Obituary - Ron Franklin 1942-2012
It was with great sadness that many Ilford Chess Club members - adults and juniors, and others from Wanstead & Woodford CC and representing the Essex Chess Association, gathered at the crematorium at Forest Road, Barkingside on Monday afternoon to be present at the funeral of Ron Franklin who had died aged 69. Many attended, including his wife Carol to whom he had been married for nearly 34 years, Ron's brother and other family members and friends.
Although born in Nottingham in 1942 where his parents had been evacuated to during the war, he was brought up and lived in London and Ilford all his life. Ron was described in the eulogy as a real gentleman with a fine sense of humour, a former BT engineer and project manager (Carol also worked there which is how they first met), with many interests in history, music and poetry but particularly chess.
Ron joined Ilford CC in 1965, was Club Secretary, represented Ilford in numerous league matches, played in the Club's internal tournaments of which he had been Club Champion, and especially over the last 10 years got involved in coaching and inspiring children to learn and enjoy chess where he took the time and trouble to analyse children's games to help their development. He had been ill for some months and will be missed by everyone.
Messages and emails of sympathy and condolence flowed in, from individuals and chess clubs, and all were passed on to Carol.
Submitted by Jef Page, Chairman, Ilford Chess Club