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David Reese Obituary
Reese died in his sleep and was found by his son early Tuesday morning at his Las Vegas home after suffering from symptoms of pneumonia, said poker great Doyle Brunson, his longtime friend.
"I knew him for 35 years, I never saw him get mad or raise his voice," Brunson said. "He had the most even disposition of anyone I've ever met. He's certainly the best poker player that ever lived."
After attending Dartmouth College, Reese was on his way to Stanford business school in the early 1970s when he stopped by a Las Vegas poker room and won big, said World Series of Poker media director Nolan Dalla.
"He just accidentally stumbled into Las Vegas and never left," Dalla said.
His immediate success at cash games and low-key persona won him friends, even among those who wound up passing him their chips.
Despite winning three World Series champion's bracelets over the last four decades, including a $1.8 million HORSE event in 2006 that combines five poker disciplines, Reese focused his attention on high-stakes cash games away from the limelight.
"I've seen him with a million dollars in front of him," said Dalla, describing how Reese would put out racks of $5,000 chips "like he was betting a few bucks."
Reese was part of a generation of players in the 1970s that challenged established greats like Brunson, Thomas "Amarillo Slim" Preston Jr. and Walter Clyde "Puggy" Pearson, Dalla said.
Brunson and Reese eventually became business partners, investing in everything from oil wells and mining to TV stations and racehorses and becoming sports betting consultants.
None of the ventures was successful, Brunson said.
"We went to look for the Titanic. We went to look for Noah's Ark. We were two of the biggest suckers whenever it came to business, but we both had poker to fall back on," Brunson said. "Thank God we could play, so we always survived."
Reese's prowess at both cash and tournament play was cemented with his 2005 win, said World Series of Poker commissioner Jeffrey Pollack.
"Many consider Chip the greatest cash-game player who ever lived," Pollack said in a news release. "His victory in the inaugural $50,000 buy-in HORSE championship ... made him a part of WSOP lore forever."
Reese is survived by a son, a daughter and a stepdaughter, Brunson said. He was recently divorced from his wife.
Services are planned for Friday in Las Vegas, Brunson said.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
60 Entries
Harry Simpson
December 4, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
November 10, 2010
John Talmadge
October 6, 2010
Chip Reese and I were at Dartmouth College at the same time, and although I didn't know him then, I became a great admirer when I took up poker seriously several years ago. His story is the stuff dreams are made of, and like so many others I wish he could have lived forever. There is a line in our Dartmouth school song that says, "They have the Still North in their hearts, the Chill Wind in their veins, and the granite of New Hampshire in their muscles and their brains." Chip was the ultimate example of cool under pressure, and a great example for anyone in the poker world, or the world at large. I wish I could have known him, because we all need more like him.
May 14, 2010
The years may come and go but the memories of our love ones will live one within our hearts. May the God of all comfort continue to be with the Reese family.
How you can show support
Dan Wendling
December 19, 2009
Sorry to her about Chip,I remember him as great guy
The Chosen 1
MASCARA The Chosen 1
January 27, 2008
Farewell Mr. Reese...you had class...
Scott Goldiner
January 24, 2008
since i started watching the wsop back in 05, i have looked up to as an idol, you will be missed.
December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas Chip!
mark lewis
December 13, 2007
a great player will be sadly missed by all rip chip
Laurel Hirsch-Duvall
December 12, 2007
We lived next door to each other in Kettering. My brother, Sherman, taught you to play poker...I was good friends with your sister, Laurie. We watched you often on the Poker channel. My thoughts are with your family.
Susan Kersell
December 11, 2007
My thoughts, sympathy and prayers are with the family and many friends of David "Chip" Reese. I never met the man, but sincerely wish that opportunity had come my way. A great poker player, yes. But from everything I have heard or read, he made his true mark on this world as a loving, committed father and friend. I only heard of his far too early passing yesterday and keep thinking it just isn't right and can't be real. I have cried off and on since then and spent a fitful night imagining the grief of his family and friends. My heart goes out to them. I wish I could fix it. I know it is small comfort at this time of your loss, but know that this man touched so many lives - even of those who did not have the great privilage of knowing him personally. I hope the joy you had with him helps, over time, to dim the pain you must be feeling at this difficult time.
Janis Powell
December 10, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family of David "Chip" Reese. I have fond memories of him on our Poker Cruises International events in the 80's. He always brought smiles to people's faces and was lots of fun. Very talented poker player and kind man. He became a legend to many over time and he will be missed not only by those who knew him but by those from all over the world that got an opportunity to see his talent at the poker table.
My Sincerest Condolences,
mike m44
December 10, 2007
may you rest in peace
deb hammer
December 10, 2007
I sorry to hear of such an untimely death. I barely knew you although we were 'step' cousins (your aunt Pat married my dad). You were loved by many.
Perry Green
December 9, 2007
As one of 1,000 who attended your memorial service, they were there not to pay tribute to a Great Poker Player, but to a friend,humanitarian,larger than life individual and a man who always managed a smile no matter the situation he was involved in.
May his family understand that a man like Chip comes along so very rarely.
With the greatest of respect and sadness.
Perry and Gloria Green
Steve-Karen Himebaugh
December 9, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Megan Rockhold
December 9, 2007
David "Chip" Reese, you will be missed greatly. I remember when your Dad died and you gave him the most beautiful eulogy. I hope that you got the very same in return. Aunt Laure, Uncle Paul, and Ali: I love you guys and we are all here for you. If you need anything, just call.
