In Memoriam
-
Ken McAllister
Ken passed away on July 12, 2024.
Ken had an interesting 85-yr life. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, jointed the US Airforce where he met his future wife, worked at NASA, got a degree in IT and when he finally retired he was working at Texas Commerce Bank. He was active at church and enjoyed many hobbies including bowling, golfing, traveling and of course….bridge.
After being widowed, he met our Phyllis Kuchta and they became life partners for the next 20 years. They traveled, played bridge and welcomed new bridge players to the game with many hours of Mentoring.
We will miss Ken’s regular presence at the club, his steady guidance as a Mentor, and the lessons he taught us to stop overbidding…he loved to push up opponents’ bid then slap down that Penalty Doubles…what a player! -
Gerry Christensen
Gerry was born on Jan 30, 1941 and passed away June 30, 2024.
Gerry was an amazing person…involved in so many things that it is surprising she had time for bridge!
“ Geraldine brought a great deal of energy, enthusiasm and dedication to everything she did in life. She was an outstanding leader, and she became President of many of the organizations she participated in. This includes the Yeager Parent Teacher Organization, the Junior Forum, the Champions Women’s Club, the Houston Grand Opera Fund Drive, the Houston Symphony Society, Gourmet Clubs, the Italian Club, the Houston Yacht Club Women’s Sailing Association and Windward Bound Ladies Camp, and the Ladies Reading Club of LaPorte.”
All that said, Faith & Family were everything to Gerry! Her 3 children and 2 grandchildren kept her busy. And, of course, beloved husband of 54 years was always in her heart.
Those of us who were privileged to be invited to her home for dinner and bridge will never forget the delightful evenings with Wayne and Gerry.
Gerry was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wayne. Wayne was one of the best bridge players at CLBC, a Game Director and unofficial bridge coach to many of us. We pray that Gerry & Wayne are reunited in heaven and are playing bridge! -
Jerry Bowen
With a heavy heart, the family of Jerry Ann Bowen 84, announced her passing on Saturday September 26, 2020.
Jerry was born on February 4, 1936 in North Zulch, Texas, and was the only child of parents Faye and Ray Gustine.
She graduated from Brazosport High School, Freeport, Texas in 1954, as was a 1954 Tennis State Champion in Ladies Doubles.
Jerry was a dedicated employee of the Monsanto Company, which later became Sterling Chemicals, for 40 years, until she retired in 1996.
Jerry was very active in the Dickinson community where she lived for 65 years. She enjoyed playing tennis, golf, bowling, dancing, listening to music, especially if performed by the Peewee Bowen Band and playing bridge.
Jerry will be sorely missed by her loving husband of 19 years, Mr. Peewee Bowen, Dickinson, Texas, her son Klay W. Simpson, and daughter in law, Melissa, Johns Creek, Georgia, grandsons Klay W Simpson Jr. and Carter Simpson, stepchildren Deanna Cornell, and husband Bill Clarendon, Texas, Trish Wanek, League City, Texas, Troy Bowen, and wife Tricia, Hallsville, Texas, including several grand, and great grandchildren, along with the many dear friends who Jerry loved very much.
Jerry’s husband, PeeWee Bowen died on May 19, 2023 with his daughter by his side. Many from CLBC attended PeeWee’s local performances to enjoy the evening with Jerry & Friends.
Clear Lake Bridge Club will miss her sparkle~ -
Chuck Brom
The "rock" of our I/N games has passed away. Chuck was born April 19, 1943 and died Oct 11, 2021.
Chuck learned bridge while he was serving his country in the US Navy. He played in our 199er, 299er and 499er games. On the mornings he played, Chuck spoiled us by bringing bagels. And with a booming voice he could quieten our pregame socializing so that we could start playing on time.
Chuck was very active as a pastor in his church. He volunteered there until the pain from his injuries became too great.
