I have begun this page with the initial e-mails sent out by Susan Breeding and Luis Salinas. Please add your thoughts, feelings, remembrances and final words about Steven by clicking here. Your comments will be automatically posted on this page.

If you wish to send condolences to Steven's family the address is:

The Larry Grubbs Family (father, mother and sister)
5446 Barcelona
Garland, TX 75043

Steven you will be remembered as both a great chess player, and a dear friend. I believe you left the score between me and you at 4-3. The first time we played you came down to my hometown of Browsville, TX -- I was up on pieces, and you were up slightly on pieces and low on time -- you asked for a draw because of the chances of you had more time you would indeed win. It was probably because you were munching out on nachos that whole game :)1/2-1/2 I can't remember exactly the next tournament we played in, but I believe it was partnering up on the bughouse tournament for state, and state competition. It was then we were on the top boards that i gained my first loss. I believe i dropped a major piece, and that was the means to a quick end, the year you went to the Denker tournament 1.5-.5 the next tournament was a Southwest Open, It was probably the most mind boggling game i had ever played against you, It was too risky yet I took the gamble of a knight sacrifice that you were always willing to accept - and this was my first win. 1.5-1.5 Then we both traveled to the 1995 All American Cup, which I was surprised to see a fellow texan there, it was all in the last round when we played against, a loss for me would mean I wouldnt place but yet if i achieved a draw i would get the number one spot... It was down to bishops and I did it -- DRAW Thats when we took a picture for the Texas Knights side by side hahahah, great fun. 2-2 We met again in oklahoma for the West Chess Congress tournament as cocky as you were waving a score sheet of a recorded game we played that i lost! When it came down to the second to the final round, again to see who wins first. With that serious face attitude, hahahah i knew you just wanted to laugh. Well, I dropped a pawn, and after that my center gradually fell and I dropped a bishop I believe and that was a quick end, I finished 2nd below you :| 3-2. During this time we played as a team that you labeled Search for Cindy Crawford --- You were board one and I was board two-- we managed to pull of some wins versus the other team, and you did a great job of pulling the number one junior. :) The last tournament I played in was when i was out of chess for at least a year I believe when I had graduated.. it was for the Collegiate Section both being freshmans. It was a round robin, we each had to play each other twice. The first round you played speedy as you often do and I tried to play slower but you always picked up the rate of my play with your rapid thinking. I always was willing to played e4/e5 but you would hardly do so against me, you would throw me off into other games :\ You knew my play too well, I cant remember if it was the scotch gambit that we played that I won or not... but i managed 3-3. When it came down to the second round, I missed a complete win, I quickly grabbed a pawn that I shouldn't have -- the win was right there although you denied it :) 3-4. Grubbs, you will always be remembered as the better man, you truly were. Thanks for being such a great friend and both a inspiration when I played. Great moments, and memories, I will not forget you.

Andy Zamora <Studyingarch@email.com>
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HOW ARE YOU DOING FINE ! i AM WRTING TO TELL YOU

TONY MADDEN
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It's hard to imagine that it has been a whole year since Steven left us. I've often longed to see that coy smile with the twinkle in his eyes and hear one of his funny jokes or stories. I miss his servant heart, willing to do so much for so many, without complaining, and without expecting anything in return. The Bible says that "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." I look forward to that day when I, too, will be present with the Lord, and when I will get to see Steven's smiling face for eternity! My prayers go out to his family; I know it has been a long, lonely year for them.

Susan Breeding <susanbreeding@hotmail.com>
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it was diffrent not seeing steven at the State tournent every year i looked foured to watching him play at leat once. either bughouse or a reguler game of chess. I know we all mised him at state to help some where either in the computer room or directing or where ever he was need he was allways a great help you will allwas be missed steven

Coby Leftwich <coby@pdq.net>
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My win in the 2001 Texas Primary Championship was in Steven's Memory.I thought about him before every round---some times,like the last round,I prayed Philippians 4:13 because that is what Steven would Have done. It was a good tournament for me because I played it the way Steven would have wanted me to. Taylor

Taylor N. Martin <marrep@msn.com>
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While it is true thar Steven did indeed have a seisure disorder, let me put it into perspective. I am sure that the number of his games that were affected by seisures was less than 1% of those played. Please, let's not dwell on such a small part of his life.

For his 21 years, Steven lived a full life. Looking back now, I can't imagine how he managed to do all he did. He enjoyed skiing, swimming, racquetball, softball, soccer, golf, volleyball, etc. At Garland Christian Academy, he lettered in football and soccer. For some reason, he could never get any faculty members interested in sponsoring a chess team, even after winning the state championship his junior year. Although he spent lots of time with chess, that was not his entire life. On days when he didn't have chess lessions lined up, he would come to the office just to hang out with dad. When I could, I would leave work early so we could do something together. We played golf quite a bit, but last summer we discovered frisbee golf. Four or five days a week we were together doing something. (Rain was never a problem, remember?)

