English Chess Forum

I am sorry to inform you of the death of Simon Charles. Simon was a larger than life character, and long time member of Watford chess club, as well as playing for Hemel Hempstead chess club, in recent times.

I shall remember Simon as a generous man, always first to buy drinks at the bar, someone who was keen to pass on his chess knowledge and tactical nous to those less experienced, as well as being a gifted story-teller - he had one for every occasion!

We send condolences to his wife Lucy and his family, our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

There's a picture of Simon here:
http://www.whale.to/a/charles_h.html
I last saw him when he arranged the funeral of his friend and fellow chess player, Ray Starkie (see viewtopic.php?t=9678)

Simon in action at the Watford Rapidplay in 2015.

Yes indeed Simon was certainly a larger than life character and also very generous. Always willing to help the club out and someone who would never make his excuses when you were frantically trying to replace a last minute withdrawal at an away match many miles away (like Royston).Instrumental in recruiting Watford's strongest player Venkat after an all night blitz and drinking session! Simon had a great love of cats, always having a number of cats acquired from animal shelters.Successful career in acting also, especially as a child. These acting stories were not as forthcoming as the chess ones, but when you did get him talking about them, they were even more impressive!
Thanks for being such great company Simon. R.I.P.