Chuck loved motorcycles, hot rods and The Renaissance Faire! He dressed in his Renaissance costume for our Clear Lake costume parties and stood out as our very own Henry VIII😁
Rest In Peace, Chuck...you will be missed by wife Gale, loving family and friends. -
Rick Burkhart
Rick passed away on Sept 27th of 2022. Born Dec 27, 1941 in Ohio and graduating from Purdue, Rick became a chemical engineer and worked at Exxon for over 40 years.
Rick and Bonnie Burkhart have been a significant part of CLBC for a long time. Rick had been President of the Club and a regular Game Director. We can hardly imagine not being in their company at our games.
Rick has been sick for a while and we have not seen him much...but his presence is still as strong as ever and we will miss his smile and warmth. -
Wayne Christensen
Wayne Christensen Jr
1940 - 2019
Wayne Howard Christensen Jr., 79, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Gerry Christensen; sons, Wayne H. Christensen III and wife, Deborah, Robert Christensen; daughter, Jill Christensen Hutton and husband, George; brother, Thomas Christensen; sisters, Barbara Parisi, Susan Christensen, Louise Baranowsky, Patricia Christensen; grandchildren, Ian and Zachary Hutton; and a host of other family and dear friends.
Wayne graduated from Webb Institute with a BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in 1961. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years as a Ship Supervisor at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Wayne would go on to complete a post graduate degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked for Humble Oil and Farrell Lines while in New York before moving to Houston as President of Academy Tankers. Wayne vast knowledge and experience allowed him the opportunity to work with Norwegian Cruise Lines in planning routes and courses for their ships. In his free time, he became a Gold Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League as well as Director of Duplicate Games at the Clear Lake Bridge Club. His love of the water continued as a member of the Houston Yacht Club, where he sailed in many Harvest Moon Regatta down to Port Aransas.
Wayne will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. -
Tom Cook
Our high-energy and fun-friend Tom Cook passed away on May 6, 2022. Tom was a native Texan, born in Dallas on March 8, 1940 and grew up in East Texas...so (of course) graduated from Texas universities: Univ of Texas with a BBA and Texas A&M with an MBA.
Tom and wife Saundra played in our 199er games on Monday and Wednesday...and boy were they FUN. We all loved when they came to our table and didn't care whether we won or lost (but Tom sure did...just ask Saundra!). Tom was graciously Mentored by Yvonne Pierce—and I can just hear Tom saying “Five and Dime, Saundra, Five and Dime!”
Tom & Saundra were also Members of Galveston Bridge Club so a few of us also played with them on Fridays.
We are certain that Tom is at the Big Bridge Table in heaven...and we look forward to embracing his ‘better half’ Saundra when we see her again at the Club.
Farewell Tom, you will be missed by all those who loved you--Saundra, your children and grandchildren and your Bridge Friends (it won't be the same without you.) -
Charlotte Coon
It is with a heavy heart that we share with you all the passing of Charlotte Coon. Charlotte's daughter, Cherry, spoke with Tomi Porterfield yesterday, saying that Charlotte had passed away that afternoon at Cherry’s home in West Monroe, Louisiana.
Charlotte Coon was a long time member of the Clear Lake Bridge Club. Charlotte, in my experience, was quiet, thoughtful, had a sweet chuckle and played a good hand of bridge. She had a way of coming up with a bid, when you thought the auction was over, that started the bidding again. Charlotte achieved 2,253 master points in the game we all love.
Charlotte loved the shades of blue, purple and pink. She wore lovely shawls and wraps in those colors as she often felt the chill of the air conditioning at the club. We have lost a friend and member.
Please keep Charlotte and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We will miss you, Charlotte. -
George Feng
Dr. George Chi-Chien Feng, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 28, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.
The oldest of seven siblings, George was born on November 11, 1931, in Shanghai, China. He received his Bachelor of Science from the prestigious National Taiwan University before arriving in the United States in January, 1959 with only $200 in cash to his name.
