We Remember John Rousseau

Jan 30, 2013

I am sad to report the loss of a good friend and pool enthusiast. John Rousseau passed away peacefully January 28th, 2013 in Phoenix, AZ. He leaves behind his wife Rosalie, their children Lisa, Wayne, Jason and Brian and nine grandchildren. Also brother Jim and nephew Randy.  John was a highly successful businessman, well respected by his peers and a talented athlete. He had a great personality and touched many lives in a positive way.  He served on the WPBA board for a while and attended events all over the country. He absolutely loved the game and many of the players involved in it.
 
‘I had the privilege of knowing John, as a dear friend, mentor and supporter.  He lived his life with vigorous passion, and was the most creative and charismatic man I've ever met.  He had a heart of gold – it’s an extremely sad time for all of us who loved Him.’ – Kristi Carter, WPBA Strategic Partnerships.
 
Away from the billiard World, John had an incredible career spanning nearly 40 years.  John Rousseau’s years of industry experience began in 1970 with National Data Corporation working with the Atlantic Richfield Credit Card (That’s ARCO of cheaper gas and ATM only fame). His extensive experience in Credit, Collections, Recovery and Risk Management had been honed by leadership positions with both credit grantors and collection agencies as diverse as Bank of the Southwest, Diners Club/Carte Blanche, Bank of America, F.M. Services, American Express, Nationwide Asset Management and West Asset Management. This experience had also been utilized by an even wider range of clients who have benefited from John’s involvement in a consulting role, these include Accelerated Collection Exchange, Asset Management Outsourcing, Bank of America/Student Loans, the City of Phoenix, Fair Isaac, Goldman Sachs, Integretec, Providian, and TRW.
 
‘I have known John for only the past 9 years.  His reputation preceded our meeting however.  He was a legend, really - so many people from so many companies in our industry spoke of his creativity and intelligence.
I worked directly with him for three years.  I knew him to be disciplined, hard-working, and relentless in his pursuit of constant improvement for our company.  He taught me many things, and I know I will always remember him when I apply the lessons learned to the challenges I face in the future.  I will miss working with John.  He worked with some of the biggest and brightest talents in our business.  He will be missed by all of them as well, I know’.  – Mark V. Detrick, CEO, Capio Partners, LLC.
Close friend, Jerry Briesath (Pool Instructor) recalls, “In business he was recognized around the world as the ‘Collection Guru’ and with his innovative ideas made millionaires out of many of his friends. John was one of those very smart people that, when asked to do a job, got it done his way and the right way, every time. He was intelligent, outspoken and had a great comeback for any verbal situation.  John will be missed by the pool world, the business world and of course the cigar club where he hung out some of the time. He will also be missed by me – he was a great friend.  His wife Ro was very dedicated and by his side every day throughout his several month illness.“
 
The service will be held on Monday, February 4th 2013.
St. Joseph’s Church,
11001 North 40th Street,
Phoenix.
 
In lieu of flowers please donate in John Rousseau’s name to:
Lymphoma Research Foundation
https://community.lymphoma.org/tribute
17470 N. Pacesetter Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 305-2025
 
We will all miss you John!
Allison Fisher