "Friends of Skip." Skip"s sense of humor was wonderful - and I learned much of what I know about VP from Skip and/or work that was somehow related to the SHG. I wish I knew he had moved to Carson City, as we"ve both spent considerable time up there in the last couple of years. To say Skip will be sorely missed is a great understatement. Farewell my friend - rest in peace.

Bill in Henderson (fka Bill in Santa Monica)

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by "ezfromnwon"


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May he rest in peace. He did a wonderful service for the VP community.

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by Dave Moy "dmoy26040"


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Much condolences goes out to Skips Family.

Skip was a great man whom I"ve met both in Vegas and Reno. You can credit him as the inventor of the Video Poker Newsgroup. One nice thing about Skip is that he loved playing the game, not only the money aspects that recently have been flooding these groups. He is no longer with us , but his legacy lives on in the memory of the players, banging 24X7 on those pearly white keys of this great hobby of ours. Rest in peace good friend !

regards...Tom

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by tomflush "tomflush"


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My thoughts go out to his family in their time of need. Skip I did not know you much, however you seemed very nice and are loved by many. Now you are up there looking down on all of us and I will be thinking of you when I play VP everytime. Take care!

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by Terri Rookwood "tlcraig1"


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I am very sad. But- I learned a lot from him, met great people, and have been consistently winning lots of $$$$ every year playing video poker.

A few of Skip"s wonderful quotes:

"Double Double Bonus the Devils Game,"

"We have met the enemy and the enemy is short pay"

and of course who can forget,

"I need a Royal"(T-shirts)

What a great legacy for doing what he loved.

Jim Mason

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by jim_mason7 "7711-jimmason"


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I"m so sorry to hear this. I"m one of those who has known him for many years, from being a Skip Hughes list member. I"ll remember him with a tear in my eye, but a smile on my face.

I became one of his get-together coordinators. In the old days, we got together a couple times per year. I worked behind the scenes with him panning out details of where to go, working with the casino of choice ( or whoever would have us) taking head counts, fielding questions etc.

Skip had a heart the size of Texas and was one of the best teachers I ever had. Skip thank you for the gift of knowledge to play my favorite games and for being the gentle, kind person that you were. I"ll forever remember your sense of humor, wit, passion and what a good family man you were. I was always, still am, proud to say I was a Skip Hughes Group member.

My condolences, love and hugs to the Hughes family.

Lolly

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by lollyfegley "lfegley"


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I too am saddened to hear. Skip was my introduction to VP in general when I first searched the Internet for video poker information. I attended some of the early gatherings and made new friends. His original list was innovative and ahead of its time. I learned a lot from Skip and we even worked together on a few projects. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and all of his friends.

Deepest sympathy,

Scot Krause

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by Scot Krause "krauseinvegas"


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Tribute to Skip Hughes

I just heard about the death of Skip Hughes, a good friend - and certainly one of the leading pioneers in helping video poker become a popular gambling subject on the Internet. He organized the first VP discussion forum; and hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of skilled VP players owe their start to the information they got on his Web site. As a fellow writer, I was always impressed with his wonderfully quirky humor that made the driest information fun to read!

I would like to share some details about Skip"s personal life, many of which are not known to the VP community. When he and his wife, Marie, moved from California to Las Vegas, they were looking forward to semi-retirement, a time when he could put his video poker skills to work more often than he had during the earlier period of short visits. But that dream lasted only a short time.

Some financial issues hit hard. His part-time computer job went away during the dot-com meltdown. And due to family issues, they took on the responsibility of supporting and raising 3 young grandchildren. I talked to Skip about this big financial burden, but he was not complaining. He said this was the best thing he and his wife had ever done. And as a devoted grandmother myself, I knew that the sacrifice was worth it and I understood why he did not have the bankroll to continue to pursue his video poker dream. He knew that there was more to life than VP.

The sad irony is that Skip finally landed a very good job in a Nevada state government agency. He and Marie moved to Carson City - and things were finally looking up for them. But within a very short time he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. First was a long period of treatment and then surgery - and Marie said he was doing fine after that. He was in a rehab center but they expected him to come home soon. However, that was not to be. He contracted one of those killer bug infections so common in rehab facilities and that took his life last Saturday.