George earned a PhD in astronautical engineering in 1965 at the University of Minnesota. He worked with Lockheed Martin and Boeing…bringing him to Houston to work in the space industry —including contributions to the first manned orbital flight of the Space Shuttle.
George loved bridge! He was a friendly opponent in our 499er games prior to the pandemic. George’s bridge partners included Rubin Chang, Ronnie Martin, Judith Rebman and Helene Gersch. We are so sorry we did not get to enjoy time with George once the club reopened…will miss his charming good-nature. -
Bob Foote
Robert (Bob) Norris Foote was born in Jamestown, NY on June 25, 1932. He left this earth on Sunday, December 30, 2018. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his son David, and his wife Lorraine. He is survived by his four children: Janet (Trig) Thorsrud, Larry (Naomi) Foote, Sherry (Matt) Harrison, and Carl Foote; grandchildren: Dana and David Thorsrud, Monica, Aaron and Elise Foote, Jennifer and Nicole Harrison, and Jacob Foote; brother and sister-in-law Donald and Phyllis Foote; sister-in-law Karen Pugh; nieces and nephews Mike (Eva) Pugh, Carolyn (Gregg) LaMontagne, Nancy Foote Troxel, Joanne (Ariston) Awitan, and his very close friend Ann Jenkins.
Bob graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio and went on to study at The University of Texas in Austin, and Trinity University, where he received BS and MS degrees in Chemistry.
He married Lorraine Woodward Foote on June 5, 1954, and they began their married life in the San Antonio area. Bob and Lorraine had 5 children together. He served in the US Army, and spent some time stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Shortly after graduation from Trinity, Bob began his career as a chemist with GAF Corporation in Texas City, TX. During the course of his 29-year career as an Analytical Chemist with GAF, he oversaw the laboratory there. He and Lorraine and their family lived in La Porte, TX, where Bob was active for several years in The Boy Scouts of America, serving for a period as Scoutmaster. He enjoyed singing and a highlight of his involvement with the Chamber Singers of the Bay Area was when the group got to perform in Carnegie Hall in NYC.
Widowed in 2000, Bob then pursued a renewed interest in playing duplicate bridge and was active in this hobby until just days before his death. He had accumulated over 300 Masters Points, of which he was very proud. -
Stella Gallaher
Stella Joan Gallaher, passed away Friday July 28, 2017 at her home in Spring, TX due to complications following lung cancer.
She was born April 10, 1931 in Pittsfield, MA and was one of four children. After graduating high school, she attended Roanoke College in VA.
She wed Charles Gallaher in 1956, and they were married for 20 years. They had 2 children, Edwin and Charlene, and they resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The family moved down to Texas in 1983 where Stella retired from Witco Chemical Co. in Houston. She then moved to El Lago with companion Frank Stephens to live her dream on Clear Lake.
Stella was a wonderful, loving, and caring mother and grammy. She was an avid reader, loved to play bridge, go to the gym, travel, and to spend time with her family. -
Johnny Gills
Johnny Gills passed away on August 11, 2021. Johnny was born October 15th, 1946. He was from New Orleans and attended LSU. Johnny suffered from multiple myeloma ~ we wish him heavenly rest in the embrace of Our Lord and his family.
Johnny was an asset and friend to Clear Lake Bridge Club. He was an occasional Game Director and helped with our technology. Johnny was a member of both the ACBL and the ABA. His regular partners included Dave Bradt and Felicia Peavy.
Johnny was father to 4 children, Zelda, Jeanne, Johnny and Jason. Johnny was especially close to Jeanne who was frequently “with him at the Club” through his hats…he wore the hats she brought back from her many business and pleasure trips from countries around the world. If you asked, he would tell you about it!
What a nice guy! Johnny was generous with our Members as he assisted several, including Bob Dowlen, in coming to their homes to troubleshoot and setup home technology.
We will miss his courageous spirit~ -
Melva Keil
A native Texan, Melva passed away October, 25, 2019. She was born in Houston on June 19, 1934.
