Michael Harper (1949-2025)

Dragoljub Sudar · Post by **Dragoljub Sudar** » Mon Mar 10, 2025 8:43 pm

I am sorry to report that Mick Harper died last week after a short illness.
Mick was a regular and reliable member of Gambit for almost 30 seasons. He often doubled up for more than one team, playing over 30 league games in a season several times.
He also played in over 70 Minors and Intermediates this century, plus over 20 RPs.
Mick was an unconventional player, often going for unsound attacks, but it did result in 7 congress wins and 1 rapidplay win this century.
Quite serious at the board, he was easy going and good company away from it, and enjoyed the social side of chess weekends just as much as the chess itself.
(Mick was not related to George)

Lee Bullock · Post by **Lee Bullock** » Wed Mar 12, 2025 3:15 pm

I remember him. Played him at Nottingham. My very first ever game there. It was on top board and I won. Think he may of withdrew after. Was a crazy game. I will try and find it and post it here. Rip Michael.

John Swain · Post by **John Swain** » Sun Mar 16, 2025 10:13 pm

Drag Sudar has written a touching and more detailed tribute to Mick Harper on the Gambit Chess Club website:
https://gambitchess.club/2025/03/10/mic ... 1949-2025/

Mick was never short of opinions and always entertaining company. He was a regular at Notts events, most recently our Rapidplay on 2 February and at many other congresses further afield. I will miss him. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP Mick.

Lee Bullock · Post by **Lee Bullock** » Mon Mar 24, 2025 3:57 am

Im sure Michael wouldnt of minded me posting this. He was much stronger than me but i was really on the up at the time and played a few brilliant moves for my level at the time. I remember Michael being really impressed and said im way better than my grade. This was my first ever opening of the BD gambit. Can be very dangerous. Michael was a real winner and played to win events. He withdrew immediately after this. Something i couldn't understand at the time. But i became famous for this 4/5 years later. didnt want to continue unless i could win, tbf he could of won next 4 and won the event. Anyway i should of won this event but came 2nd. had a silly loss next round. But rip Michael and thx for this great game.

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Michael Harper (1949-2025)

Michael Harper (1949-2025)

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Re: Michael Harper (1949-2025)