Former US Chess President Harold J. Winston has died

US Chess has learned that Harold J. Winston, a giant in the history of the governance of the US Chess Federation, has died.

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Harold Winston (US Chess archives)

Winston served as the US Chess President from 1987-1990 along with nine years on the Policy Board, and more than thirty years time as the chairman or co-chairman of the Bylaws Committee. He was instrumental in democratizing our governance structure.

Winston also served as the chairman of the US Chess Trust since 2000.

CLO will have a fuller appreciation of Winston's life and accomplishment in the coming days; until then, here are some reactions from US Chess leadership and members:

"Harold's contributions to US Chess are a lifelong body of work from a person who loved the game and this organization through his very final days." - Mike Hoffpauir, President, US Chess

"Very sorry to hear this terrible news. Harold has been a tireless supporter of chess in the U.S., including his years of work as a volunteer for both US Chess and the US Chess Trust." - Randy Bauer, Vice President, US Chess

"Many people cross the chess board. Some find a moment of glory and move along. Others struggle and fall by the way or get disrupted due to life and family. 

But Harold through it all since 1968 attended every US Open and delegates meeting. He served as President and went on to fundraise in his post career work for youth and the Hall of Fame and Museum. 

A good man and a great member and leader."

I have no doubt that he is organizing a chess club in Heaven and making sure the bylaws are perfect and everyone is treated fairly." - E. Steve Doyle, former President, US Chess