S. Gibbs
December 9, 2007
I would like to express by deepest sympathy to the family, I enjoyed watching Chip Reese on t.v. many late nights, may he rest in peace.
Neil Barnett
December 8, 2007
I honor Chip as a player of a game i love and a gentleman. I was shocked by his sudden death. i never knew him. I am one of the countless adm
Sherman Shonk
December 8, 2007
Our condolences to the entire Reese family from the Hirsch family your next door neighbors in Kettering. I will always remember Chip at six or seven learing to play poker aginst us older kids in the neighborhood. For us penny ante was a high stakes game. Even then Chip held his own. We will miss following his carreer.
Marti Sullivan
December 8, 2007
My sincerest sympathies to Chip's family for his loss. He was a wonderful guy and so many of us enjoyed growing up with him. It was a real treat to be able to follow his unusual career all these years - but not long enough. My prayers are with you.
Heather O'Shaughnessy
December 8, 2007
I enjoyed watching him play. Truly a gentleman. My condolences to his family and friends. The world has lost a great poker player but they have lost a beloved father, brother and friend.
Kim & Jeff Tikhonoff
December 8, 2007
To The Family and Friends of DAVID "CHIP" REESE, We are so very sorry for your loss. We will miss watching him play, but we know that he has one big game going on up there! Cherish memories always, keep them close to your heart. God Bless. Sincerely,
Adi
December 8, 2007
You are my idol! RIP
ALL IN CHIP
Ralph Crihfield (Holdem988)
December 8, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
CarolynReese Morse
December 7, 2007
sincere sympathy to Chip's family and friends. I, too am a cousin of his father and alway thought of Chip as family, following his career as closely as possible. I shall miss him.
Esther Stafford
December 7, 2007
I sincerely hope that the memories you have of your brother, Chip, will continue to give you joy and peace, Laurie, Paul, & Ali. My sympanthy and prayers are for you and all your family.
Janet Reese Seitz
December 7, 2007
Chip's Dad was my first cousin. We attended DEnison University as did Sonny Maurer Reese, Chip's mom. We never had the pleasure of meeting Chip but we've followed his career with interest. I'm so glad we have the opportunity to express our sorrow to his family. Hope we can meet sometime. [email protected]
Sue Martin
December 7, 2007
My deepest sympathy to Chip's family, especially to Laurie, Paul and Ali, please know that my love and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Brizo Georgio
December 7, 2007
In the poker game called life, you've gone "all in". RIP Chip-you will be missed.
O Wilson/Griffin
December 7, 2007
RIP My prayers (R) with you.
December 7, 2007
Enjoy playing poker in Heaven!
WIN BIG!!!!!
Wisconsin
Tom Sexton
December 7, 2007
Win, lose, or draw, Chip Reese was the essence of class! He was the best poker player on earth, but more importantly.....one of the best people. My brother, Mike Sexton and I, won't ever forget you.
Eric Rosenberg
December 6, 2007
As a poker journalist I enjoyed covering Chip Reese. I met him twice and he seemed to be very likable and sincere. It is a shame to see him go before his time. I came accross this yearbook picture of Chip from 1969.
Best wishes to the Reese family.
Benton B
December 6, 2007
Rest in Peace Chip. You were an inspiration to many young poker professionals, and I thank you for that.
Andy Vuong
December 6, 2007
World of poker and I will miss you.
Rest in peace
RIP CHIP, GOD BLESS
December 6, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gayla Brown
December 6, 2007
Reeae (Chip),
Will be missed. To the family stay strong am praying for you.
Michael iezzi
December 6, 2007
Father we entrust our brother David to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold David in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
A Fan
December 6, 2007
He will be missed. He was truly a class act in the poker world.
Gwen Voegtle
December 6, 2007
So sorry for your loss.
Gwen from Minnesota
Tracy K
December 6, 2007
Wow, I have followed poker for about 4yrs and this is one of the BIG GUYS I like to watch. I never thought that I would read this. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends, We lost A GREAT ONE!!!
Darryl & Penny Downard
December 6, 2007
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Reese family.
Tom Gugliuzza
December 6, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Reese family in the loss of Chip.
Gary White
December 6, 2007
30 some years ago I went to Las Vegas with John Wright, a friend of Chips. I didn't know Chip then, but he treated me like an old friend. I will never forget his hospitalty. My prayers go out to his family.
Sheila Smith
December 6, 2007
Rest in Peace David.
1969 Centerville HS Yearbook Photo
Frank Cox
December 5, 2007
A Classmate, A Friend, A Person The World will miss.
Info and updates at our class webpage.
http://www/69elks.com
Carolyn Stein
December 5, 2007
One of the finest poker players, and one of the classiest, Chip will be missed. Condolences to his family.
A Fan
December 5, 2007
R I P, Mr. Reese. My sincere condolences to family and friends. May the thoughts and prayers of all of us so saddened by his passing comfort you.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
December 5, 2007
REST IN PEACE, DAVID REESE
Jeff Brooks
December 5, 2007
We'll miss you Chip!
Cheryl Keggan
December 5, 2007
A Great loss to the poker world, always enjoyed watching him play.
Am sure he will be missed by both family and his many poker friends.
Eddie Clarke
December 5, 2007
Chip, You will be loved and missed by family and friends.
The Drumms
December 5, 2007
Deepest sympathies to family and friends of Chip.
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