The death has been reported of Ian Thackray of Leeds, at the age of 49. Ian was born in Leeds on 25/08/1971, and was the son of lady chess-player Patricia (“Pat”) Thackray, who herself died fairly recently, a few years ago; the two formed that very rare phenomenon, a chess-playing mother-and-son pair. Though best-known in West Yorkshire, Ian will be familiar enough to Yorkshire league players as well.

Ihor Lewyk reports, “Ian had been in hospital for an operation and returned home at the weekend. Sadly he was found by his father I think on Monday.” Ihor offers the following tribute:

It is with sad and heavy heart that I report that my good friend Ian Thackray passed away earlier this week.

Ian was the long-time captain of one of the Rose Forgrove teams based in Leeds, a club he joined as a young junior in the late eighties.

He also played for Bradford Chess Club and was a supporter of Civil Service Chess.

He loved playing team chess and the camaraderie and bonding this brought about. Ian was one of the friendliest faces in the chess world and had a lovely dry sense of humour. He was all about the social aspect of chess and made some great friends over the years. Ian will leave a big void in the West Yorkshire chess scene and will be greatly missed by many that had the privilege to share some time, a pint and a laugh with him.

Ihor Lewyk

04/11/2020