Phil Smith

[Neil Graham]

I have received the following from Mike Boreham of Rolls Royce Chess Club

Phil Smith. 1950-2012

Phil Smith died on September 24th, after a short illness. He contracted pneumonia last week and died in the Derby Royal Hospital, with his family present.

There can’t be many people in the Derbyshire Chess scene who did not know Phil. He was one of the most active members of Rolls Royce Chess Club and played and promoted chess at every possible opportunity, also playing in many congresses around the country. He was always very willing to encourage and teach new players. He was very active in the Braille Chess Association, accompanying blind payers to international congresses for many years.

Outside chess he was a member of St John Ambulance and former chairman of the Derby YHA Group. He had a career in the army before joining Rolls Royce, where most of us met him either at work or the chess club.

He always maintained a positive attitude to life even in difficult circumstances as his health deteriorated with diabetes and a hip replacement, and job problems.

He will be greatly missed in the Rolls Royce Club and all the Derbyshire and Braille chess events.