It was with the most profound sadness that I report the passing in tragic circumstances of Dave Smith. It's been twelve hours since I learned the news and I'm failing, really, to take it all in. I understand that it was about a month ago that he died.
Dave was a strong player, a committed captain of our Kent first team as well as leading the Mushrooms Second Team to promotion in the London League. He was also a member of the Kent Second Team that won the Lewis Cup in May, and was a regular for Kent's county side. Online, he was a member of http://www.letsplaychess.com, where he played more than 450 games since April under the pseudonym NathanStack.
A committee member of this club for the last few years, I last saw Dave at a meeting in June this year. Like the rest of us, he seemed to be looking forward to the new season with enthusiasm, and was full of praise for our own efforts in the London League. He was always chivvying me along to update this website and frequently helped by pointing out the inevitable errors, or adding content of his own, like the extensive index of the library bequeathed in memory of Richard Hobell.
I've forgotten the number of times that we enjoyed a pint together in the club bar on a Thursday evening, whilst he engaged me with his recent thoughts on chess, other games or the world in general. Although he generally cycled to the club whilst I was often on foot, Dave would happily walk the mile or so back to Penge though he himself lived the other direction entirely. It always proved to be an interesting trip.
I never really expected to offer that much of a challenge to Dave at chess, but he was always happy to indulge anyone who fancied their chances. He won the Club Championship this year for the second year running, and the last game that we played was in this competition. He beat me with a superb sacrificial attack in a quiet line of the Nimzo Indian. The game was so impressive, even to the loser, that I wanted a copy. He never got round to that, but if I ever do find it I shall share it here. His win over Ian Snape on 10th June was, I'm sure, more satisfying. I don't know why he never made it to Rose Bowl Tournament on the final evening of last season, but I was surprised not to see him there.
Like me, he was also a backgammon player, and we'd always intended to play a few games. I know it's such a trivial thing in these circumstances to fret over such trifles; but I do so regret that we never did this.
Most of all, Dave, you were just such a great bloke, and I can't believe you're gone. You leave a gap that it will be hard to fill. You were a great friend to me and I shall miss you terribly.
Andy Heard