DAVID WILLIAM PUGH (1944-2023)
It was with great sadness that I discovered the demise of Dave Pugh who passed away on Friday September 22nd 2023 aged 79.
My first vague memory of Dave was recalling that I had played at Warley Quinborne Community Centre when I was just a teenager, about 50 years ago.
In recent years, Dave had been Honorary President of both Greenlands Chess Club and then Longbridge since 2018, in recognition of his place within the Club, acknowledging Dave’s role as one of the founding fathers of St. James Chess Club, the precursor to Greenlands and Longbridge; where Dave became Secretary for season 1974/75.
Dave will be remembered as a Quaker by those who knew him best.
He had taken 13 years out from playing chess while he nursed his wife, and it was unsurprising that he felt a need to distract himself by playing chess again. It coincided that with his wife’s passing, Dave had taken a cruise, and shortly after had been diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His reintegration into Chess Club had given him some small crumb of comfort.
Dave’s unmistakable love of the game was known best both at Longbridge and at Warley Quinborne with whom he was previously associated many years ago.
I always remember my first game arriving at Greenlands on the evening of September 13th 2016, was to manage a draw with Dave; who announced to the room when asked how I was doing; “Oh, this guy can play!” It was just the encouragement I needed.
I’d been apprehensive about joining a Chess Club having spent 37 years doing other things; but Dave soon put me at ease. I loved the ambience upstairs at Greenlands from that first evening and I was sold on joining, largely due to the conversation I’d shared with Dave.
In my first few seasons, I couldn’t buy a win in the matches I played for Greenlands.
On one notable occasion at Kidderminster; the evening of January 4th 2017 – a game I shall never forget versus John Whitehead for having chased John’s King around the board for 10 moves having sacrificed various pieces; I somehow managed to play 42. Qc6+, a check instead of 42. Qe8#, the one-move checkmate on offer.
Dave had been observing the thrill of the chase occurring on my board; following on from his own almost inevitable drawn game; Dave having become a specialist in grinding his opponents into accepting a half-point. He let out one almighty shriek of astonishment at my inability to deliver checkmate. To which I responded; “Shut up Dave,” believing I knew what I was doing…
Something niggled subconsciously as I tried to concentrate with all eyes now upon my game. All the time in the back of my mind knowing my mentor Dave was so visibly and audibly distraught. I remained oblivious to my error until the conclusion of the game having blown my first win, and resigning at the point at which I’d blundered.
Dave and I continued to work on improving my game; and sometimes I would visit Dave in Rubery to play chess with him.
Learning of his deteriorating eyesight; Chess Club raised a collection with which to purchase a chess set for the Blind. We subsequently named the club’s most prestigious internal tournament prize the “Dave Pugh Trophy” such has been the high regard we have for the man.
I felt guilty in recent years having lost touch with Dave; while preoccupied with my duties at Longbridge Chess Club and Academy; which has gradually expanded to a membership of more than 50 players. Many of whom require similar guidance to that which Dave had provided me.
Back in July 1997, Dave attained his highest ever English Chess Federation Grade of 170; the commendable equivalent of today’s ELO Rating of 1975.
After deterioration in Dave’s health had curtailed his wish to continue playing chess with Greenlands; there were a few occasions when Richard Collett had assisted Dave in attending Chess Club which had resurrected as Longbridge and which was now meeting at the Austin following an end to lockdown. It was great to see Dave back in his element even though he was now accompanied by 6 oxygen tanks.
Dave had been insatiable in his love of chess since the age of four according to his own recollections. I’m sure former teammates and friends will remember David William Pugh fondly, as will I with an unavoidable tear in my eye. A true gentleman.
LONGBRIDGE CHESS CLUB 