We are saddened to report that Chris Dunlop passed away on 21st September 2005. Chris played for Crusaders Chess Club for several seasons before moving away from the Blackburn area around eighteen months ago.

He was a regular on the congress circuit and also played for Bolton Chess Club in the Manchester league. He was a very strong player graded 190 BCF and 2281 ELO.

Chris had some troubled times in his life but we shall always remember him for his cheerful personality and great chess ability.

Crusaders Chess Club

It has been brought to my attention that tragically, Chris Dunlop was killed on 21st September 2005.

Chris Dunlop was one of Lancashire's strongest players, and his death is a tragic loss to the county. Our thoughts go out to his family.

I knew Chris from the age of 13, and it was privilege to have seen him develop into the strong player that he became. We spent many weekends going from congress to congress, I can remember many battles that Chris had in the lower reaches of the U125 congresses alongside Craig Hanley.

Chris left school and joined the Army at 16, this interupted his rise through the BCF ranks. Nonetheless, Chris was still active where possible in the Army, and he represented the British Army at a number of NATO Chess Championships.

After leaving the Army, Chris started on the chess trail again, attending many congresses and getting his BCF grade up to 190+ level. Chris even managed to get his FIDE grade to 2281. His last FIDE results from the Blackpool Open in 2005, where he had a respectable 2.5 / 4 score.

Chris, it is fair to say, had a troubled child-hood and adult life. Whilst some of us may remember him for the spots of trouble he got into, I will always remember him for his Chess. We played many games over the years, it is true I never won many, but I always learnt something from the games.

So, cheers Chris, thanks for the memories!

Bill O'Rourke