In the hundreds of hours that we were out together, he never had even one seisure. So........when you think of Steven Grubbs, don't think of someone who was less than he could have been because of a medical prolem. Think of someone who enjoyed his life and was happiest when he was making someone else happy.

I was fortunate to have had the relationship with my son that I had. All of you young guys that read this, let your dads know you love them. It will do you both a lot of good.

Let me say THANK YOU to all in the chess community who have been so supportive. Words can never tell you how appreciative I am.

Larry Grubbs

Larry Grubbs <larry@forestprinting.com>
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Steven Grubbs was not the greatest of chessplayers, but he had a great heart. I hope that others, especially myself, will not judge a person on performance, but rather as a person. I first met Steven when we played in the 1996 Denker. I didn't really get a chance to know him until I came to UTD. I didn't get to see Steven as a junior player and his impact to the Dallas Chess Club during that period. Steven always appeared a bit stubborn to me, and I failed to recognize his obvious good qualities. Sadly, I have only recently begun to realize what a wonderful person Steven was.

I do not remember Steven ever complaining. Having lost hundreds of times, I almost cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a game and not be upset enough to say something negative. Steven didn't do that. Alternatively, I don't remember him ever gloating after a game. I understand now that his health problems were quite serious. Under the circumstances, I can imagine that Steven could have complained about them as well. I suspect, however, that he didn't complain about them either, wanting to do his best in spite of them. I remember Steven's smile. It always seemed to me like he was up to something. I never paid much attention to it. Looking back, though, I guess he was a pretty optimistic person. It would be hard for the average person to smile that much.

I remember Steven being a TD quite a bit. I just thought it was his thing. Now I see that he was just giving back to the game. In addition, he worked at DACIS and many other chess clubs. He got a lot of kids involved in chess. While it was nice getting paid a little bit, I don't think Steven's main goal was ever the money. I think he really enjoyed when the kids learned. I think chess was an outlet for Steven to help people.

I remember Steven was stubborn. He wouldn't budge when he thought he was right. While I didn't like the fact that Steven wouldn't comprimise, I can now see why he did it. He always wanted things to be fair. He might not have always been right, but he stood up for what he believed to be right.

I was shocked to hear that Steven had passed away. I think that when someone that we know dies, we all question our own mortality to some degree. It puts things into perspective. It makes us realize that we could die on any day. It makes us question who or what we are living for. It also makes us realize how foolish and trivial some things are. I hope that Steven's life will be remembered, and that he will continue to have an impact on all of us.

On the night after the Texas Junior Open (which I think of as a memorial tournament to Steven Grubbs because of the scholarsip given by UTD), I wish I could say that I have learned from Steven. Unfortunately, I still complained after I lost. I still didn't keep an optimistic attitude. I still didn't have excellent sportsmanship. I think a lot can be learned from Steven. I hope that his life and the things that he stood for will not be forgotten.

Andrew Whatley <Rosewoody7@yahoo.com>
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Wow, what a shock. I haven't seen Steven in a while, but I know that he was a great guy and a great chess player. Many will miss his tactical mind and novel openings.

Ricky Azevedo <rnazevedo@hotmail.com>
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Steven instructed the Bradfield Elementary Chess Club for at least three years. The participation had grown to over 50 3rd and 4th grade students each year. This is over 20% of those eligible. This includes my son. I never had the pleasure of meeting Steven, but I do know lots and lots of Bradfield students who have enjoyed him tremendously. He added a spark to hundreds of students at our school and I can only assume he did the same for hundreds of students at other schools.

Thank you Steven. May God bless you and look after you.

Grady Schleier

Grady Schleier <gs@avatex.net>
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I remember the first time I played Stephen. It was roughly 7 or 8 years ago at the old chess club on Forest Lane. If I am not mistaken, this was his first tournament at the chess club. He was a very very nice person and a very good chess player. He will be missed.

Jacques Daniels <vbdev@eudoramail.com>
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Steven started playing chess regularly in the O'Banion Middle School Chess Club. He was in my band (a trombone player) for a couple of years, too. He gained significant confidence in his chess skills while with us. He and Tom Wyler, the co-sponsor of the club, became close and studied long hours together (particularly on the Ruy Lopez). Stephen came back to O'Banion many times to update us on his chess progress. He was a kid we will never forget.

Harlan S. Yenne, III

Director, O'Banion Bands

Sponsor, O'Banion Chess Club

Harlan Yenne <obband@yahoo.com>
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Thanks to Jim Flaherty for contacting me about Steven.

