Chess Organizer Bob Ballard Passes - LCA Update 12.28.22
Louisiana Chess Association
Bob Ballard
Ambassador of Chess
in Louisiana Passes
Louisiana Chess Update 12.28.22
In This Update
Bob Ballard Passes (Louisiana’s Greatest Ambassador of Chess)
Upcoming Events
Names and Contact Links For The Louisiana Chess Board
Bob Ballard Passes
Sadly, we must report the passing of Bob Ballard. As everyone knows, Bob Ballard was the greatest Ambassador of Chess in Louisiana in our lifetimes. In addition to organizing countless tournaments across the state, Bob organized many chess clubs in the Greater New Orleans area, over the past 50 years. Bob connected chess enthusiasts through his “Double-Speed Social Nights” (as it was called back then), after club rounds, that often lasted all night long. Everyone participating always left Bob’s events exhausted, with ribs aching from hours of laughter. We invite everyone to share their thoughts about Bob. We will publish them all.
Legendary Coach and State Champion Rene Phillips Remembers Bob:
Former classical, rapid, and blitz Louisiana State Champion, NM Rene Phillips (all titles won in tournaments that Bob directed) says, “I don’t know of anyone who has directed and assisted in directing as many chess tournaments in Louisiana as Bob Ballard. One would also be hard pressed to find a person anywhere that loved the game of chess more than he did.
“I can think of countless times Bob's jokes and comical smugs brought me out of a bad mood and lifted my spirits. No one was better at making you laugh after suffering a humiliating loss in a tournament than Bob. His humor, quick satirical wit, and comical banter were staples of Bob's character. I can also give testimony of Bob's occasional chess prowess. Bob beat me many times in chess resulting from seemingly hair-raising combinations. Bob's son Patrick took on the baton beating me many times as well.
“I loved Bob Ballard and his love for the game. We shared countless hours of fun and laughter revolving around the game of chess. Louisiana Chess, the players, and all who knew Bob will miss him dearly. Goodbye my friend.”
Upcoming Chess Events (Flyers Attached to this Email)
(Click On Blue Underlined Links To See Details For Each Event)
January 7-8, 2023
(Optional 1st Round on January 6)
2023 Winter Classic
Baton Rouge, LA
January 28, 2023
Downriver Classic
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
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Link To Our Website: WWW.LouisianaChess.Org
Louisiana Chess President & Board
Elected September 4, 2022
(Click on Name-Links to Contact any Board Member)
President - Adriana Schneider
Vice-President - Chris Girardo
Secretary-Treasurer - Leila D'Aquin
Scholastic Director - Isabella Runge
(Rep) New Orleans Metro - David Webster
(Rep) Baton Rouge / East Central - Don Runge
(Rep) Lafayette / South Central - Jordy Pujol
(Rep) Lake Charles / Southwestern - Jennie MacGregor
(Rep) North Louisiana - Matthew Moore
Other LCA Officials
USCF Delegate - Leila D'Aquin
USCF Delegate - Eryk Hargrove
USCF Alternate Delegate - Adriana Schneider
USCF Alternate Delegate - Chris Girardo
Website / Social Media - Steve DAquin
Link To Our Website: WWW.LouisianaChess.Org
Louisiana Chess
I am very saddened to hear about Bob Ballard's passing. Here are some of my thoughts:After beating all of my college buddies consistently for years, my younger self contacted the Metairie Chess Club thinking that I was sure to walk away with prize money. Bob was warmly welcoming on the phone when I asked about playing. It happens that my first ever rated game was against Bob, and he graciously put me in my place. I remember realizing that I'd stumbled into a whole new level of chess as Bob analyzed the game with me, and generously gave me tips along the way. I honestly feel so lucky to have taken my first serious beating from him, rather than some of the other less sportsmanlike people I played over the years. It was truly a moment that had the potential to drive me away from chess, or fuel my enthusiasm for it. Bob's kindness was my initial encouragement to study the game further. His passing is very saddening and I send my condolences to his friends and family.Jeremy Thibodeaux
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danilocanda
Louisiana Chess Association
BOB BALLARD
This past Christmas weekend, Bob Ballard passed away. He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed.
Bob moved to Louisiana in the early 1980s and immediately fit right in. He was an avid organizer and tournament player and in fact the founder of our club. Bob was an engineer by profession and a chess player by choice. As much as he enjoyed and had much success playing chess, that was not his first love. People were.
Bob was everybody’s friend, always ready to help anyone in any way he could. Everyone has his own Bob Ballard story in this regard. He preferred that people not make a fuss about him. He simply sat back and enjoyed everyone’s company.
Besides being an “expert”chess player when he really wanted to play, Bob was also a certified USCF tournament director and a certified FIDE (the world chess organization) arbiter -not many of those around. He was known for playing five minute chess well into the night typically winning the majority of his games. Bob was also famous as the originator of the “Ballard Bishop”, a KB hidden on a2-kinda like a stealth bishop.
Bob had a dry sense of humor. He often answered his phone, if he knew who was calling, by saying “Wrong Number.” If, when leaving, you would tell Bob “See you later” he typically answered “Thanks for the warning.” And if you congratulated him on a good game, he might say “And most of those moves were legal too.”
And all of this with a mischievous grin on his face. Bob was glad to be around people and all of us were happy to be with him. He was someone who will not be forgotten for a very long time.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
Jules