Vicki died of heart failure

VICKI THORNTON

David died several years ago due to heart problems.  He was a great chess player and would have been professional level had the health problems not interfered. I met David when he was in the 9th grade.  I was his first chess tutor.  We were friends up until he passed away.  Although we recognize that chess is a game, David seemed to find it a place where he could pread his wings and have the freedom to exercise his creative mind.  Thus, it was a comfort to him.  Since chess was an arena where David made his mark, I think David would like some mention of it.  David was much more than just a person winning tournaments, for there will be someone else to win games and trophies...but as a friend to many, he will be impossible to replace.  We all took some pride that he won the Jacksonville High School Championship three years in a rowm and as an adult, he won the overall Jacksonville City Chess Championship a record seven times.  He embraced chess as a medium to express his mind.  In a way, it was his music and he was the composer.

DAVID TEW

PETER PAETZOLD

BYRON BISHOP

Doug (left) at 15 year reunion

Doug passed away April 11, 2001 following a valiant battle with cancer.  Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Doug was raised in Orange Park and had lived in the area for over 40 years.  He was a Letter Carrier at the Baymeadows Post Office for 25 years.  Doug loved life and for those who knew him, knows he missed his calling as a stand-up comic.  He loved to make people laugh, the outdoors, and surfing.  He was known by his many friends as a giver and his sweet spirit will be missed.  Survivors include his mother, Calista Evans, brother Daniel Evans, sister Teresa Geshay, half-brother Norman Ross, half-sister Carole Calvert, nephews  Eric Evans and John Robert Geshay, and 1 niece, Rachel Geshay.

DOUG EVANS

Doug's Memorial Service was April 14th at a church in Atlantic Beach.  I wish everyone could have been there, it was so wonderful. There were so many people there from OPHS.  Teresa and Daniel spoke, as well as Damon Boatwright from the Class of '74.  After the service, we went down to the beach and Daniel paddled out on his surfboard with Doug's ashes and scattered them in the ocean where Doug loved to surf.  It was a very sad and happy night.  Later, they had a party with a keg and food..that's what Doug wanted also.  What a cool guy!  We will miss him dearly.                            Submitted by Leslie "Peterson" Sheffield '74

JOHN DYAL John died on May 26, 2002 in Pensacola,  Florida.  He died peacefully in his sleep after dealing with some health problems.  John will be missed by all.                         Submitted by Leslie Peterson Sheffield '74

January 1973.  Here is David, standing right, just after he won the city High School Chess Championship for the 2nd time.  He was in the 11th grade at OPHS.  Standing left is Dr. Jose Fernandez, former champion of Cuba.  Both are watching fellow Jacksonville Chess Club member, 19 year old John Nardanrea playing in the 3rd North Florida Open.

David, as an adult, right after winning his 7th City Chess Championship                                 Submitted by Daren Dillinger

SUE MARDOS