Wednesday last, 30 Nov, a fellow chesser, Art Byers died due to heart complications. Art was a regular until recently at the Bear Canyon CC and dropped out due to both physical and age limitations… “I’m just not as strong as I use to be” and will be missed, especially by the senior competition in the area. He was studying the Caro-Kann lately and was fond of reorienting the knights prior to a game in the direction of his opponent’s saying, “face your enemy” I remember both his ESTJ personality and his famous directness, but also his kindness in unguarded moments! Salome to your memory.
Don Lubin, POC, Bear Canyon CC
It brings me sorrow to hear of Art’s passing. Art stayed true to his lovely and quirky personality which should be cherished and remembered fondly.
He was a dedicated member of New Mexico Chess and a good person. I never recall him failing to provide support when it was requested at our tournaments as he was a cornerstone at almost all New Mexico tournaments. Thank you, Art, for your loyal service to the State and to the game that you loved. From what I saw, you seemed to enjoy being around chess and the community that embraced it; it seemed to bring you happiness and an irreplaceable fulfillment. I hope that this assessment is correct and that you found comfort and joy in your final days and years. Rest in peace Art.
Most Sincerely,
Chad Schneider
Art Byers moved to NM to be closer to his daughter when his wife was in poor health. He started to play some chess and was recruited to be NMCO secretary when Jeff Burch was president. He went on to work in a number of different roles in the NMCO organization. He always said that he could do most of the work as he was retired.
In 2007 they were looking for a new editor for the Desert Knight. I said there was no way I could do it as I did not have the necessary computer skills. Art said, “no problem.” He came to my house to show me how to do the job, installed a newer version of Fritz onto my machine AND offered to do the printing. I ended up writing the magazine for 4 years.
I recall that at one time I had a journalistic scoop. I learned that our GM, Jesse Kraai, was going to leave Santa Fe and relocate to the grandmaster house in San Francisco. Jesse never told us any of these things but I got the info from his pal Jason Stoneking. I wrote out the article and then tried to think of a suitable title. I finally chose “Grandmaster Moves” and waited for them to send me the Pulitzer. When the magazine was published I found that Art had changed my title to “California Here I Come.” More singalong than mine.
We will miss you, Art.
Jim Johnston
Art was a true and dear friend. He helped me out when I needed it. HE WAS GENEROUS AND KIND.
I just read the news and I am stunned. What a loss for New Mexico chess! RIP my friend…
We down here in Tucson remember Art well. It is sad that he passed.
I propose we have an Art Byers memorial tournament
Gary,
The board has already created a tournament in remembrance of Art Byers! Here is more details and also a signup page.
https://nmchess.org/payment/
Submitted to USCF for inclusion on USChess.org “Members in Passing”
Dear USCF,
The New Mexico chess community is saddened by the death of Arthur Byers (USCF ID #12551108). Art was a player, newsletter publisher, many-time TD, philanthropist and tireless volunteer for chess.
We would appreciate it if you could note his passing on your website or by any other appropriate means.
Dean Brunton
Treasurer, NM Chess Organization
P.O. Box 4215
Albuquerque, NM 87196-4215
Will I be able to renew my us for membership at the Art Byers memorial tournament
no, you must do this online at uschess.org; thanks for asking so we can clarify this.