Obituaries
Isaac Iglesias – 25th March 2005
HARRY RATNER – 23rd Oct 2013
written by Andrew Toothill
It is with great sadness that I have to report that Harry Ratner passed away peacefully in his sleep on the 23rd October 2013 aged 93.
He started Breadsall Chess Club and when I moved down to Derby in 1981 he was one of the first local chess players that I met and the Club was already thriving. Under his guidance the Club enjoyed numerous successes in subsequent years and at one time had three teams in the Derby and District League.
Harry always encouraged juniors and would willingly visit those people who could not attend local clubs to give them a game. He was a true gentleman and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone.
When Breadsall Chess Club had to leave the village Memorial Hall and find alternative venues these were not condusive
to regular club nights which Harry had always enjoyed and he moved to play chess at Spondon in later years. He also was a regular participant in the County Individual Championship and had entered this season’s competition and with his experience he could still give anyone a good game.
Outside chess he was well known for his political views and contributed to several international publications.
Following retirement he successfully studied for a degree and was also active in bridge playing circles.
Harry will be sadly missed and is a great loss to Derbyshire chess.
Our condolences go to his family.
His funeral will be held on Thursday November 7th at 2 pm. in the Main Chapel at Markeaton Crematorium.
IVOR REES – 9th March 2015
Written by Trevor Bould – Burton CC
Ivor Rees lost his battle with cancer on Monday 9th March 2015. It was a game he couldn’t win.
I knew Ivor through chess. He played at Burton Chess Club for a number of years. His play showed improvement over time & he was always a most interesting & unorthodox opponent. I remember losing a quick game to him one evening & he ran around the pub waving his hands in the air – much to the amusement of the pub customers. A celebration that is still remembered to this day!
A very religious man, Ivor had many long conversations with me about evolution, the bible, & the creation. I was not a good pupil, but his faith helped him enormously in his battle with cancer.
Ivor moved his family to Derby around 2010 & he became a member of Spondon Chess Club, turning up regularly on Tuesdays at the Celanese playing venue.
He first played league chess for Spondon in 2011-2012 & was appointed Captain of their B team the following season. He was also a member of Rolls Royce Chess Club at this time, which he attended regularly on Thursdays, playing social chess & internal club competitions. A measure of the man was that he still turned up at Burton Chess Club occasionally & always brightened the evening.
Ivor was also Captain of the County Under140 team in 2012-2013. Under his captaincy the county team won 3 matches, drew 1 & lost 2. This was a good performance considering the strength of the opposing teams.
I will certainly miss the door bursting open at Burton Chess Club & Ivor coming in to challenge anyone & everyone to a game of chess. A larger than life character, he will be sadly missed.