On December 14th:
- Alabama became a state
- The Wright brothers made their first attempt to fly
- The Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations, and
Larry Oakey was born!
Few people have had a greater impact upon bridge in Minnesota than TGLO (The Great Larry Oakey). For literally decades, Larry has directed and assisted at club games and tournaments both in around the Twin Cities. Many of today's players may not recall, but in the "olden days" prior to computers, pair events were scored by hand. Larry could do "a sheet" in frighteningly short order. Some of us wondered if Larry perhaps was a precursor to a desk top!
When it comes to playing our great game, Larry again is no slouch - to put it mildly. Earlier in his career, Oakey partnered and teamed with such notable players like Howie Weinstein, Steve Garner, Jim Hall, Morrie Freir, and others. Recently, Larry showed his stuff with partner Kerry Holloway, earning a berth to the 2008 NAP in Detroit. In between, yours truly was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play and learn with The Great One for a number of years.
Larry continues to help out constantly at games, tournaments, private parties - and partner players of virtually all levels. Calling Larry the bedrock force of bridge in Minnesota surely would not be far off the mark.
Some of Larry's friends celebrated his 70th birthday with him. Please join me in extending a huge "Happy Birthday" wish to Larry from the entire bridge community!
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