Frank Kluytmans, former Calgary Chess Club president passed away
By: Frank Dixon
4/10/2021 8:42:07 AM
Frank Kluytmans was a very keen chess person, who generally played in the 1900-2100 rating range. When I lived in Calgary during the 1980s, I was not so active in tournament play, due to a demanding work schedule, but whenever I did play, Frank was generally there, playing, or organizing, or sometimes both. I played some of my best games of that era against him; he was generally a class higher-rated, but I scored some satisfying wins. The Calgary scene of that era was competitive and strong at the top, with the South brothers -- Fred and Robert -- both Masters; young organizer and Master Roy Yearwood; veteran Masters such as Branimir Brebrich and Kris Kuczaj, an emerging young talent with Robert Hawkes (eventually FM); many veterans who still played very well, such as Wolf Mueller, Bella Szucs, and Jan Kralovic, chess columnist Paul Usselman; and from the next generation, junior Gregory Huber, eventually Alberta champion and FM. John Schleinich was a stalwart organizer and CFC Governor at that time. I enjoyed being a part of it, and Frank Kluytmans stepped up to make things happen, combining chess excellence with a friendly, kind personality; everyone was his friend!
Rest In Peace, my friend Frank.
Frank Dixon
NTD, Kingston
