It is with utter sadness that I learn of the passing of yet another chess pal, Larry Parr, this morning at 6.52am.
Lawrence Arthur Collard Parr was a friend and familiar face to many chess players in Malaysia. I first got to know him in the mid-1970s when he used to turn up occasionally at chess events in Selangor. In the last 20 years or so, I would never fail to see him at chess tournaments whenever I went to Kuala Lumpur.
For a while, Larry was the editor of the U.S. chess magazine, Chess Life, and he contributed to this magazine right until the end of his days. For many years, he was working with Dato Tan Chin Nam and he co-authored Tan's autobiography, Never Say I Assume.
Larry was born in Seattle, USA on 21 May 1946 and he studied at Washington University. He had been warded at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre this past month. His family (wife Samboon, daughter Christiana and son Ian) were with him when he died. I understand that Larry's remains will be cremated and his ashes taken back to Seattle for burial.
Larry, I shall miss all your wonderful stories....
Update: For anyone who knows Larry and who would like to attend a Memorial Service for him tomorrow (3 Apr 2011), please make your way to the Montfort Boys Town in Shah Alam. Please be punctual as the service will begin at 5.30pm.
So sad. Lawrence Parr always spoke for personal freedom, and against tyranny. He had and always will have my deepest respect and sympathy. RIP
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