Melva graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1953. Melva and her loving husband Eugene had 2 sons. She maintained two full-time jobs as a professional Keypunch Operator and Mother.
During her 20 years of retirement, she continued playing Bridge as a Member of Clear Lake Bridge Club...she fondly called it "work." She became a Silver Life Master having many happy bridge partners.
In life, Melva was a Grand Life Master! -
Bill Kibikas
William Alan Kibikas passed away on May 5, 2020. Bill was born in Highland, IL on February 17, 1951.
Upon graduation from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Bill went to work for Monsanto Company in Pensacola, FL in June 1973. While living in Pensacola Bill earned his MBA in Finance at the University of West Florida. In October 1983 Bill transferred to the Monsanto Chocolate Bayou site in Alvin, TX. Bill retired from Monsanto/Solutia as a Fellow in December 2001.
Bill spent his retirement years volunteering as an AARP Tax Aide and playing duplicate bridge, earning the Life Master rank.
Bill is survived by two sons, Will and Matt, and his sister Pat Kibikas. He will be missed. -
Carolyn LaBouliere
Carolyn Labouliere passed away on November 27, 2023. Born on Aug 7, 1946, in Summit NJ, Carolyn was a very big part of the Clear Lake Bridge Club community of friends.
Carolyn and husband Richard, enjoyed a monthly Saturday night-out with bridge friends Jim & Allison Ochsner, Bob & Linda Dowlen, and John & Marsha Doyle. Carolyn might have been the flashiest with her sparkling blonde hair, winning smile, colorful dress and gorgeous jewels…but as a friend she was always willing to share center stage.
Carolyn played with many bridge players…and Mentored others. Carolyn played pairs and in teams, at Clubs and Tournaments with: Vera Annenkova, Rhonda Bryant, Rob Burridge, Bob Driskell, Bob Dowlen, Marsha Doyle, Mike Goldberg, Nancy Guthrie, Mike Hanna, Jere Hines, Sandi Mills, Bob Morris, Marsha Shortt, Mary Watters, Susie Way & Eddie Wold. In addition to her anchoring Membership at CLBC, Carolyn played all over Houston….from the Apple Clubs to Westside Bridge Academy.
Carolyn was lifetime school teacher, a voracious reader and a Mahjong player. She & Richard traveled the world…and when Richard was working overseas, Carolyn often taught in the American schools abroad. No wonder she was such an interesting woman!!!
Carolyn is survived by beloved husband Richard, son Gavin Odle and grandson William Dean Ashworth Odle.
We are feeling the loss of our good friend and will remember fondly her sparkle and strong presence at the Club. -
Doug Lilly
Our Friend and Club President, Doug Lilly passed away unexpectedly on 07/18/2022. Born 12/22/1942, he was too young to lose! We are still in shock.
We have many fond memories of Doug at the Club. Before he was President, Doug unofficially served in many ways. He made Boards. He helped clean-up and set-up for many of our parties. After nearly every game, he grabbed the hand vac to tidy the carpet. But the best thing Doug did ... he was a model Partner. While Doug was a willing and courteous partner to many, his 'regulars'— Mark Incerto, Shirley Kingsley, and Sandi Mills will miss him for a very long time. Doug also Mentored a number of new players: his first Mentee, Tammy Zurawski was delighted when they came in first place, the first time they played. And who can forget that green Jaguar that said "Doug is here today"!
In addition to many bridge friends, Doug is survived by 7 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Doug had a large impact on many lives. We will miss him and are comforted by his strong Christian faith.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept 17th at 3:00 PM. Bay Area Presbyterian Church. -
Chin Lin
Dr. Chin Lin passed away on Monday August 27, 2018. Chin Houi Lin was born on October 4, 1942 in the rural village Putian County in Fuijian Province, China. He was the youngest of 7 children to father Wei Wuan Lin and mother Xiu Rong Liu.
