Burial: 27 Nov 1918 St Paul, Peel, Little Hulton, Lancashire, England
Thomas King Parks -
Age: 34 years
Abode: Northern Counties Hospital for Incurables, Heaton Mersey
Buried by: A. B. Wilson Woodhouse, Vicar
Register: Burials 1917 - 1929, Page 17, Entry 129
Source: Wigan History Shop MF1A 30/4
From BCM January 1919
We regret to record the death of T. King Parks, who passed away on November 23rd last, after about four years' residence at the Mauldeth Hospital for incurables, Heaton, Manchester.
He learnt the rudiments of chess about 1905, and soon came to the front in chess circles, particularly in the problem world. He was also for some years a member of the North Manchester Club, playing occasionally in the championship tournament and first-class matches, and was a difficult opponent to beat. Born in Dublin in 1884, he was one of the most genial and charming sons of Erin we have ever met. We recall with pleasure his pleasant fellowship on the occasion of one of the Northern Counties Union trips to Scotland to play the Scottish Chess Association. In addition to his love of problems, he was also a close student of end-games.
From BCM August 1925
Percy Rawle Gibbs died on June 30th after a long and painful illness and was buried at St. Peter's Church, Walthamstow .
A real chess enthusiast, he played an important part in Metropolitan Circles, for 25 years. Though born in Kent, most of his work was identified with Essex, of which county he was hon. secretary for some years. A strong player when really on his game, he won the Murton Cup at the City of London Chess Club in 1907 and 1908. He took more kindly , however , to quick play , and was a formidable opponent in Lightning tournaments. He will always rank as one of the most resourceful players who ever took up Kriegspiel, of which game he might be called a master .
At the Combined and Sussex congress at Hastings in May, 1913, he entered for, and won the championship of Kent, playing for that county in cup matches for some few years later.
He played in the First Class tournaments of the British Chess Federation at Crystal Palace in 1907 and Tunbridge Wells in 1908 .
Mr. Gibbs took a great interest in chess, organisation and was always a liberal supporter of any enterprise which met with his approval. He was a delightful companion personally, and always cheery and quick at repartee, and a clever card and domino player. He was a solicitor by profession, his office being in Arundel Street, Strand.
