By no means were Roger Morin and I well acquainted, and we only met once over the board, many years ago, but I am sorry to read this.

This is a very sad news. I knew Roger from Houlton Open seven years ago. This regular chess tournament helps my kids, Cynthia and Leonardo, for preparing World Youth Chess Championship and Olympiad with real tournament practices which is very hard to have around here. Roger is also a good mentor and always encourages my kids. You show me how to live a positive life and make the world a better place. we miss you!!!

I first played Roger, a burly smoker from Lewiston, in 1988 when Roger’s rating was 2143. It was round 3 on board 2, and I was expecting to draw with Roger (see game posting below). At the time I was quite impressed with the imagination of his finishing combinations and his strategic decisions leading up to that point as he put me away. I have played Roger another dozen times or so since then including four or so at his Houlton Art Gallery and found his imagination and strategic thinking integral to his chess but also to his art in the gallery.

Roger, with his thermos of coffee, was a regular participant at a number of tournaments held at the University of Maine since 2004. Later Roger was joined by Lois at the tournaments. While Roger anchored the open section, Lois was playing in the under-1000 section and afterwards discussing the games with the young players from Orono who later dominated Maine scholastic chess. A favorite memory is playing Roger, this fierce and wily chess competitor, at the gallery surrounded by Roger’s paintings, some of which were also fierce.

It was my privilege to play chess with and to know this gentleman. Roger, you have made a difference in the world. We miss you.

Extremely gracious of Roger to remember the organizers and TD's before his passing. I echo the twelve comments before me that Roger's passion for chess and art was unsurpassed. Aroostook County now has a void that will be difficult to fill.

Thanks to Tom Sandford, here is one of Roger's many outstanding games:

Tom Sandford (1811) - Roger Morin (2143) 01.16.1988; 0-1

We are so sad to hear this- what a great loss. What we will most fondly remember are long April afternoons on the couches in the lobby of The Waterville Grand during state championships chatting with Lois and Roger (Roger between his rounds), while Lois lovingly sewed for him. Roger was always gracious and kind to Matthew, and to me the one time we played (he crushed me of course!) Roger will be greatly missed by the entire Maine chess community.

Dan Fishbein

From jokes and laughs to wise advice in the form of some over-the-board shellackings, I'll always remember Roger's larger-than-life presence and love for the game and for all who chose to partake in it. I'll never forget his greatest advice: that chess is about human beings and not just plastic pieces on a board. We'll miss you, Roger.

Roger was a great friend and mentor. I will always remember his steadfast dedication to the Cony High Chess Team through his attendance at numerous 30/30 tournaments in the early 1980s. How we loved and tried to emulate his grand attacking style! In our many discussions on the history of the game, Roger would often invoke the legacy of his favorite World Champion, Alexander Alekhine, who once said, "Chess for me is not a game, but an art. Yes, and I take upon myself all those responsibilities which an art imposes on its adherents." Roger, your art and your love of chess will always live on in our hearts.

I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Roger Morin. I played with him a few very interesting games. He will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Maine chess has lost a true lover of the game, a fierce competitor, and a wonderful champion. He was also an innovator never afraid to share ideas on how to involve more people. Hosting chess tournaments at his home helped keep over-the-board tournaments alive in Aroostook County. He was involved in a total of 161 rated events over the last 12 years and most of them in Maine. Truly an institution of the Maine chess scene! Maine chess will certainly miss Roger Morin - I know that I already do.

Very sad news. I also met Roger in the 70's and played more than a few games with him. He will be missed.
RIP my old friend.

Very sad news indeed. I alaways
looked forward to a great game playing Roger. My condolences go out to Rogers family.

It is a sad loss for all of Maine chess in the passing of Roger. He was a great friend because he was a competitor in a great game. He will be missed.

Roger was inspirational to my Chess development back in the 80's frequently playing in Cony High School club tournaments as well as the Augusta Chess Club. A true lifelong artist and teacher.

This is sad. I had no idea he was ill. Roger was always a gentleman and a friend. I met him in the `70's when he taught me that a draw is not a draw if you don't know how to do it.

He was an amazing man! I had an awesome rivalry with Roger throughout my time in Maine. I am very grateful to have known him and learned from him.

-Steve Abrahams