At the age of 7, he fled China with most of his family and moved to Taichung, Taiwan. Although Chin initially struggled in school because he had skipped the grade where the Chinese Phonetic Symbols were taught, his dear sister Jin-Wen tutored him, and he quickly rose to the top of his class. In junior high and high school, he was twice elected class president but often gave himself the hardest tasks and was the last one to go home. In 1960, Chin enrolled in National Taiwan University and entered the Chemical Engineering Department with the highest test scores of any student admitted to that program that year. He wanted to be an engineer like his father.
Chin met Jen-Ching (Grace) Chang, his “dream girl” in his own words, in 1964 after graduating college. He would faithfully visit Jen-Ching at her dorm every Sunday, and they eventually married on July 10, 1966. Soon after, he accepted a full scholarship to the Chemical Engineering graduate program at Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Chin began his career as an aerospace engineer at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in 1980, where he stayed until he retired in 2007. At NASA, Chin developed computer models of thermal regulation in space suits, heat pipes to cool spacecraft, and two-phase flow computer simulations. Through many successes, Chin would eventually become the Branch Chief of the Thermal Systems Branch of the Crew and Thermal Systems Division of NASA, the first Asian immigrant to have a managerial position and to reach Branch Chief at JSC. During his tenure at JSC, Chin received two Exceptional Service Medals, his most cherished professional awards. He was also granted a patent for the “Inflatable Spacecraft Module”, awarded the NASA Government Invention of the Year for 2017.
Chin enjoyed reading books, particularly Chinese classical literature, poetry, and history, playing bridge, and spending time with his beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Maggie, the best sources of pride, love and joy in his retirement years. Chin is also deeply loved by his wife, his sons Alex and Andy, their spouses Lisa and Michael, his nieces Julie Yen and Grace Yin, his nephew Mike Zuo, and all of his relatives. A man of few words, he preferred to lead by example, to quietly take the hardships of others upon himself, and to express love through his actions. We thank him for showing us how to be strong while kind and gentle, and to be humble while accomplishing great things. He was a brilliant scholar, a thoughtful gentleman, and a devoted father and grandfather. We all so dearly miss him. May he rest in peace. -
Otilia Magee
Otilia, 97, passed away July 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas. She was born September 16, 1923 in Attleboro, MA to Portuguese parents Joseph Ramos and Iracema Barros. She was married to Otis Wilber (Fibber) Magee January 8, 1946 and had two children, Jose Magee and Lorita Magee.
Otilia graduated from Brown University and completed her Masters degree in French. She was a Clear Lake High School teacher in the Clear Creek ISD where she taught French and was head of the foreign language department. She was loved by her students and well respected. She also owned a yarn and gift shop called the Hodge Podge in Baytown, Texas.
While living in Santa Fe, New Mexico she volunteered with Meals on Wheels and oftentimes delivered meals to those who were much younger than her. She enjoyed reading, travel, bridge, spending time with her beloved next-door neighbors Linda, Steve and Georgia, her close friend and bridge partner Judy Boyce, and many other friends. She loved and cared for several cats over the years (Lord Buzzleigh, Lord Copperleigh, Lady Waddleigh and Lady Pearl).
Her son Joe Magee of Tulsa Oklahoma and daughter Lorita Magee and her husband Ken Robinson of Georgetown, Texas, a grandson Brian Magee of Plano, Texas, two great-grandsons Aiden Magee and Jaxson Luna and one great-granddaughter Evie Robinson, survive her.
In recent years, Otilia belonged to Clear Lake Bridge Club and regularly played on-line and at the Club. She was an inspiration to all of us! Otilia last played at the Club on July 6th with her regular partner Judy Boyce…greeting everyone with warmth and affection. We will miss you, Otilia. -
Mark Meigs
Our friend, Mark Meigs passed away on April 24, 2021. Mark was born on Dec 9, 1947 in LaPorte, Texas. Mark and his twin brother Mack come from a bridge-playing family...Mark played with his sister,cousin and brother. These brothers have been Game Directors and Mentors at Clear Lake Bridge Club.