I have talked on the phone with his wife, Marie, and, of course, she is still in shock. Since she is not very computer savvy, I told her that I would notify the video poker community of this sad news. I know there are many of you who would like to send her and the family condolences. There are no plans for a funeral or a memorial service so in lieu of flowers perhaps some of you would like to contribute something toward Marie"s expenses as she is in the process of moving from Carson City back to Las Vegas where some of her family live. I"m sure this long period of Skip"s illness had drained their finances.

Since Marie is in the process of relocating and doesn"t yet have a permanent address, I told her I would see that she got any correspondence from Skip"s friends and fans. Anthony Curtis has given me permission to use the Huntington Press address to collect this correspondence. I will pick up all the envelopes we receive and give them to Marie, unopened.

Here is the address you can use:

Skip Hughes Memorial
% Huntington Press
3665 Procyon Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103

I know that Marie will deeply appreciate hearing from the many whose lives were touched by Skip - and will be comforted in the knowledge that he leaves a beloved legacy.

Jean Scott"s 17 MAR 2010 Frugal Vegas Blog


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I once asked Skip who was on his original Skip Hughes List. The following are from his email reply to me. I think it is appropriate to honor him by showing how his influence has grown since September 1997. Here are the original 20:

Wayne Fisch
Yuri Sorkin
Marland Stopel
Martin Veneroso
Bob cannon
TES
Dave Mcvay
Tom Robertson
Joe Chiles
Dale Whitehead
Henry Strouss
Greg Heim
Steve Latusek
Randy Hudson
Kris Hood
Huutti Kuosa
Barry Shiffrin
Shirley Slane
Terry Kell
Jazbo Burns

Skip went on to tell me that Shirley Slane dropped out after a week as she "could"t keep up with all the messages". There had been an average of 5 a day!!

Hopefully Skip has found all the full pay that has gone to VP Heaven!

Bonnie

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by Bonnie Strong "mothra4"


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Skip and I exchanged many emails over the years and most included touches of his sense of humor which provided me with a lot of chuckles.

For example, when we started the vpFREE Hall of Fame in 2002 (Skip was inducted in 2006) I asked all of the nominees for biographical information input, and here was Skip"s response:

"Here ya go!

Skip Hughes authorized Biography:

Skip Hughes is the grandson and only true heir of the late Howard Hughes. He is best known for winning the American League batting title at the age of 15. In later years, Skip ministered to backward tribes in the Amazon delta region, where he found cures for several tropical diseases. After returning to the U.S., Skip invented video poker and retired in Las Vegas to enjoy his grandchildren. He is reputed to be worth 23 billion dollars, which he accumulated by using the Rob Singer video poker system."

I thanked Skip for his input, but didn"t use it.

R.I.P.

vpFREE Administrator

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by vpFREE Administrator "vpfreeadmin"


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"I didn"t have the pleasure of knowing him, but I heard plenty of stories through those that did. Very sad news. My condolences to his family"

I could not say it better.

Karen

17 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by "krallison416"


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I"m very sorry to learn of Skip"s passing. Although we never met, I"m glad he provided such a wonderful resource for us all.

I"d certainly like for the group to remain open, both as a memorial to Skip and so we can continue to share stories and tips.

Curt

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Curt Frye "cfrye"


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I feel the same way Brian and Jim does. Or, just let it be a respectful memorial to Skip. It will do no harm to leave it be. I hope someone will keep it going.

Cheryll Lipa

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "MimiJKJD"


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This is indeed sad news. My condolences to his wife.

I never met Skip in person but we occasionally corresponded about Atlantic City updates. I"m not sure what will happen to a group but I can"t see any harm in leaving it active. It"s nice to look back sometimes.

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by lub888816 "mlubby"


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Let"s just let it keep going in honor of Skip.

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Robert S Kula "griz50"


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I would like to see this group remain alive. Skip put alot of work into it and it would be a shame to see it go. Lots of good iformation and stories to share! May God bless Skip and his family.

BillfromPa.

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by BillfromPa "Bill1966"


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So sorry to hear of Skip"s passing. I only attended one of his SHG get togethers but I feel like a part of the family through his newgroups and VPP articles. God"s blessings to Skip and his family.

