Essex Chess Association

OBITUARY - Jack Speigel

10-Jul-2004

www.essexchess.org.uk

Jack Speigel 1931-2004

Jack Speigel grew up in Southend, being a pupil at Southend High School For Boys which was when he started playing chess.

He joined Southend Chess Club in 1946, earlier than any existing member.  He organised many club tournaments from an early age right up until he died.  He was match captain for the club and ran several teams at the same time.  In 1957 he got the first Southend Easter Congress under way, an event which still runs today.  He was Congress Secretary for 25 years (1957-81) and a controller for 46 years (1957-2002), a remarkable achievement.  He was club secretary for ten years (1951-61) and President for 13 years (1991-2004).  He also captained Southend’s Essex League 1st Team in the season before he died.

He was involved in organising teams for the County for several years. He was Essex League secretary for nine years (1954-63) and the Association’s Chairman for 12 years (1979-91).  He was made a Life Member of the County when he retired as chairman. He was also a qualified BCF Arbiter.

Jack played a lot of chess during his life.  Not only did he play for Southend but also for Cavendish in the London League until he retired.  He played in many congresses throughout the country.  The most regular being Paignton and Hastings.  He always enjoyed playing in events with no quick play finish.

He worked in industry in his younger days before taking up work at Stamford House, Shepherds Bush, looking after teenage boys who were on remand, a job that he enjoyed up until his retirement in 1990.

His other hobbies were listening to classical music, jazz music and going to the theatre.  He regularly spent several weeks each year away in Edinburgh for their festival.

He was a real ale fan and a member of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), visiting beer festivals whenever he could.

He died in Wellesley Hospital, Southend on 4th July 2004, aged 72 years, after a short illness.  Jack made many friends throughout his life and will be sadly missed by those that knew him.

Steve Wedlock