Mark, a Gold Life Master, was always a pleasure at the table. A gentleman who never lost his cool playing with partners who were experienced or inexperienced, he was happy to give his opinion about a bid or play but only if asked. He was sought after as a Mentor for his skill, teaching ability and kindness.
Mark and Mack also managed the weekly Duplicate game in Baytown. It was a small game (3-5 tables), friendly and engaging...just like Mark and Mack. Those of us who were called as a last-minute ‘fill-in’ grew to enjoy this game and cannot imagine it without our friend Mark. -
Wayne Miller
Dr. Wayne L. Miller, Jr., 80, of Baytown, was born an only child on December 17, 1937, to Wayne L. Miller and Mary Wonderly Miller and passed to be with our Heavenly Father after seeing family and friends he has not seen in several years on Saturday, April 21, 2018.
A God-fearing man that, with the strength of his faith, knew that his time on earth DOES NOT end his journey, YET begins the journey. Dr Miller was a man with so many personal interests and that he lived his life to the fullest! His loves: his wife Virginia, his Family, Traveling, Teaching, Reading, Collecting, Counseling others. He was also a chef, he enjoyed Native American Folklore as well as being an accomplished Native American Flute player. He was an AVID Bridge player, a supporting member of the Houston Grand Opera, and a mathematical savant. Dr Miller was martial arts expert, an amazing storyteller, and taught Sunday School at Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist. He is most remembered for his teaching Mathematics at Lee College for 42 years, he recently was still teaching at Baytown Christian Academy (3 years), until his illness just a few weeks ago. He will always be remembered as “The man in black” who would wear a coat & tie in 100 degree weather and not break a sweat, and who would howl down the hallways of Lee College just because he could.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Virginia Miller; children, Mary Miller, Sharron Miller, and Michael Miller; and fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. -
Carole Moore
Carole passed away in Denver, CO on October 3, 2022 where she had moved to be near her family. Born June 17, 1932 in Osceola, Wisconsin, Carole lived a big life…growing up in Wyoming and graduating from Montana State College. Marriage & family, jobs & business, a Broncos football fan ~and how we knew her: bridge.
Carole was a much-loved bridge partner...because she was such a wonderful person and a proficient bridge player. Her move to CO in 2020 was our 'first loss' and we are feeling the loss again with her passing.
Carole experienced severe loss with the deaths of all 3 of her children. In spite of that blow, she continued to be a positive force in the lives of those she knew. How could we not admire and love Carole? -
Bob Naughton
Our friend Bob Naughton passed away on Feb 7, 2021. At the bridge table, we knew Bob as a stately, dignified man with a welcoming and ready smile. Bob and his beloved wife Peggy always greeted you warmly at their table, announced their system and carding...then proceeded to beat the pants off you! Bob loved to share anecdotes from their travels and about their children and grandchildren. The deep love and commitment Bob had for Peggy and their relationship was so apparent and a joy to see.
While we honor Bob as our bridge-playing friend, there is another Bob of whom we should be proud. Captain Robert J. Naughton was a Navy pilot during the Vietnam War. Bob was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on May 18, 1967, and was held until his release on March 4, 1973. Bob is a recipient of the Navy’s Silver Cross for his service in Vietnam. Bob served his country from 1960 through 1987. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are truly a hero.
After retiring from the Navy with distinguished service, Bob joined NASA as Chief of Aircraft Operations Division at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He held that position until 2004, and while at NASA, was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Medal and Distinguished Service Medal and was recognized in 1995 by President Bill Clinton with a Meritorious Senior Executive Award.
It's been our privilege to play bridge with such a great guy! -
John Nettles
John Charles Nettles passed away at MD Anderson Hospital, Houston, Texas, on April 18, 2020. John was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on October 8, 1950.
Those left to cherish his memory include his much loved and devoted spouse Kathryn Myers Nettles; his son, Jay William Nettles; his daughter Leslie Nettles Robertson and husband Aaron and his grandson Reid Alan Robertson. His large and loving extended family grieve their loss.
