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Have just got home from Chris Raphael's memorial service. I'm so
pleased I went. It was a very tearful funny sad and amusing service....the Reverand said he had never laughed so
much at a funeral or memorial service. His family were very warm and his children a credit to him. Have attached
the service sheet, but unfortunately the photo of Chris didn't come out.Hopefully see you soon. and thanks for letting me know.
Love
Linda/Lana x
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Hi Neil, I am sure you received the email from Barbara regarding the passing of Chris Raphael. I don't
know if you met Chris, at Playboy or remember him at all, I am sure you must of heard of him. I was hoping you could
put something on the site about him, there must be plenty of people on the various lists that would have known Chris. Chris
joined Playboy around '69 and was instrumental in reviving the crap games at the Club and also the Clermont. I worked
as his assistant on craps and took over when Chris moved on to further his career, in the early '70s. Chris
was one of the best crap dealers that I have ever seen, his hands were incredible, his moves so precise and clear. He became
a great, and very well respected instructor of the game. Chris was also involved with the training of the UK Gaming Board
Inspectors back in '69. The last that I saw Chris was at the Mohegan Sun about three years ago, he said he was
still working hard consulting but had some health issues. Chris will be remembered as a legend in the Gaming Industry
and will be sadly missed. Don Kennaugh
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This is too sad, I had no idea Chris R was unwell. I am so sorry to hear this news. Serena
------------------------------------------------- Regards to all Dice Dealers
from Payboy and Clermont 72 to 79. Chris was an influence on us all. A legend and a gent. Never forgetting our Rod.
He was a beautifully classy guy too. They both recognised good work. My goodness me, we are losing so many now. It's too
soon. Boys? Don Kennaugh? Is it time to get together for a lunch? Coach & Horses, Hill Street? Talk over old
times? Drink too much and wind each other up mercilessly? Before we are fewer and fewer? Move the dice lads. A fast game is
a good game. Bob Ashwood ------------------------------------------------- Neil,
Thanks a Million times for the Pictures of Rod Wally & Chris, I truly Loved Chris as my Brother, Thanks again, Terry Mahoney,
Las Vegas
------------------------------------------------- That is very sad news indeed, two fine guys gone. Jimmy Brown -------------------------------------------------- hi barb, l am very sad
l have lost a great friend and my teacher.enclosed a private photo for you, rod slades wedding in Kensington. Wal xx l would imagine l will get very drunk tonight
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Worked
with Chris at "George Raft's Colony Club" 1966/1969 good man great loss,I will inform Freddie Ayoub in Vegas
Dave Ho
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Having
only spent 6 months in London before going to The Bahamas I never knew Chris but he was one those names that just kept coming
up. Obviously with very good reason! Neil Glander.
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I am deeply saddened to learn of Chris Raphael's passing. I had the good fortune
to work with him in London (1974) and the Bahamas (1990) and to partner up with him on a casino purchase in Aruba (1996).
In fact he was responsible, through his connections, for initiating my move from South Africa to Aruba in 1993. I have much
to be thankful for as a result of his friendship. As Don so rightly said, he will be remembered as a legend in the Gaming
Industry.
