George Horne 1953-2024

[Matt Mackenzie]

One of Barrow Chess Club's stalwarts - and a significant figure in chess administration locally and regionally - died on Monday.

He had gone into hospital earlier this month with pneumonia, and had appeared to be recovering and about about to exit intensive care - but then took a sudden turn for the worse. Everybody who knew him is shocked at this - he was one of those people who looked set to go on almost forever. Was the club treasurer for many years, and in that and other respects will be hard to replace.

Over the board a solid positional player and a difficult man to beat - he remained a strong opponent to the end.

RIP.

[Ernie Lazenby]

I remember George from my regular visits to play in the South Lakes Tournaments. Indeed hard to beat. He should be remembered as one of those loyal grassroot players/organisers without whom chess would not survive at local level. He will be a miss to Cumbria chess association. RIP George.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Thank you for that Ernie.

He did a lot for Cumbrian chess on and off the board, over more than four decades.

[Mick Norris]

And the NCCU too where he was Treasurer

[Matt Mackenzie]

A tribute from his long time personal friend Dave Cole is now up on the Barrow club and Cumbria county websites.