As for the yahoogroup, I still get the vpmail2 messages. I believe only the owner of a group ( and anyone he may have delegated) can close a group. I don"t know if groups expire after a period of inactivity but vpmail2 looks like it gets enough messages to keep on.

I like the memorial idea and also having a group that might go under the casino radar.

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "greeklandjohnny"


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I still have my SHG pin, in a draw somewhere also. I was on one of his get togethers back in 2000. Was a nice way to start out in Vegas and meet some people who knew something about VP and where to go in Vegas. My condolences to his family and all his many friends.

John

18 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by John "treasureman"


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I. like many here, owe my introdcution to advantage VP to Skip. All things must pass, but some, like Skip, pass too soon. I like the idea of keeping the group as a memorial.

David in PHX

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by David Sacco "saccod"


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We belonged to the SHG for several years before we finally met Skip at one of his gatherings (at the Treasure Island in the "coffee shop"). Indeed, he had an aura of humor and, yes, grandfatherly generousity (sharing advise/information). We aare wealthy for having known Skip! Please share our condolances with Marie and his/her whole family. "May the shadow of sorrow soon pass."

Larry and Ray Goch (THEE BOYZ)

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by l_goch "l_goch"


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I hope vpmail2 can continue as a memorial to Skip and to keep us all together.

I have not posted for some time, but I read all the posts.

Dick Shaw

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Richard Shaw "rsshaw1"


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Although I don"t post frequently, I have been a member of this group for several years. I check for new posts at least once a week and would hate to see the forum closed. Although I never met Skip, I felt like I knew him. I loved his sense of humor and will miss his posts.

There are several of you that do post frequently and I enjoy your posts. I hope you continue to share your experiences.

Sara in Texas

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by stbruton "stbruton"


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I agree. Keep it. Maybe we could post a link to the memorial page to Skip on it when it"s set up. I"m still here and fondly remember the SHG get togethers.

Sylvia

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Sylvia "sgosline"


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It seems to me that just by the responses that have come in this morning, a consensus has gathered for keeping vpmail2. That, in itself, is a testament to Skip. Although I haven"t been able to travel to Las Vegas for some time now or contribute to any posts, I do enjoy reading the posts of so many folks whose names have become familiar to me. I would miss those very much if the forum/vpmail2 were closed down.

Regards to all, thank you for your contributions and good memories of Skip.

EAS Kidder

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by EAS & Noel Kidder "EASoel"


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I am from Maryland and get to Vegas once in a while. I would like to keep the group going for the information and tips coming from Vegas, but more importantly in memory of Skip.

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by terry palmer "lamarx"


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Just like all the rest of the posters, we were saddened by the death of Skip Hughes. We remember the get-to-gethers at various casinos. My husband never fails to wear his "I need a Royal" t-shirt when we are in Las Vegas (not that it has worked for him). We learned a lot about video poker reading his monthly newsletters. The entire video poker community will miss him.

Patricia Coil

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Pat "pcoil"


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Hi Gang:
First off, thanks to Jean for posting this sad, sad news.

It hit Hedy and me like a ton of bricks this morning and really put a damper on our day. We met Skip on a number of occasions many years ago when we were just starting on our video poker journey and were struck immediately, like everybody else, by his wonderful wit and easy going manner. He truly was in the forefront of the new wave of experts educating the masses on the possibilities of becoming enlightened video poker players and we owe much to people like him and Jean for allowing us to live the exciting lifestyle we enjoy to this day.

We particularly remember him at Skip Hughes Group get-togethers at the Hard Rock and New York, New York, where we connected with people such as Jim Tsalikis, Art Schmidt, Pat Nashick, Pete Remaley, Lolly Fegley, Jean and Brad Scott, Hank Adams, Linda B. (Misscraps) and so many others that we continue to be friendly with today. I always thought that we were original members of the SHG but seeing the list of the "original 20" on this board I guess we weren"t, but I"m sure we joined up in the group"s infancy. We will always fondly remember our conversations with Skip and raise a toast to his memory this weekend at Harrah"s in AC because there is no better place to do that than in a casino. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Marie and his family and we wish them only the best as they go forward in life with what must be wonderful memories of a wonderful man. Rest in peace, our friend.