Nigel Barrow, Aruba
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When I started at the
Playboy in early ’72 it was quite an intimidating place. Big time managers who would barely acknowledge your existence,
stroppy inspectors who would give you a hard time, hot shot dice dealers who would only talk to themselves. But there was
Chris Raphael who took the time and the trouble to take me aside, to chat to me, to explain and to encourage me – and
I wasn’t even a dice dealer! I have never forgotten this as it helped me immensely and encouraged me to stay in the
casino business. R.I.P. Chris. You were a star. David Marshall
--------------------------------------------- A message from Bernie Mulhern Dear Barbara, This has not been the best of years for keeping our extended and extraordinairy Family
intact. Too many have left us this year to walk the green fields and pastures on
the other side, and one trusts that there is still a smile on their faces as they watch those they have left behind, tripping
over and kicking the 'rocks' of advancing age,at its various levels. Chris Raphael was as with
his favourite game a'natural'. He was highly skilled in most games, but in truth his loyalty and highest skill were
always in the game of 'craps' There are many, now located world wide, who will have been taught the game
of 'craps' by Chris, and he taught them well,and there is little doubt that at one time that the London Playboy had
three of the best 'craps' crews in the world, and in that remark I include 'Vegas'. There was skill, there
was crispness, and perhaps a 'closed shop' bonhomie, which bound the teams together in their special 'jousts'
with the 'petrols'. The teams were and to a degree
are still at this time now friends and 'buddies', which is evidenced by the high level of respects
that are being paid to Chris at this time. A MEMORY;
When we were based in Atlantic City, the terms of employment were many, various and strict, this being we were told to
protect job opportunity for the 'locals'. A State
of New Jersey and perhaps a Federal employment requirement of the time was that a certain percentage of persons had to
be of particular ethnic origins, and a certain percentage 'quota' had to be hired in each category. Chris had somehow determined, and could prove that he was the posessor of nine seperate blood lines,
proved to the level of effect that the Human Resource Department registered him nine seperate times with complete success.
As you may imagine, there was a great deal of pride and humour in the acknowledgement that Chris gave to this extraordinairy
make-up of his being.
The pain has left you now, may you rest in peace. When you think back over recent years, and remember the likes and lives of Rema, Polly,
Cesca, Derek B, PeterB, Andy W,John.., Ray M. and so many more, some much better known and closer to you and other members
of our 'Family',
I personally cannot believe how fortunate we were to
have had that time with each other, especially in our business lives,and moreso,to have the links that we still have at this
present time.
Take Good Care. Bernie.
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Dear Barbara I was reading your email to my mum and when I got to
the bit about your pub, she said that by weird coincidence it used to be run by her great Uncle Ted and Auntie Lil! I think
it must have been early 1900's, my maternal grandfather (who was born around 1915) grew up in the east end and he and
my great uncle worked on barges on the river. After the war they moved to Essex as they were bombed out, I’m not sure
when mums Great Uncle and Aunt left the pub but I thought you would be intrigued to hear. Small world! Cx Hello Charlotte, How very nice to hear from
you. I don't know if I will be able to make it to Rosslyn Hill on Saturday, weekends can be quite busy here and
I have a few members of staff on holiday, although I shall try. However, I have forwarded your message about the memorial
service to my entire Playboy contact list and I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few old colleagues managing to turn
up. If you
or any of your "brood" would like to come to the reunion on 12th September then please do so, you will be most welcome. Kind regards,
Barbara
Hi Barbara I have been forwarded your email by my stepmum Janet. I'm
Chris's eldest daughter and myself and 3 siblings all live in the Uk. As my mum Diane is unwell we were unable to go to
Florida when Dad died so we are holding a small memorial/ celebration of Dad's life in Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead,
London, this Saturday 31st at 2pm. If you wanted to join us you would be very welcome, please pass on the message to anyone
else who knew him. Dad's time at Playboy and the Clermont were definitely some of the
best days of his life and he always reminised about it. If we don't see you this Saturday then we will have to come for
a drink in your pub sometime. Best regards
Charlotte Here
is the note from Barbara Haigh Hello Janet, Thanks for the information. I have no doubt that we shall all raise a glass or several to Chris at this year's Playboy London Reunion
on September 12th, here at my ancient old pub in London www.grapeslondon.co.uk . However, there are bound to be many people in London who knew Chris and not necessarily from Playboy, so another
get together would be lovely. Keep me posted with regard to any memorial gathering over
here and I'll spread the word for you. My sincerest condolences to you and
the rest of Chris's family - I was very fond of him and have great memories, as I have for all of the guys and gals from
those fabulous years. Ah wonderful youth, we all definitely made the most of it. I'm attaching a pic from the Directors' Christmas Lunch (Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, I think)
must have been around 1976/7) L to R me Bunny Barbara, Bill Gerhauser (Financial Director) Elayne Murray, (Bunny Ruth at the
time) and of course Chris Raphael, don't know what his title was but he was quite important! Fondest regards,
Barbara (Haigh)
Hi Barbara,
I'm Matthew Raphael . Just saw the picture you sent to my step mum jan, as i see charlie
has said he really did love that point in time in london he was probably at one of his happiest times then....i love the picture
as you can really see that on all your faces. I would have loved to have popped in on the 12th but unfourtunalty i'm not
going to be around london that weekend. Dad had many stories from around the world over time it will be great hearing them.
