Obituaries: Roy Heppinstall

I very much regret to report the death of Roy Heppinstall who passed away on Sunday 30th September 2007 aged 65.

In addition to activities over the board, which included a spell as one of the leading players in John Philpott’s all conquering U175 squad, Roy had been involved in chess administration for a considerable period. After forming the Witham Chess Club in the 1960’s he was Chairman of both that Club and of the North Essex Chess League for many years and also found time to be Match Captain of the highly successful Essex Open Team, which captured the Counties Championship in both 2002 and 2006.

On retirement from Marconi’s Roy expanded his chess activities considerably, becoming President of the Southern Counties Chess Union in 2002, and then Chief Executive of the British Chess Federation (as it then was) in 2003. Although it was a difficult time for the Federation he was instrumental in pushing through a number of important changes, including the adoption of a Child Protection Policy and the conversion of the Federation to a Company Limited by Guarantee, combined with the change of name to the English Chess Federation, an achievement of which he was particularly proud in that provided a sound basis for the Federation to move forward.

His earlier ill health had led to his replacement as Chief Executive in October 2006, but his many achievements were recognised earlier this year when he was elected as an Honorary Life Vice President of the Federation.

Although always displaying a courteous and approachable manner, his Yorkshire roots had given him a steely determination to succeed in all his undertakings, a quality which he maintained throughout the illnesses from which he suffered in recent years.

Roy is survived by Muriel, his wife for 41 years, and by a daughter, son and granddaughter, to whom we all send our deepest sympathy at this sad time. R.I.P. Roy

David Smith

Roy's funeral will take place on Thursday October 11th. There will be a family service at the crematorium followed by a thanksgiving service at Witham United Reformed Church at 3:00pm, (Newland Street, Witham CM8 1AH). There is a public car park at the mini-roundabout downhill from the church (pay & display), another off Newland Drive (to the north of the main shopping area), or there is Tesco in the Grove Centre (free for 4 hours).
Family flowers only, donations if wished to Macmillan Nurses or Farleigh Hospice.

Cyril Johnson writes:

The death of Roy Heppinstall leaves a large hole in English Chess. During Roy's time as Chief Executive of the BCF and ECF, he oversaw momentous changes of name and of constitution. His work behind the scenes was immense.

His support for the company limited by guarantee was crucial as was his support for the Code of Conduct for Disabled Chess Players. Roy brought an unprecedented professionalism to board meetings, and an understanding of the needs and feelings of chess administrators and players in the shires being a county captain and good county player.

I was pleased to be able to present Roy and David Smith with the County Championship trophy at Ratcliffe College in July 2006 after a close-run Essex victory. Essex held a singular place in the heart of this Yorkshireman who was also proud of his northern roots.

He will be missed.