Kevin Thurlow wrote:"Howard Williams memorably said to Rumens at one Civil Service League match, "Is your qualification for DHSS as an employee or a claimant?" "
In fairness to Howard, it was his answer to Dave's, "Hello, where are all the other Welsh Patzers?"
I understand it was a good-humoured exchange.
This thread has been the best obituary I've seen, for anyone who never met him, (ironically) it really brings Dave's character to life.
America had RJ Fischer, and we had DE Rumens. Dave was an itinerant chess player for much of his life. Sleeping at East Ham Town Hall, or with Andrew Martin, was a routine life style. Money was stuff that you shoved into slot machines, and also useful for playing Poker.
Dave did have his own computer business in the 1980's, but it went the same way as his car crash in Mexico. He ended up with so many creditors, that he fled his home. According to Bernard Haase, he spent some time kipping on Hampstead Heath.
He made a good recovery when he took up coaching.
Dave was never dull. He was good company, enjoyed a game of Poker in the evening. In later years, he switched to Bridge.
At Tournaments, spectators would often be drawn to his board. He usually played to win, accept possibly for a last round draw, which would give him a share of the prize money, or first place.