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Richard K. Delaune Jr.

Richard Delaune Obituary

DELAUNE RICHARD K., JR.

On Saturday May 29, 2004, RICHARD K. DELAUNE, JR., beloved husband of Alicia Delaune of Chevy Chase, MD; beloved son of Jewel Lynn Delaune of Williamsburg, VA; dear brother of Linden Gorman of Richmond, VA and Jonathan Delaune of Williamsburg, VA. Services private. Memorial contributions may be made to the U.S. Chess Center, Attention Richard K. Delaune Jr. Memorial Chess Tournament, 1501 M St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 4, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Delaune

Sponsored by Mrs. Richard K. Delaune, Jr..

17 Entries

Skip Hoffman

May 8, 2015

I am very saddened to hear of Richard's passing much too soon. I ran into him at a local tournament in '69 or '70 and, I suppose since he was new to the game and had a momentary lapse I won the game. I walked away thinking though that he was a nice youngster and felt bad when I saw him beating himself up for a minor blunder.

Not many months after I saw him at the University of Virginia at the state tournament. I was hoping to play him, thinking I'd have a psychological advantage. Since we were from the same geographical area he, Mark Allen and I hung around together there and consequently when I had a chance to I viewed his games. God, I'm glad I didn't draw him! The first game I watched he completed a knight and bishop forced mate in the endgame. Another game I watched he got the brilliancy prize for. And, he was only 15 years old! It was amazing how rapidly he rose in his knowledge of the game. Even though that was over 40 years ago I do remember that Richard was universally liked. I'm so glad to see that he rose to such an elevated rank and that he touched so many people during his lifetime.

William Evans

February 15, 2009

I only knew Richard briefly back in high school. I played 4th board for Bethel's chess team so I never got to play him. He played our 1st, mark allen and I played a guy with last name Santangelo. I remember richard being really committed to chess. He seemed to really love it. He came across as a really nice kid. (1971) Even though our team edged HRA for the Va. team title, Richard won the individual title. I watched some of his games and i was glad i wasn't playing him. He was really good, even then. I'm happy to see he was able to pursue his dream

bill evans (Dorset, OH)

Jane Lothian

January 8, 2005

A mutual friend's Christmas letter shocked me with the news of Rich's death. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially Alicia, whom I never had the opportunity to meet.

I lost touch with Rich after U.Va, but was lucky to be among his friends there. We met when he co-taught a freshman seminar on the works of T.H. White and J.R.R. Tolkien with a friend who later became my first husband.

I'll never forget Rich's thoughtfulness and great sense of humor. (His memory was legendary; it was rumored that he could recite all the Secretaries of State backwards, and had memorized the freshman yearbook!) I treasure the memory of many late-night Hearts games and the click of the speed chess timer in the background whenever I visited the place on JPA. Jeff's collie, Arrow, loved him.

Fernando Salazar

October 24, 2004

I have only just recently heard of Rich's passing. He was a friend to my wife Kim and myself, and a colleague who's examples of character and dedication I will never forget. His good humor was infectious -- but underneath it was also generous and never cynical. Our sincerest condolences go out to all his family and his friends.

herb marselas

October 22, 2004

We're stunned and saddened to hear of Rich's passing. He was a friend and mentor for many years. Even now I can see his broad smile and hear his infectious laughter. I never got up the nerve to play Rich in chess - although he assured me with a broad grin that it would be a short game. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family.

Kathleen Desmond Porter

August 6, 2004

I will miss Rich so much since I really took his friendship for granted, expecting to know him always. As friends both before and after our marriages, Rich was always good about keeping in touch and catching me up on the activities of our mutual friends. He was always willing to try new things from tennis (neither of us played very well) to dance lessons (don't ask!). I knew he played chess and traveled to tournaments but never had any idea of his accomplishments since he never put himself forward. He worked hard and never complained. He found the love of his life in Alicia and spoke so proudly of her. I was so thrilled that my friend had met someone to share his life with. It was so nice that after they married we still remained friends and shared beach vacations and lots of dinners out. He was always content and his faith was an important part of his life. His joy was Alicia and their special trips together. I thank Rich for my friendship with Alicia and hope to make more special memories though there will always be a sense of loss and that is ok because you don't forget special friends.

