Harry Sims was found dead this morning in his home. He had not been feeling well for about a week and I suppose he thought he'd recover. Everyone thought it was simply a real bad cold or some kind of bug.

Harry was a great friend and my Billiard Mentor. I would not be playing the game if it wasn't for Harry moving to St. Louis . I'd already quit for nearly 10 years when I found out he moved here. Harry took an interest in me and my game bringing me from nothing to competing in Regional Competition. This could possibly be the end to 3 Cushion in St. Louis . Only a couple of .200 and .300 players around.

I had a goal to qualify for the Nationals to honor to him in the only way I could think of. Guess I didn't make it in time.

His last pieces of advice to me before I left for Marshalltown will forever be ingrained in my soul.

Sure miss him.

by Tom Paley