John earned his college degree in mathematics at Louisiana Tech in 1972. He returned to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in English. There he met his forever love, Kathryn. They were married on June 1, 1974.
After a short stint in Austin, when he thought he wanted to be a college professor, they made their home in Houston. He found his way into the energy field working as a technical document specialist and then began his long career as an IT professional turned manager with Reliant/NRG for almost 33 years until his retirement on January 5, 2018.
He was a brilliant pianist, a wonderful writer, a talented artist, an excellent photographer, a lover of nature, music, books, movies and the arts. He was an amazing, caring father and a faithful, supportive husband. John had a quick, dry wit. He could make you smile with his beautiful smile but also make you laugh with a turn of phrase or amusing story. He was a sensitive, kind, and loving soul. The world lost a bright light in these dark times. -
Larry Peterson
Larry passed away on May 20, 2023 after losing his battle with cancer. But boy, did he let cancer know that he wasn't giving in easily.... wearing those neon green wigs that made us all smile. He last played bridge with us on Monday, May 8th.
Larry was a gentleman at the bridge table. Always gracious, always kind and always encouraging. He played regularly with Marilyn Bein and also Marsha Shortt.
Larry had lots of other interests besides bridge. He was born and raised in the Houston area and loved hunting, fishing, cooking…and the Astros. But above all, he enjoyed time with his family.
We will miss Larry's warmth and charm. And wish we had more time with our friend. -
Edith Reid
We’ve lost so much now that we have lost Edith.
Edith Reid was a founding member of Clear Lake Bridge Club. But more than that…she was our friend, our role model, our inspiration. Edith was a superb bridge player; with 6300 Masterpoints, she taught us all many lessons. At the table, she was fully focused on the cards while maintaining a gracious and warm presence. What a mind! What a spirit!
Edith Ramsay Reid passed away on Monday, the 31st of January 2022, at the age of 90. She was born to Maude Parker and Roy Allen Ramsay in Fort Worth, Texas, on the 24th of October 1931.
Edith grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and attended Central High School graduating in 1949. She went on to the University of Oklahoma where she joined the Chi Omega sorority, and two years later she transferred to Tulsa University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Medical Technology. .
In 1955, Edith moved with her parents and found work at a hospital on the Pacific Island of Guam. She had very fond memories of her time spent on the Island. After two years, Edith and her parents took time on their return to the United States and traveled extensively through Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Shortly after her return to Tulsa, she met her husband of 58 years, Richard Reid. They were married on the 10th of June 1961 until his death in 2019. Shortly after they married, they moved to Hampton, Virginia, and then Houston, Texas in connection with Richard’s career with NASA.
Edith was a talented pianist and a member of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. She played piano and organ for the church choir in the early years and later she accompanied the church’s Spirit Singers. She also performed for various special events, and particularly enjoyed her time playing at the Hilton Hotel on Clear Lake.
She is survived by a large family and even larger group of friends. We love you Edith and will miss you terribly. -
Jorge Rodriquez
On January 14, 2022, Jorge passed away peacefully while visiting with his family in Houston. Jorge was born in Havana, Cuba in 1946. He moved to Dallas in 1963. After serving in the US Army and completing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Jorge moved to California to work for Lockheed Martin as a “Missile Specialist” until his retirement in 2006.
To be nearer his family, Jorge returned to the Galveston area. He had a great retirement…fishing, painting, reading, Legos & puzzles. He was a joy to his family who adored their Uncle Jorgio. He also became an avid bridge player!
Jorge was a Member of both Clear Lake Bridge Club and Galveston Bridge Club. He played in as many as Tournaments as he could attend. We saw him everywhere! Know widely by the I/N community for his friendly smile and welcoming presence at the table, he will be missed.
Rest In Peace, Jorge. -
George Rosen
George died on October 24, 2022. Born November 26, 1938 George fully lived all his 83 years!