I just thought i would say hi and that i will most definetley pop past your pub for a drink sometime, hopefully i'll
see you there.
Kind regards
Matthew.
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Hi Barbara I totally understand, thanks for passing the message on, everyone would be very welcome. Dad
always said if he died whilst on any if his trips he didn't want a big fuss or to worry bringing him home, instead he
said just have a glass of champagne so perhaps you could do that! Thanks also for your invite to the 12th September, I will let you know if we can make it.
Best regards
Charlotte
Hello Charlotte, How very nice to hear from you. I don't know if I will be able to make it to Rosslyn Hill
on Saturday, weekends can be quite busy here and I have a few members of staff on holiday, although I shall try. However,
I have forwarded your message about the memorial service to my entire Playboy contact list and I wouldn't be surprised
if there were a few old colleagues managing to turn up. If you or any of your
"brood" would like to come to the reunion on 12th September then please do so, you will be most welcome. Kind regards, Barbara Hi
Barbara I have been forwarded your email by my stepmum Janet. I'm Chris's eldest daughter
and myself and 3 siblings all live in the Uk. As my mum Diane is unwell we were unable to go to Florida when Dad died so we
are holding a small memorial/ celebration of Dad's life in Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, London, this Saturday 31st
at 2pm. If you wanted to join us you would be very welcome, please pass on the message to anyone else who knew him. Dad's
time at Playboy and the Clermont were definitely some of the best days of his life and he always reminised about it. If we
don't see you this Saturday then we will have to come for a drink in your pub sometime.
Best regards Charlotte
------------------------------------- I have been forwarded your email by my stepmum Janet. I'm
Chris's eldest daughter and myself and 3 siblings all live in the Uk. As my mum Diane is unwell we were unable to go to
Florida when Dad died so we are holding a small memorial/ celebration of Dad's life in Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead,
London, this Saturday 31st at 2pm. If you wanted to join us you would be very welcome, please pass on the message to anyone
else who knew him. Dad's time at Playboy and the Clermont were definitely some of the best days of his
life and he always reminised about it. If we don't see you this Saturday then we will have to come for a drink in your
pub sometime.
Best regards Charlotte
-------------------------------------
Hi Barbara I
have been forwarded your email by my stepmum Janet. I'm Chris's eldest daughter and myself and 3 siblings
all live in the Uk. As my mum Diane is unwell we were unable to go to Florida when Dad died so we are holding a small memorial/
celebration of Dad's life in Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, London, this Saturday 31st at 2pm. If you wanted to join
us you would be very welcome, please pass on the message to anyone else who knew him. Dad's time
at Playboy and the Clermont were definitely some of the best days of his life and he always reminised about it. If we don't
see you this Saturday then we will have to come for a drink in your pub sometime.
Best regards Charlotte
---------------------------------------
As we walk life's path we meet many people that we especially remember some for their good grace many others for their lack
of it . Chris stays in my memories for his very good grace, he was a real gent.
Chris was sharp and smart, he was the best, but what set him apart from others was that he was always ready to help others
to be the best that they could be, he was a natural mentor, he knew his business he did not deal with people by putting them
down or by crafty manipulation instead he would build you up build your confidence and take the time and effort to give you
the skills that you needed . To many people that I have met along my life's path took the authoritarian manipulative and easy
way Chris was different, he took the time and effort and had what it took to do things in a decent positive and respectful
way.
Chris you can rest now free of pain, you can be confident that your spirit lives on forever in all those people that met you
along life's path the ones that paid attention to you and in turn where influenced, they in turn will pass your influence
forward to others for ever.
Sincerely John Stais
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