Jeremy Davis

July 18, 2004

I count myself lucky to have had the chance to really get to know Richard. As I saw from the other responses, Richard has an unforgettable presence; he was such an influence to so many people, myself included. Twice, I had the opportunity to spend several weeks with Rich and Alicia. Since Richard's passing, I have looked back on the time that we all spent together, and I have realized that Richard's memory will not be forgotten. Richard's compassion and caring, his sense of humor, his ability to make even the worst situation seem positive will live on in all of those who have had the fortune to know him.

ALBERTO ARTIGAS

July 11, 2004

Never a man could have wished for a better Son-in-Law. He was a marvelous person, a loving son and a wonderful husband to my daughter Alicia. I loved him like a son of my blood because he was a man like very few around today. Full of high moral values, extremely inteligent but unassuming and modest. Always with a smile or a conforting word.Never a negative attitude, he was loved by everyone who knew him. And I loved him very much. And I miss him very much. But he will never be gone from my heart. And I always will treasure his memory. Good bye my Son. Until we meet again.

Peter Henderson

June 19, 2004

I was shocked to learn of Richard's passing. Though I had not seen him for many years I always assumed I would see him again. I knew him from the Virginia chess scene in the early 70s. Though we did not spend a lot of time together, his warmth and graciousness were such as to make me feel close. I remember fondly a game of "partner chess" where Richard had the misfortune to have me for his partner. I spied a queen sacrifice for our side which I would never have looked at had I not had such a brilliant partner. Not wanting to let him down I examined the move, found it apparently sound, and made the sacrifice. Richard's face lit up and he gave me a high five. "What a partner!" he exclaimed. I hope the elation of that moment compensated him some for the many times I failed to divine his schemes. Richard, I am grieved that you are gone, and my prayers are with your family.

Pedro Saavedra

June 12, 2004

I first met Rich in the early 1970s when we first played in the Virginia Chess Championship, and even though I saw him not that long ago, it is the younger Rich I always remember. I was grieved to read of his passing. My prayers are with all his family.

Pedro Saavedra

Past President (1969-1970), Virginia Chess Federation

Phillip Nonez

June 11, 2004

Rich was a mentor, colleague, and a friend to me. He always was there with the right words and an optimistic tone during trying times. He was an influence on me in and he will surely be missed.

Thank you Rich.

Dave Gertler

June 10, 2004

I was surprised and saddened to see Richard's obituary. I only played him in chess once, but we attended many of the same tournaments. His chess style was quirky but effective; his personality was friendly and unassuming. In the chess community, he was well liked and will be missed.

Jean Tabaka

June 6, 2004

It is so shockingly sad that Rich is gone. He has always remained one of the finest people I have ever had the honor to know. I will continue to treasure many wonderful, sweet, loving, and endearing memories of him. My mother, brothers, sisters and I are all deeply deeply saddened.

Vincent Moore

June 4, 2004

Rick was always happy, laughing, enthusiastic, and full of life, and one of the nicest guys I knew. It is very hard to accept that he was taken from us so suddenly. I regret that geographical distance kept us from seeing each other more frequently in recent years. He will be sorely missed.

Gary Sokola

June 4, 2004

My prayers are with the family of Rich Delaune, a first rate gentleman. Despite his many talents and achievements, he'd look down his nose at no one. He was a most gracious supervisor to work for and I shall miss him terribly. May God Bless and comfort his family. They must be truly special people to have played a part in shaping him to be such a great guy.

Peter Dressner

June 3, 2004

Dear Rich

Its hard to write about you in the past tense... You and Alicia were one of our favorite friends... Alicia, you still are a good friend and always will be... we live right near you. Let us know if you need anything at all, at any time.

Rich, you are such a fine person. We felt and will always feel privileged to have known you. You two were lots of fun to go out with and watch movies with. We won't forget you.

Love Peter and Jeanette Dressner

Michael Atkins

June 3, 2004

Richard was a 4-time Virginia State Chess Champion. He will be missed.

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