Memories of Kenny
Wendeen Eolis remembers her friend Kenny Usui, whom she met at a London blackjack table 40 years ago.
40 years ago on this date, Kenny Usui sat across from me at a blackjack table in London. He was taking a respite from his duties as Vice President of the Pacific Stock Exchange. I was taking a break from my nascent legal recruiting business. Kenny was a client I never met with a secret passion for counting cards.
As my client, I knew Kenny to be a tough customer, insistent upon hearing the most minute details of candidates’ legal experience. But here, suddenly, he was all smiles. Unbeknownst to me, he was chuckling over my mathematical errors as an amateur card counter. I promised to improve, and I did.
Days later, one thing led to another, and we became a team at felt tables, dinner tables, and all manner of duets, especially on the piano. May he rest in peace.
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