PokerWorks

It was a sad day for the poker community when it was discovered that Lee Munzer died on June 26, 2009 at the age of 66. The well-known poker writer and friend to many in the poker world seemed to have succumbed to cancer and left the world too early.

Munzer was born on May 3, 1943, and found his way to poker where his words were published in hundreds of magazine columns, including some for CardPlayer, and websites like PokerPages. But he was also known for his photography, especially of women in poker, and his wit that accompanied all of his work. His range of talent spread to the sports and business world as well, where he wrote about a variety of issues, but he continued to find a comfortable home in the poker community.

WSOP Media Director and renowned poker writer Nolan Dalla put the word out shortly after Munzer’s death and shared some of his thoughts on his long-time associate and friend. “Those who were fortunate enough to know and remember Lee will forever be indebted to him for the benchmark of excellence he established within his profession for the warm, gentle, and compassionate person he was to all who knew him,” Dalla wrote. And of his writings, he added, “He was highly-respected by his peers and loved by his readers for his sardonic wit, unique style of expression, and brutal honesty.”

A memorial service was held in Las Vegas on July 3 to remember Munzer, and for anyone who would like to honor and pay respects to him, the Munzer family has asked that donations be made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation at www.livestrong.org, as a token of the appreciation for Munzer’s cancer struggle.

Dalla finished his announcement with one last heartfelt sentence: “Lee Munzer leaves us all infinitely richer and wiser for being touched and moved by the man who graced us on this earth for far too short a time.”