David Watson, a genial and devoted servant of Morpeth Chess Club and an Honorary Life Vice-President of Northumberland Chess Association, has passed away in his sleep after a short illness. He was 79.
David held various posts for the Northumberland Chess Association, including Treasurer and Secretary, before recently retiring after a total of 21 years of service on the county’s executive committee.
A bank manager in his professional life, David was always ready with a quiet chuckle and had the uncanny knack of being able to resolve any chess dispute amicably.
He was a stalwart official of Morpeth Chess Club for many years, usually the person who arrived first for club nights and put the equipment away diligently at the end of the evening.
Members of the club and county association were in mourning after the news broke of his passing, on Friday 29th December.
David’s many friends in the local chess community send their deepest condolences to his family. Details of the funeral arrangements will be available in the near future.
I started the same night as Dave in 1982 and he has been a friend for 41 years and such a lovely man and I feel devastated. I don’t think you could find a friendlier man and a better organiser. The Northumberland Chess League and Morpeth chess club have all benefited from his wisdom over the years. At this sad time my thoughts are with Joan and Dave’s 3 sons and daughters.
Alan Welsh, Morpeth CC
Really really sad. I think I must have known him since first moving up here in 1986. I cannot remember seeing him angry and he seemed a natural conciliator. A really lovely bloke.
George Ellames, Morpeth CC
He was a gentle man in all senses of the word. Morpeth Chess Club and the NCA were fortunate to benefit from all his contributions. He will be missed by all the chessplayers of the North East.
John Wheeler, Northumberland CA
Northumberland Chess Association 