George knew everybody…and everybody knew George! We all loved being around him and many of us were privileged to have played with George as their partner. His dependable goodwill was such a gift to our bridge community. We are sorry we do not have many more years with our friend George. -
Bill Smith
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Smith. Bill was a long time member of the Clear Lake Bridge Club and an avid, high-ranking bridge player. Below is a statement from Jeff Smith, Bill's son, on behalf of the Smith family:
"We lost our father, Bill Smith, early this morning after a hard fought battle this week. Our answered prayer was that he stayed with us long enough for my sister, Linda, to fly in to spend time with him, that his wife Jan was showered with prayers and blessings to help comfort her in a time of need, and Dad is in a much better place. He loved God, family and Sagemont Church. Dad spent his life working in the space program, was an accomplished musician in bands and orchestras and was an active Diamond Life Master bridge player.
The support from the Sagemont Church family has been a blessing and is truly appreciated by our family. The ICU staff at UTMB Clear Lake was so incredibly compassionate and our Neurologist Dr. Lisa Wright was a true Godsend. Please keep Jan his wife of 36 years in your prayers." -
Dennis Tanner
Dennis passed away on Oct 25, 2023. We were fortunate that Dennis spent part of his annual travels in the Houston area where he played bridge at CLBC, Galveston Bridge Club and Lake Jackson Bridge Clubs.
Dennis was a smart cookie (Mensa) who stayed involved in community and church. But all of that was secondary to the love of his wife Linda and their four daughters…and extended family living across the US. We are graced with Dennis & Linda’s daughter Amy Mannie as one of the newer bridge players at CLBC.
Dennis was a man of faith who lived goodwill everywhere…even (especially!) at the bridge table. His loving legacy will long be felt. -
John Taylor
John Taylor passed away on Dec 16, 2023 as a man who lived a great life. John was born on on January 4, 1925, in Saratoga, Texas.
Visit our Birthday webpage and you will see that we celebrated John’s birthdays each year as he inspired us by playing bridge until just months away from 99 years old. Our club has a nice reminder of his presence with one of his paintings. Yes! John was smart, fun, and a talented artist!
John is survived by a family both of relatives and friends. All who knew John, loved John. Mark Incerto played with his Father-in-Law John, and we were all charmed by the warmth and affection between the two. Their love spread to all of us at CLBC.
When you are at the club, look for John’s painting and think of him at peace with his wife…and smile — John would want that! -
Steve Vaughn
Steve Vaughn passed away July 26, 2022. Born Nov 3, 1936 in Berwick, PA, Steve had lived in LaPorte, Tx since 1972.
Steve served our country as a Marine and Pasadena Police Officer, retiring as Detective Sergeant. He was a longtime member of Berachah Church.
Steve had many interests including running marathons, golfing, fishing and gambling. We know him best as a frequent bridge player. Lou Cossey and Paul Stereff were long-time partners. Above all, we knew Steve as a gentleman at the table. We enjoyed any round vs Steve & Lou.
The Eternal CLBC now includes too many of our Members…but we smile when we think of them forming a club of friends and hoping they are playing divine bridge. -
Gail Wells
It is with deep sadness that we inform our members of the passing this morning of our dear friend and member. Gail Wells. Sherri Wells Greenwood, her daughter, said that Gail was not feeling well yesterday and they made a doctor’s appointment for today. When Sherry went in to wake Gail, our Gail was with God.
Memories of Gail are wonderful in the years she was with us. Gail’s wardrobe was enormous, especially jackets and sweaters; she always looked polished and stylish. However, it was those SHOES. I don’t think I ever saw her in same pair of shoes. She was always put together from the tip of her head to her toes. The beautiful blue round eyes full of life, her energy, her wonderful stories and anecdotes on bridge and life. Gail had a compassion for the other players who made errors or were not sure of their game. Playing with or against Gail was fun; she was happy to give advice and did she love the game.