"USCF Life Member Herman B. Chiu, 55, died on October 18, 2008, in Corvallis, Oregon.� This brief statement appeared in the October 21st issue of the Corvallis Gazette Times � a brief statement for a life cut short.

Herman lived in NJ back in the 1970s and played in almost every event in NJ and NY during that time. He moved to Oregon, then to Missouri and earned his Phd. in Journalism in 2004 at the Missouri School of Journalism, and then moved back to Corvallis, Oregon. A long-time member of the Historian�s Association, he won an award in 2005 for his paper on Minorities: �Me Melican Man: How Four California Newspapers Vilified the Chinese Who Built the first Transcontinental Railroad.�

He was also an active member of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

He was a frequent player in many USCF National events, and was the co-champion of Oregon in 1988. He also served for many years on the USCF Publications Committee.

And the graybeards amongst us will never forget Herman's epic battles against Robert (1.NQR3) Durkin. It seemed that they were destined to meet each other in every South Jersey event. Between Herman nervously re-adjusting the pieces on every move, and Durkin sitting atop his suitcase, surrounded by a circle of chairs (to keep onlookers at a safe distance), we were all treated to a battle royale - over the board as well!

He was an active tournament player wherever he went: New Jersey, Oregon, and Missouri.

He left a void in the tournament scene when he left New Jersey and I believe the same sense of loss will be felt on the National level.

Herman B. Chiu - may you Rest In Peace.