All,
Steve Dillard of Louisville fame passed away yesterday after being murdered by a former troubled student that he had tried to help. A school teacher, national tournament direction, chess promoter, former president of the Kentucky Chess Association, strong Class A player, and generally regarded as Mr. Chess in Kentucky, ran over 3000 weekly or twice weekly g/30 tournaments in Louisville for at least 20 years. Not only have I played in his tournaments since the 1990's, but his tournaments were the inspiration for me running G/30 tournaments in Salt Lake in the 1990's and then later weekly quick tournaments.
His Monday night tournaments would get 30 to 50 people.
This last Monday Steve and I had a lengthy conversation about my attempt to look for a house in Indiana.
Steve was president of the Kentucky Chess Association at the same time that I was president of the Utah Chess Association. We had sort of a long distance friendship and we would occasionally call or write each other to talk about chess.
He actually played in at least one of the chess tournaments that I ran in Indiana in the early 1990's.
About 8 to 10 years ago Steve visited Utah, contacted me, and attended my chess club and also met with some local players at Crown Burgers to play
He was 55.
Best wishes,
John Coffey
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Chris Bush <chris.chrisbush.bush008@gmail.com>Date: Sat, Mar 14, 2015 at 9:07 PM
Subject: Re: Steve Dillard's passing
To: Davis M <
davis.whaley@uky.edu>
Cc: "cc: Ryan Velez" <
ryanvelez@gmail.com>, Steve Dillard <
stevedillard@hotmail.com>, Taylor Bagley <
taylor.bagley12321@gmail.com>, Johnny Harlamert <
johnnyharlamert@yahoo.com>, Matt Hassen <
matt@matthassen.com>, Miami Fugatte <
miamifugatte@yahoo.com>, Randas Burns <
randasburns@yahoo.com>
Everyone,
Courier Journal story link on Steve's death.
Also, acknowledgement re same from USCF.