Bill Hall passes away at age 46

I am very sad to learn of the passing of Bill Hall, US Chess Executive Director from 2005-2013. He died early Tueday morning of complications from Diabetes. Rest in Peace, my friend. My sincere condolences to his family as well as his many friends in the chess community and elsewhere.

We first met at the Crossville Chess Club, held weekly at the Dairy Queen, in October 2002, when I held the position that he assumed three years later. This photo was from my last visit with him in Crossville, Tennessee, in 2011. During the visit, we played a consultation match with two young chess players from the local community. The game ended in a draw and was refereed by Alan Kantor (with the red shirt). I stopped in Crossville last month hoping to visit with him, but was told by Harry and Jay Sabine that he was quite ill. Even though we didn't agree on every subject, Bill was uniformly gracious, respectful and kind to me whenever we met... a professional in every sense of the word.

Services for Bill Hall will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home in Crossville, TN. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5-7 PM and Friday morning from 9-10 AM. The Funeral will be held at 10 AM with burial to follow in Clarkrange, TN.
In lieu of flowers the family is accepting donations towards funeral expenses. Donations can be made directly to Bilbrey Funeral Home. Just let them know it is for Bill Hall's funeral.

I will be heading to the funeral this morning and staying at the Best Western in Cookeville, TN, tonight, in case anyone in the area would like to meet up for dinner after visitation hours.

BEST WESTERN Thunderbird Motel
900 S Jefferson Avenue,
Cookeville, TN, 38501, United States
Phone: 931/526-7115

The game score from our consultation game is on the US Chess web site. Follow this link to play over the game and read the original story.

Additional photos here.

2016 KENTUCKY SENIOR OPEN

2016 KENTUCKY SENIOR OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
Open to age 50 and older (born before July 16, 1966)
Prize Fund: $500 based on a minimum of 20 players –additional prizes as entries permit
July 16-17, 2016

Sponsored by Kentucky Chess Association and the Powell County Chess Club
- At the beautiful Brookside Cottage clubhouse (pictured above),
277 Brookside Drive at Willlowbend Way, Stanton, Kentucky 40380.
Directions: Mountain Parkway Exit 22 – Stanton. Go North on Main Street. Turn left onto Railroad Street (across from old railroad depot). Turn left on Willowbend Way. Building is on your left. If lost, call Brian Charles, 606-481-4700 and he will lead you in.

Rounds: 5 Round Swiss System
Time Control: G/90;d5
Schedule: Saturday at 10 AM, 1:30 PM and 5 PM; Sunday at 9:30 AM and 2 PM
Byes: Unlimited half point byes available if declared before start of round 2
Entry Fee: $25.00 if mailed before July 9, $35 later and at site, $10 EF for new players
{Include name, address, USCF ID # and e-mail. July ratings will be used.}

Registration: Saturday from 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Players may enter late with a bye in round 1.
USCF membership required; KCA dues $5 (optional). Sets will be provided. Bring a clock, if possible.

Advance entries to: Frank Niro, tournament director, 637 Stratford Drive, Lexington, KY, 40503 (checks payable to TD please) [Cell # 503-347-0750]
E-mail questions to: ChessSafari@yahoo.com

Prizes: 1st Place $150, 2nd Place $100, Class A/B $50, Class C/D $50, Class E & below $50, 1st Place age 65 to 79 $50, 1st place age 80 and over $50. Top Kentucky resident will receive an engraved plaque, and also have their name engraved on a permanent Steve Dillard memorial trophy.

Open to all, regardless of residence