Sorry to have just noticed this one year+ later. I first met Stuart around 1978 at the Portland Chess Club when I was 15. He was always the consummate gentleman, win or lose, and a tireless organizer. He was always welcoming to new members of any caliber such as myself and was the first person to really get me involved in organized chess events. My condolences to friends and family. --Anthony Gross, Hercules, CA

Roger, I'm not sure you remember me from 30 years ago, but I just saw where Stuart had passed away. If you are still in the Maine chess community, I would love it if you shared that he is the only reason for my love of the game to this day. Thank-you

I had the privilege of meeting Stuart very early on at about age 12 or so as I went to Brunswick Junior High School. There too, he organized a chess club which I joined. We played against different schools. I remember spending some time playing with him after school and that he gave me some copies of Chess Review (remember that one?!). A very patient man.

This led to my obsession with the game that dominated my High School years. I then re-connected with him when I moved to Portland and joined the Chess Club there.

Many thanks Stuart! You are greatly missed. RIP

Mike

For those of us fortunate enough to have played across from Stuart, attended his many tournaments, or helped him with his dedication to promote Maine chess, we each know that we have lost a state legend, a friend, and a true gentleman.

A tireless organizer and custodian for the Portland Chess Club and the Maine Chess League. He was at the YMCA every Friday evening opening the equipment closet and took care of all the administrative duties. I can't imagine a quality that you want in a president that Stuart did not possess. Selflessness, Grace, Punctuality, Trustworthy. The large attendance every Friday evening in the pre-digital age was largely because the club was so well run . My love of chess is not just because of the game but because of people like Stuart involved in it .

Yes Stuart will be sadly missed. Met him in the early 70's at the Portland Chess Club where he ran the show, took care of the ladder back when clubs used them. R.I.P.

Very nice remembrances! I wish I had met him. To those who did know Mr. Laughlin and cared about him my condolences!

I remember Stuart Laughlin very well and with gratitude. He was certainly one of the people who did the most to encourage and facilitate my participation in the greatest of all games. His leadership of the Portland Chess Club for many years, his activity in our matches with rivals in the Maine Chess League, and his unfailing dedication, sense of humor and decency will be fondly remembered--by me and a great many others.

Just a lovely tribute by Dan.
I had met Stewart a few times,
but it was after his serious
stroke. Am glad he is so
fondly remembered......Jon

One of the three greats in Maine chess development, with Jim Quirk and George Cunningham, he gave selflessly to the game and players. The history of Portland chess cannot be written without his name appearing throughout.

oh my....a great sadness weighs on me.

Over the years I have, from time to time, recalled the first time I met Stuart. It was in 1996 at the Portland Chess Club which met at the time in the Portland YMCA building. After I had finished a game with one of the club stalwarts, Stewart asked me how I did. When I told him that I had won the game his face lit up and he beamed a brilliant smile. Later on that evening as other players entered the club, Stuart enthusiastically introduced me as the Club's newest member. It's a memory I will never forget. I am the proud steward of the painting pictured above and of Stuart's beloved wooden chess set, a set that I have played many games with him on and a set that he used for many years at the Portland Chess Club. Until we meet again my friend; with much love and admiration.