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In Passing Oscar R. ("Russ") Chambers
In Passing Oscar R. ("Russ") Chambers In Passing
| In Passing |
| Oscar R. ("Russ") Chambers |
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| By Joan DuBois | |
| June 29, 2009 | |
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Oscar R. ("Russ") Chambers, passed away in October of 2004.
Russ was born (in Youngstown, Ohio) on July 9th, 1917. He died October 26th, 2004. Russ was 87 years old.) Russ served a solid career in the USAF, beginning as a Radio Operator during World War II. He had many hobbies, aside from chess. He loved reading, doing puzzles, and also gardening. Russ was a good friend, he is one of the very few who were left from the chess club - when we used to meet downtown in the late 1960's. (Others were Mr. Frank Goodenough, Mr. J.O. Pope, Sal - I never knew his last name, Mr. John Beckenridge, and many others.) While he was never one of our strongest players - Russ was definitely one of the most faithful of all of our members; he was often the first person to arrive and the last to leave! He attended nearly all of our local tournaments. He often went to tournaments in Mobile, AL; Fort Walton Beach and Panama City, (FL); Biloxi, MS; etc. Back during the period when I was recuperating from a terrible on-the-job injury, (I was on crutches for several years.); Russ would pick me up at my house on Longleaf Drive. He always gave me free rides, he never asked for gas money, often he would pay for my lunch, and on at least one occasion he paid for my entry fee, (with no mention of reimbursement). All Russ asked was for me to look at his games, and maybe give him a few pointers. He was always very friendly, kind, generous and ready to help a friend in need. One of my happiest memories was that Russ asked me over to eat Thanksgiving Dinner one year, knowing full well that I was living in a house with no lights, no heat, and no electricity. I was very well fed, entertained and constantly fussed over. After dinner, we passed the day in front of the TV, watching football. His family made sure that my favorite glass of iced tea never ran dry. I had all the coffee and pie that I could handle. We even played a few games of chess, which I managed to win ... despite my extremely bloated condition. (A small joke.) Russ was often like an older brother or even a kindly father-figure for me. He seemed very proud of all of my accomplishments in chess ... he would never fail to tell people - AFTER I became a Master - "You know, I used to be able to beat A.J." ... ... ... (I think one of his shining moments came after I ran way from the field in an Alabama State Championship Tournament ... this despite the presence of about five Masters, and many strong Experts and Class "A" players. Russ told several younger players that he used to give me pointers many years ago at the chess club. One them asked me if that was true. When I affirmed, in the strongest manner possible, that Russ used to give me chess tips and was sort of a chess mentor of mine, one look at Russ's face told me all that I needed to know. He was positively beaming!) When I told him that I had gotten married, he actually broke down and cried, he was truly pleased. He always delighted in my children, his pockets were often filled with toys, candy and gifts. He loved children, and they always seem to respond positively to his attention. Russ had many other hobbies and interests. Russ made a living for many years repairing electronics. (TV's Radio's, etc.) He was an avid amateur radio operator, he went to many "Ham-Fests." He leaves behind a loving wife, many children and a very large, beautiful family. Good-bye dear friend. You are definitely missed. You have departed this sphere, but while you are gone, you can never be forgotten!!! Remembrance provided by A. J. Goldsby I Oscar R. (“Russ”) Chambers – May you rest in peace. |