Regards, CoachVee & Hedy

18 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by "coachvee"


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I"ve been following Skip since before he and John Kelly joined forces 100 years ago, it seems. I do not live in Las Vegas, but have made several trips a year for a very long time, and I can"t imagine all the great times I would have missed were it not for the contributions of Skip and others who opened my eyes to the possibilities of advantage video poker in general, as well as the specific opportunities on a given day.

I don"t know what a fitting tribute to Skip might be, but I feel like we should do something. If we all pitched in a little it could add up to a lot. Something perhaps more lasting than a bunch of us sending flowers individually...

Something his wife could keep as a reminder of the love and appreciation this group has had for him.

Ideas:

.25 FPDW Machine?

Picture collage?

Tribute plaque?

Other thoughts? Someone local would have to step up and coordinate (Jean? ).

David

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Nash David - dnash "David.Nash"


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-Dunbar wrote: "I"m very very sorry to hear this. Skip was a generous and funny guy with tons of that most valuable commodity, common sense.

My sympathy to his wife and loved ones.r"

I want to double down on Dunbar"s message.

18 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by ozymandias77096 "ugwf"


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I"m a charter member. I even helped Skip a little bit when he was designing his strategy cards. Skip"s illness and now his passing leave me with a heavy heart. I would hope that this forum could continue for awhile longer.

TKinWIS

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by TK in WIS "tkinwis"


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I am surprised - and pleased - at the number of people who still are on this forum. So - it seems that the forum can continue, even with no moderator. For how long? Who knows.

I won"t be a regular poster since I have enough on my plate with the blog - I don"t even post regularly on vpFREE. However, I will post on both forums when it seems I have something to add that I won"t cover in my blog.

About a tribute for Skip. I have already suggested a way to contact Marie in my latest blog entry - see URL below in my signature block. I"m not into flowers myself. I think telling her about Skip"s influence in your life is the most wonderful "gift" we could give her. But since I always think "practical," Brad and I are also sending her a check because we know how hard they had it financially.

The vpFREE administrator is also already filling a wonderful Tribute page at https://www.west-point.org/users/usma1955/20228/V/Skip.htm. (Some may want to join vpFREE just for that link - although I"m not sure whether you need to be a member to access it.) I will help Marie get that Tribute page, perhaps even copying it for her as well as seeing that she knows how to access it herself online when she gets settled back in Vegas.

________________
Jean $˘ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Jean Scott "queenofcomps"


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My heart is deeply sadden by the news of Skip (our fearless leader) passing. I am neither eloquent or poise and have a very bad command of writing. I was not the original 20 but was there when the group started. Attended many Skip Hughes get together, made many friends that I still have strong bond with till this day. At the annual and/or semi-annual get together it felt like a family gathering in Vegas. Seeing old friends, making new ones, exchanging war stories and just the camaraderie of seeing each other. Those who know me, will tell you that I will pick up the phone and call to see how you are doing or private email you. I always enjoy reading other members lengthy grammatical correct trip reports and of old friend"s postings. I say, this was one of Skip"s baby and in HIS honor we should keep it open. Some of us may want to come back and read some old postings. We are all part of Skip"s family. As I remember him I just see that great man with his perpetual smile on that great big teddy bear of a man. To our teacher, our guru, our sage, Skip rest in peace. Look after us, go and play your full pay video poker with those friends that also past on before their time. This forum was part of his "whole ball of wax" and we should keep it that way. Thank you for reading.

With much respect,
Chester Lee

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by blazing_777 "blazing_777"


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I couldn"t agree more, C. Lee.

Great words, and advice.

Many friends made here, and many memories that will live on.

Thanks to all who contributed to this forum/group, and all those who continue to post/read msgs. here.

Gratefully, but not without sadness,

Martin.

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Martin Moy "mm4vegasvp"


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Chester, You said it so well. I met Skip only once when I was very new to video poker and you gave out good luck charms. I got my first Royal that trip. I was never an active part of the Skip Hughes group since I couldn"t get to Las Vegas or anywhere else but once a year. I received so much info and encouragement from all those who lived, visited and played enough to offer tips and grew to love both video poker and Las Vegas. Thanks Skip for all you shared and thanks to you, Chester for the good luck and this memory.

Pat in Wa

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Pat Wagner "vplady1"


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I agree with all that we keep this site open. I check it daily. Skip was the reason I got serious with vp and I enjoy reading all the posts. We will all miss his humor.

