Steve R Chakis (1954-2011)

Friend of the CFCC and multi-winner of the United States Amateur team south, Steve Chakis lost his year-long battle with colon cancer on September 22, 2011. Steve was a talented player and a valuable teammate on many of my USAT teams. FCA president Harvey Lerman once called Steve the lucky charm of the USAT as his team won the event more times than any other player in the history of the tournament.

Steve tied for first in the CFCC championship in both 1993 and 1994. Upon learning of his disease, he was determined to return to the game he loved. We spent many hours playing and analyzing positions on the internet chess club in order to prepare him for a big year. He tried to play in both the National Open in Las Vegas and the US Open in Orlando. Both efforts were aborted when he couldn’t muster the strength to complete the events. Steve was known for his optimism. During many of our chess sessions, he would show me a position and I would tell him that he couldn’t play that line because black would get a lost position. He would not accept my evaluations and would always try to prove that the position was worth defending. Steve was also optimistic about holding his position against the cancer that was slowing stealing his life. In the end, he showed the same courage he displayed in his games.

Steve was a senior engineer at Pratt & Whitner in the defense industry. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Obituary Submitted by Larry Storch

Steve R Chakis may you rest in peace.