Ken Graham has passed away

 Kenneth Alan Graham passed away on November 16, 2024 at the age of 88 years.  

He is survived by his friends Mark, Larry, and Keith and many other friends and acquaintances.

Kenneth was born in Saskatchewan. During his life he lived all across Canada, eventually settling in Winnipeg.

He loved the outdoors and biking. Kenneth was also an avid and accomplished chess player most of his life, owning a large collection of chess books. He won the Saskatchewan Championship on at least two occasions, 1976 and 1977.  In addition he was quite active in correspondence chess, winning the Nation Open Finals in the late 1970's.

Memorial Service 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2024 at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street, reception following. Interment at Brookside Cemetery.

Wes Penner (1939-2024)

 

Wes Penner has passed away.

Active in local tournaments. primarily in the mid to late 1990s, achieving an established high rating of 1838. Also a contributing sponsor to several large events.

https://www.chess.ca/en/ratings/p/?id=112185

(The current CFC archives start around 1996.) 

A man of many interests and talents, a few of which are documented in his obituary.

https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-327158/PENNER_WESLEY

50 years ago today...

I (and several hundred others, there were over 600 players in 2 sections) were playing in Round 9 of the 1974 Canadian Open in Montreal.
I was rummaging about in my basement  and came across the tournament brochure and related material.



My opponent in Round 8 was Peter Tamburro Jr., who is still active in chess circles in New Jersey.
The documents indicate that entry fee was $ 12, and one could stay at the University of Montreal residence for $ 20 / week !!! (of course that is where most of us stayed).
Several Manitobans made the trip including; John Burstow, Cecil Rosner, Neil Kirton, Fletcher Baragar, Jeff Babb, Scott Cleghorn, Ferd Bernjack, Ron Sloboda, Eric Jefferson, Harold Poustie, and Barry Rasmussen(who had to withdraw early if I recall correctly). Results below from Chess Canada magazine. (click for larger image)



GM Kevin Spraggett has provided some additional commentary at
http://kevinspraggett.blogspot.com/2009/08/1974-canadian-open-great-tournament.html