TIM

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "timsdeuces"


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Chester Lee wrote: "... I am neither eloquent or poise and have a very bad command of writing ..."

You may think that you"re not eloquent, but I disagree! No one said it better than you did. I agree with all your sentiments. You brought tears to my eyes. Skip will always be a part of VP. He had a generous spirit, a tremendous sense of humor and a love of life, in addition to being a true VP guru. I will remember him with fondness and always be grateful for all that he taught me. Thank you, Skip, for everything!

~Babe~

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by patricia swenson "jackessiebabe"


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On my next trip to the casino I will wear my Skip Hughes Group pin in honor of him.

Marikay

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Marikay "luvnewfs"


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Skip ran the Skip Hughes Group with style, wit, and flair. Way before the turn of the century I joined the group. Skip taught me a lot.

From 1995 or so, I learned to work my way around a casino. He made up "NSU" deuces. Those early years were some of the best times of my life on a computer. Everybody was funny and the jokes flowed freely. i will miss skip and his great sense of humor very much. Rest in Peace, Skip, and thank you.

Annie
Ann Gauvin
Rhode Island

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Ann Gauvin "ride3843"


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I could have learned VP solely through books and strategy charts, but the two people who made me love the game were Skip Hughes and John Kelly, because they both wrote about VP with humor, enthusiasm, and common sense. Every encounter with Skip, whether in person, via email, or through his online or print publications, were something I looked forward to. Sincere condolences to Marie, Skip"s close friends and families, and to the VP community.

Dave Feldman

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by David Feldman "feldman"


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I to read all the post and enjoy them. I never met Skip but from the post and the way he ran this forum you could tell he had class. May God rest his soul and bless his family.

Paul T. Joseph
Michigan

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "joseph.paul"


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I am deeply saddened to hear the sad news about Skip. I was also one of the original group of subscribers to vpmail. Twelve years. I had the pleasure of meeting Skip and Marie. Skip is indeed a VP Hall of Famer with the best of them. He made many valuable contributions to video poker and published a very interesting and amazing newsletter for a number of years. The SHG (Skip Hughes Group) had many amazing get togethers in Las Vegas with SHGers gathering from all over the world. I met folks from Australia, Germany, and many Canadians. He deloped some great strategy cards which I still refer to today.

He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Our prayers are with Marie and family.

Shirl in OHio, aka VPQuadqueen

18 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by "VPQuadQueen"


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We were very sad to learn of Skip"s passing. Although not technically original members of SHG (we joined in 1997 or 1998), Skip was hugely influential in our life. We had just discovered video poker, and quickly fell into the throes of advantage play, mainly due to the friendship of Skip, Jean, Bob Dancer, and the late Elliott Shapiro and Michael Rod. We moved to LV in 1998 just to play VP, and we"re still here, playing video poker nearly every day, in the most advantageous manner we can (but it sure ain"t the good old days!). We remember the great SHG parties, the newsletters, and running into Skip often at Texas Station and Rampart. His entry into the VP Hall of Fame is RSSly deserved. We"ve been amazed and heartened by all the testimonials so far. Thank you, Skip!

-- Steve DelNero & John McKim

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Steven Del Nero "artcontrol"


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I am saddened to hear of Skip"s death; may he rest in peace. Deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed ...

Correna Correna

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Correna H "correna2"


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I am very sad to hear of Skip"s passing. It all started for me so many years ago on my first computer doing a search on video poker. I came upon a video poker discussion group and signed up to see what I could learn. I was overwhelmed with all that I learned about advantage play, full play machines and proper strategy. Always so thankful to Skip for his generosity of sharing with us his knowledge of the game and plays that where out there to take advantage of. Rest in Peace my friend.

Keep this forum going.

Peg

18 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Peg "eggpee"


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Skip will be missed.

If I am not mistaken he coined the term NSUD that even the Palms uses to describe machines not included in their promotions.

TomSki

19 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by ThomasS "tomskilv"


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This is indeed very sad news. My wife and I have been members for ages and remember fondly the early days of the group. Skip along with John Kelly was one of the real pioneers of the marriage of Video Poker and the internet. Keeping the group going would be a fitting tribute.

