WALTER R. CUNNINGHAM

Played Walter once in chess tournament in Boston --very much a gentleman. Sorry for his
passing.

Hello ! This is Wendy Cunningham. Can you guess who I am? I am his older daughter from a previous marriage. I knew that my Dad Walter Rudolph Cunningham was a chess player back in high school in Arcadia, California. He was sponsored by a Jewish man and went to play against other countries in Europe. He was 16.

My grandma Lestra (his Mom) always said that my half sister Lita Stella Lestra Cunningham and I inherited his intelligence. I was a sign language cheerleader and dorm...

Walt was my graduate advisor for master's thesis and dissertation at Univ. Florida 1979-1985. I feel so fortunate to have worked with him and learned so much (factor analysis; statistics!). He had very high standards that I always tried to meet. He helped develop the careers of many psychologists, and I am proud to be one of his students. I'll always remember that he sat with me during the entire graduation ceremony for my PhD. I'll miss him very much.

HE WILL BE MISSED.EVERY TIME I FACED HIM OVER THE CHESSBOARD I KNEW I WAS IN FOR A BATTLE.IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO PLAY HIM.A TRUE GENTLEMAN OF THE GAME!

.....I remember most about him when I started playing chess, the fact that the strongest players spoke so highly of his game and him....and was a good teacher of the game to novice players. One of the strongest Florida players ever. May God be with his family and loved ones.

Mike Foust Kissimmee Florida

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Lita and Family, All of us in the Bostwick family remember your Dad well from your days as a member of the BHS girls soccer team.Fond memories of his enthusiasm for the game, and encouragement for you as he yelled "Lita" from the stands.We are all sorry for you loss.

I was a graduate student in the UF Psychology Department during the 1990s. Walt was an integral part of the department and, especially, of the developmental area. His graduate courses in statistics were challenging and important. My sympathies to each of his family members during this time. May you cherish and hold onto your fondest memories of him.

Dr. Cunningham is a Florida legend. I knew of him before attending UF. When I arrived here, he was the faculty sponsor for the chess club. A nicer, more committed guy you couldn't find. His team, comprised of John Nardandrea, Greg Small, and Thom Lawhon won the Pan American Intercollegiate Championship. I was honored when he played in the tournaments that I directed. I am sorry for your loss. Mark Ellis Solomon, Esq. (BS '80, JD '83)