FM Ronald Simpson: 1960-2013

I’m stunned, Ron was one of the best people I ever had the opportunity to meet! It was my pleasure to play him in the World Open twenty five years ago! I would see Ron from time to time at the major tournaments and he always gave me a warm friendly greeting, a wonderful person! May God be with his family!

from Jones Murphy (Facebook)

I met Ron when we were at college with Maurice Ashley. Ron was our #2 board, and our City College of New York team was one of the top finishers at the Pan Am of 1987 in Columbus OH.

I was always amazed at how Ron combined incredible warmth with ferocious competitiveness. That’s a hard balance to achieve(for me anyway), but it’s just how he was, from the time I met him around 27 years ago. He taught me a lot about chess(and about more important things, by his example of sportsmanship and human warmth and kindness). We last ran into each other in Prospect Park(Brooklyn) a few years ago when he came up on a visit from North Carolina. He was as competitive as ever, and as warm and generous a soul as I’ve ever met.

This was my tribute on the ncchess.org page.

I knew FM Ron Simpson from my work with The Chess Drum website. Of course, I had known of this New York legend, but officially met him in 2001 at the Wilbert Paige Memorial in Harlem, NY. I had flown in from Florida for this historic event hosted by Maurice Ashley, sponsored by Jones Murphy and organized by Jerry Bibuld. It featured ten of the top Black players in the world at that time (including IMs Amon Simutowe of Zambia, Watu Kobese of South Africa and Michael Schleifer of Canada) and was won by (then FM) Stephen Muhammad.

When I came in the room, there were blitz battle going on before the opening ceremonies. He knifed his way through individuals and extended his hand introducing himself. I was really flattered. Here is a man whom I have written about as a chess legend and he wants to shake MY hand! He was really appreciative of those who supported chess and who shared his passion.

It was also a joy to watch him play speed chess. Before the opening ceremonies of the Wilbert Paige tournament, he clobbered one other National Master about seven games in a row and was merciless in doing so. He was using all types of quotes and creative language. He seemed to be enjoying himself immensely while sacrificing pieces all over the place. It was entertaining, but there were no airs from him.

I am glad Ron found a home in North Carolina chess community. What was New York’s loss was NC’s gain, but we all benefited and were touched by his spirit.

The last game Ron and I played (Charlotte, 2009) ended in a rare (for both) quick draw after 11 moves. When I accepted the draw offer Ron who played black said something along “Timur, I think it is equal now and I respect your chess skills to play for a win”.
I will always remember the warm smile on Ron’s face, his intelligence, his love of chess and the positive energy that Ron always brought into a playing hall.
I am very sad today.
My condolences to Ron’s family and friends.

A most beautiful eulogy from FM Kassa Martei Korley (Facebook)…

I first met Ron Simpson upon my arrival at Duke University in the fall of 2011. The North Carolina chess community welcomed me with open arms, and one of the most prominent faces was Ron. Many of us who had the pleasure of knowing Ron knew about his passion for the game of chess. He loved the dynamics of the game, and played with a unique energy at the board. However, what really separated him from most strong chess players was his character off the board. He was a guy that talked to everyone and wasn’t difficult to approach. He loved to exchange ideas and share his knowledge of the game, because he truly believed that when he did so he had the opportunity to get something back. Sometimes what he would get in return was an opening refinement; he probably would have preferred chess started in a messy middle game position where his tactical brilliance and creativity could shine through. But other times, from individuals he knew he was clearly stronger than, he got a smile or a handshake, and that would suffice.

Ron and I would sometimes talk about the Black Bear school chess that he grew up apart of, and the future of African-American chess players in the United States. Though he and I were a generation apart, our chess educations were similar, and I think that’s why we related so well. It was a very raw education, molded not necessarily by formal chess instruction but by street players in parks, and blitz throughout NYC. A formal chess education was something I think we both had to take the initiative to acquire, and while this may sound discouraging, it isn’t. When you want something bad enough, you get it, and that’s why Ron’s passion for chess was so great. If you remember nothing else about Ron, remember this: he was a good teacher, a great chess player, and a brilliant friend.

I have a video of him playing blitz with my son and James from last year. He looked great and was in high spirit. May his soul rest in peace.

I was shocked and saddened when I saw that Ron passed away. I was thinking I would see him in North Carolina for Labor Day but he was not there. I met him at the Land of the Sky some years ago. We played a few times in the tournament and played blitz many times. He was very nice every time we played and offered to review the game with me. Very sad news. My deepest condolences to his family and everyone who knew him.

Fortunately, Ron and I played at the Reverse Angle in Charlotte just a few months ago, just before his health had took a turn for the worse. I never knew of his condition until a friend of mine told me in July that Ron may never return to the chessboard. I couldnt believe my ears and didnt want to believe it. It was always a dream of mine to play such a strong player as Ron and I had been itching at the opportunity to play him at every tournament that I attended. Finally, I got that chance! After years of hoping, we sat down in front of each other as we both were 2-0 and playing on the money board. I was nervous, but excited as I had always wanted a chance at the best in the state. The game was a sharp f3 Nimzo that I had looked at a few weeks before the tournament. Im sure Ron didnt see it coming and probably wasn’t too surprised because of his knowingly Irregular Opening repertoire. In a time scramble, I blundered away a dead draw position and Ron took sole first place. I couldn’t have been happier with a loss because I at least knew I gave him a good game and walked away learning much more in the process! Ron and I went over the endgame for a few minutes and he showed me the “easy” drawing line and even uttered “you’re a lot stronger than your rating.” Hearing that made me want to improve my chess significantly. Ron was a kind, gentle soul, that the NC Chess Community needed and will sorely miss! I enjoyed my only encounter with Ron and I hope that we will have more chess battles in our next life.

With tears in my eyes I write this . Ronnie was a sweet heart of a person . I remember the many hours at the barber shop ,the park , The sessions at the fire breathers home went on for hours and hours the egos were checked at the door . The feeling of friendship and respect dominated cause that is what BLACK BEARS were about . So sad Love ya Ron god rest you. Tell fire breather “whats up ” I miss him.
Herminio “Minio ” Baez founding member THE BLACK BEAR SCHOOL of CHESS