Bill and Roseann

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "bbrb"


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I will add my voice to the multitude to keep the forum alive in honor of Skip.

Walter H in Florida

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "walterhnri"


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As I proud member of the Ship Hughes List since the 90"s his death is so sad. We know he is now playing all the full pay video poker that he desires with other deceased list members. I want to think they have formed their own group up in heaven and Skip is sharing all his knowledge with other "angels".

This group has always been a pleasure to be a member of. I remember when Jim Wade, Steve D., Jean and Brad, Linda, Shirl and Stan Meade, to name only a few all sharing with the group their moves to Las Vegas thru the years.

Who could forget Denise and her boyfriend "Slotboy" and her many stories of bathrooms.

This group has always had a place in my life and I hope it will continue.

I always looked forward to Skip"s witty interesting posts. He always spoke highly of his wife Maria.

My sincere condolences to his family.

I too will wear my Skip Hughe"s Group pin proudly on my next visit to Las Vegas.

Carol M from Chicago

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by carolm60656 "karolam"


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I am so sad to hear this news. I, too, was one of the earlier "recruits" and Skip made me laugh. The jokes and light heartedness of the earlier group was a bright moment in each and every day. Marie has lost a wonderful partner. We have lost a dear friend and teacher.

PaulaNH

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Steve & Paula Hamilton "Shamilton5"


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I"ve been on this board like forever and would miss it if it was gone. Just like we"ll all miss Skip. He was so giving, fair, and just plain nice. The world is a better place for folks like him. God rest.

Becky

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "becksam"


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That"s very sad news about Skip. It all started for me with his forum. He was the first one to see "The Art of Video Poker", that later became Frugal Video Poker. It was written with Skip in mind. I also worked with him on his strategy cards. He was always humorous, encouraging, and free with his advice. It was always a delight to correspond with him.

My condolences,

Jim Wolf

19 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by Jim Wolf "jimwolf"


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What a shame! The world was better for your presence, Skip. I am grateful to have known you, even a little. I too would like to see the site remain open. I enjoy the posts and have wished I had something to say so I could contribute. Goodbye, Skip, we miss you.

Frank

19 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by halcyondays_99 "halcyondays_99"


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I am at a loss. Jen and I are two of those your refer to above that owe Skip a HUGE debt of gratitude as he was instrumental in getting us headed in the right direction early in our careers. We owe our success at VP to a few people and he is most definately one of them. Jen and I are both saddened to hear of his passing and he and Marie will be in our thoughts. We will craft a written tribute to him and get it to Marie via the address above.

18 MAR 2010 Frugal Vegas Blog Post by Donald Coon


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I agree with the above. He even had me contribute to some of his "Regional" writings on vp here in Southern CA. I wish my final words wouldn"t have to address this situation, but may EVERYONE"s THOUGHTS and Prayers go out to Marie and Skip"s loved ones.

Martin.

18 MAR 2010 Frugal Vegas Blog Post by Martin Moy


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Skip was a wonderful brother-in-law. My family and I will miss him dearly. We Love you.

Ed and Gloria frey

18 MAR 2010 Frugal Vegas Blog Post by Gloria Frey


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It really touched me reading everything that everyone wrote. It"s funny to me cause I only knew him as Grandpa for 23 years, never knew him as Skip. All I know is that he was a great loving man and from all your family we all love and miss you dearly.

19 MAR 2010 Frugal Vegas Blog Post by Kenny


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I would like to share a memory of Skip"s generosity.

I have been a member of the group for many years. Several years ago I posted a request for 2 for 1 coupons for buffets that I would trade for coupons I had. My daughter works for a Special Recreation group of local park districts. Several young adult physically and mentally challenged participants were going on a 4 day trip to Las Vegas. My daughter was the escort. They were on a tight budget so the coupons would be helpful. Well Skip did better than that he arranged for the entire group to eat the Buffet at the Palms. The group loved it and they sent him pictures of themselve enjoing all the great food.

Rest in Peace Skip you are missed by many
Sharon Saviano
Illinois

20 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by Sharon "SS2SWILD"


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I am deeply saddened to hear the sad news about Skip. I was also one of the early group of subscribers to vpmail. Twelve years. I had the pleasure of meeting Skip and Marie. Skip is indeed a VP Hall of Famer with the best of them. He made many valuable contributions to video poker and published a very interesting and amazing newsletter for a number of years. The SHG (Skip Hughes Group) had many amazing get togethers in Las Vegas with SHGers gathering from all over the world. I met folks from Australia (Bill and Roseann), Germany, and many Canadians (Darcy and Neal). He developed some great strategy cards which I still refer to today.

He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Our prayers are with Marie and family.

VPQuadQueen aka Shirl in Ohio

PS I still have my SHG Pin somewhere and many, many fond mermories. The many friends from VpMail2 made our move to Las Vegas very easy with welcoming friends who moved here before us. We are still in touch with many friends we met through the list and still get together when we can.

20 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "VPQuadQueen"


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You know, partly because of what I learned from Skip"s site, the last 10 years have been the best 10 of my life as well. I always loved casinos but like most of you, I assume, I gambled on a loser"s budget until I learned that it didn"t have to be that way. Thanks to Skip I get rooms, food and VIP treatment in several casinos and it doesn"t cost me a dime. It"s almost too good to be true. In the last 12 or so years there is a lot of information become available but way back when it was Skip and few others doing any sharing.

20 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by robert remillard "remillard"


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I POST INFREQUENTLY. SKIP"S PASSING REMINDS OF HOW MUCH HE CONTRIBUTED TO ALL OF US VP PLAYERS. HE AND JOHN KELLY"S ORIGINAL SITE WAS MORE INFORMATIVE AND MORE FUN THAN ANYTHING EVER DEVISED FOR VP, EITHER IN PRINT , ONLINE OR IN THE FORM OF SOFTWARE. I NEVER MET HIM BUT I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE INSIGHTS HE GAVE ME ABOUT OUR FAVORITE CASINO GAME. I FEEL I HAVE LOST A FRIEND. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.

FRANK

20 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "fdbadach"


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Like many other SHG members we enjoyed getting to meet Skip and most of the other well-known members at group meetings. We recall a nice conversation with Tom Ski, whose Video Poker Strategy Master is still the basis for most of the strategy cards we use, with the help of some card stock and laminating film. Like many of the rest, I had the pleasure of playing next to Skip a couple of times when he didn"t mind visiting a bit.

There seems to be an interest in keeping the group going. Surely there is enough talent to make this happen.

We hope to run into group members in future trips to Las Vegas.

Don and Carla Weston

21 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "doncarla"


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So sorry to hear the sad news about Skip. I too still have my SHG pin. Although I was only able to make it to one group get together,I enjoyed meeting fellow VP players. Also Skips Video Poker Player newletter which exemplified his great sense of humor. Since it doesn"t appear that yahoo cares one way or the other, lets keep the forum going.

Nancy

21 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by witstine "witstine"


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I am saddened by the news about Skip and send my condolences to Skip"s wife and other family members. His death is particularly disheartening in few of recent posts which led to some optimism.

I joined Skips VP email list early on and I checked for group messages frequently. Years ago, before my mental health problems became severe (of course many would claim I was crazy long before then), I travelled from Austin to Vegas for a week of VP 12 or 13 times a year. I learned a great deal from the group, not only strategy but also what the best plays were in terms of return and casino comps/points/cashback. In fact, while in Austin the highlight of my day was reviewing and posting messages.

I also attented the original and a few other get-togethers in Vegas where I met Skip and other new friends. Both in person and in his email posts, it was clear that Skip was good natured and had a great sense of humor. Even though I haven"t been in contact with Skip for years, I still recall enjoying being around and communicating with him.

Again my sympathy and thoughts are with his family.

David Thornberry

L.A. Bum

21 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by labum63 "labum63"


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Dave,

You said it so well. The entire Rocket clan seconds your thoughts. So nice to see so many of the old timers posting.

bobrocket

21 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by brd632 "brd632"


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I too have been around from the beginning and am sory to hear of Skip"s passing. I still see my pin on my dresser now and then. I have enjoyed seeing all the tributes to Skip and all the familiar names from years gone by. Like myself I guess there are many of us who seldom post any more but still moniter the forums.

JAS

21 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by John "jasnow"


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Also, here is Skip"s last note to the vpmail2 group:

Dated 10/22/2009

I"m still kickin. Post Chemo PET Scan showed a large reduction in the tumor (it"s about 2 centimeters), no lymph node involvement, no Metastases.

I will be undergoing surgery on Monday (a trans-hiatal esophagectomy) at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City.

I"ll be checked in under a fake name (Ronald Rabe).

Love you all! Lots of royals to you and I"ll be back to post how my recovery is going in about 3 weeks.

Skip

21 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by "jhwsmyrna"


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My husband and I were very sadden to hear that Skip died. We remember being member so fhis group and evening having his T shirts that we would wear every time we visited vegas. Please let his wife know are thoughts go out to her. It has not been an easy time for her and I fully understand what she went through.

28 MAR 2010 vpFREE Post by gamblinggrandma "gamblinggrandma"


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I have Skip to thank for introducing me to advantage-play video poker in Las Vegas, and to everything else that has been beneficial or enjoyable about his video poker group. Like so many other players, I used to go to Nevada with a fascination for this "new game in town" but in complete ignorance for at least 15 years about how to play it correctly. I remember responding to a paper flyer before the new millennium, when he was still operating out of California, and getting his first set of strategy cards. The different-colored printing on the yellow background made them enjoyable to look at as well as easy to read. For the first time, I felt I had a handle on the game, and had a chance to play without being behind the 8-ball.

I remember joining the group almost a decade ago and subscribing to Video Poker Player. I thoroughly enjoyed all the articles and information, and so I looked forward to each issue. But it was the group"s pool of knowledge, deftly coordinated by Skip, that really showed me the light. I was truly ignorant of how the VP machines worked. I erroneously thought, and dumbly posted, that the next hand to be dealt on a VP machine was just sitting there for whenever a new person sat down and played. Skip and his legions of comrades corrected me right quick. I was also ignorant of the fact that there were scammers out there in cyberspace who didn"t care a whit about statistics or truth or other human beings, and actively tried to defraud innocent people. I found out in a really awkward way, but then came to understand that the group leader was a principled and vigilant protector of the realm. I grew to respect him for that.

I can only imagine how much time and effort Skip spent in getting the group (and VPP) up and running, and keeping everything related to the group operating smoothly. But it was apparent that this was something he really loved, and we were all great benefactors because of this. Words are inadequate to express how much he meant to the group, and how much of a loss it is that he"s no longer here. May he rest in peace.

The Maverick

29 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by The Maverick "vpmaverick"


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(Despite it being in my "Sent" folder, somehow my original post (Mar 18) never made it to the board.) Therefore, First, my condolences to Skip"s family and close friends. May warm memories lighten the burden.

And
now, reflection,...I may not have been in the original 20 but I joined not long after. Ahh, but it was a lively group, full of characters and charity. And held for an amazing run. Thanx, Skip. Thanx to you I can truthfully say you meet the nicest people on a VP forum. Skip was one of the pioneers and as much as anybody responsible for VP"s popularity. He brought together some of the brightest minds and witty people in educating the VP family on maximizing our gaming investment. And the level of generosity among the faithful is astounding. Other than to burn good plays, the SHG would share anything they could to help one another. It takes a special person to make all that work, and Skip did. S"long, buddy, I"ll see you in the "Land of Positive Play." You"ll know me cuz I"ll be wearing my cheesy-but-cherished "SHG" pin...

29 MAR 2010 vpmail2 Post by daniel nowak "nowakdr"


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"Marikay" wrote:

"On my next trip to the casino I will wear my Skip Hughes Group pin in honor of him."

I was shocked to learn of Skip"s death. ML and I have been out of the country and out of touch too, so were unaware til now. I joined vpmail (or whatever it"s initial name was) pretty close to the beginning and over the years became very good email buddies with Skip. As so many of you have posted, I too shall miss him greatly. Marikay, you"ve got a great idea here so I plan to copy it and wear my SHG pin on next LV trip too.

Pete Remaley

7 APR 2010 vpmail2 Post by paisonvp "paison2"


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I just want to echo previous thoughts about Skip ... an exceedingly generous kind man greatly missed by long term members of the VP community. I like to think he"s still around in spirit touched by our remembrances, cheering us on as we play, and chuckling with us over our zany misadventures.

25 APR 2010 vpmail2 Post by twowild4 "lucky4K"


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