Mrs. Baker/Glen Rose
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Texas Chess has lost a treasure: not only a great chess player but a talented teacher. I met Steven at a small, informal , unrated Glen Rose tournament. I fondly remember trying to convince his father and his coach not to play his "up".. i had a good group and he might get dicouraged at such a young age . The joke was on me because he demolished my team except for one very close match where he barely lost in the end game! Glen Rose knew his name by the end of the day! Our goal from then on was to "beat Steven", but we never did in a tournament game. Steven and Glen Rose had a friendly rivalry for years. That is what I like about Chess. You compete ,but you have great respect for skill. We had great respect for Steven. I remember Steven teaching my students between matches. To me that is the character trait of a great chess player. The motto of Glen Rose was "Love the game more than the prize". Steven also lived by those words. Glen Rose salutes you Steven as a great competitor,fine teacher,good sport, and a nice person. My sympathy and prayers go to your family. Mr. Grubbs we met at many tournaments. I admired the interest and time you spent with Steven.

Mrs. Baker/ Glen Rose
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Thanks to Jim Flaherty for telling me about this Memorial.

The news that Steven had died, which I received the morning of the first round of this year's Southwest Open, hit me hard. It is hard for me to believe that someone I knew personally is gone forever.

I was a contemporary of Steven's in the junior events a few years back, though we never met over the board in a USCF game. We once played on the same team in the Texas Team Championship. I had a tough time of it, losing to a GM and two masters. Steven drew Bighamian, and jokingly chided me for being unable to contribute any points to the team.

I did not know Steven well, though we chatted on the ICC from time to time. From reading the posts, I know he was a good young man, full of love. I regret not knowing him more.

My best to his family. God bless you,

Josh

Josh Newsham <jnewsham@jump.net>
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hey iv knows steven for a long time and he is a nice guy and td

paul haney <quiksilver8181@aol.com>
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Steven was truly a scholar and a gentleman.

Matthew Campbell <alekhine@micron.com>
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I got the email with the subject line, "Sit down before reading this" - nothing could have possibly prepared me for what it contained. It's just hard to accept that someone so young could pass on. Steven and I were rivals back in high school. Even after going separate ways and not seeing each other for a long while, we often played on ICC and talked friendly trash, all in jest. I would remind him who won our encounter in 1995, while he called me "One-timer" (referring to the fact that he won the Texas Junior Championship twice).

My deepest condolences go to his family - it's hard to imagine the pain of such a terrible loss. May God's blessings be upon you all.

Chad Bruns

i have known him since when he was 14 even were not close he did not have anger to know one. He loved children he was sensetive cariying person god have mercy in his soul !! i will mis him !!

ozden oz <ozdenoz@utility.net>
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I was stunned to hear the news at the SW Open on Saturday. What can I say? Here are my memories:

He was well on his way to becoming the first player younger than myself to defeat me in a rated game in April ’92. Then he made a series of blunders in MY time pressure, and I pulled out a draw. That distinction eventually fell to the equally worthy Suzanne Rivoire that December. A few months later, Steven became the second, when I dropped a rook in a won endgame. That group is quite crowded now, but I believe Steven went to his grave as the only person to do it more than once.

He and I would play several more times. I think we each won about half. He had the edge in scholastics, me in opens. The spring of ’95 came around, and this winner of two national tournaments had never won even a local scholastic tournament in Texas. Blunders, flag falls, early draws, tiebreaks: you name it, it had cost me a tourney at some point. It was my senior year of high school, and I was running out of time.

After years of trying, Steven finally got his rating ahead of mine that spring, defeating me for at least two scholastic titles. He probably thought I chickened out by playing in the FW regional that year while he was winning the Dallas one. Maybe I did. I just had to get that monkey off my back before the state. I did win the tournament, with a rating about 500 points ahead of the field.

I did not play much chess in college, so I only saw him once or twice a year after ’95. I last saw him in May at DCC and he seemed to be doing fine.

Thanks for everything, Steven. I knew you as a chessplayer, but not really as a person. Judging from everyone else’s comments, that was a big mistake. Chess in Texas will never be the same without you.

Jim Flaherty <jim.flaherty@gateway.net>
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Our deepest condolences to Grubbs family. I remember when Taylor first wanted to go to DCC. We wondered what sort of people would be there.Once he met Steven, we knew God had directed him to a place where there would be good solid role models among the young adults at DCC. Steven understood this responsibility and took it seriously. He had the character and integrity that comes with knowing who you are in Christ. Psalm 1:3 sums up God's magnificent handiwork in StevenGrubbs: He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Stevens actions were always consistent with who he was,and his faith shone thru in the little things.He set an example,a standard,for our youth to aspire to. Amen,and God Bless the Grubbs family for bringing up their wonderful child in the ways of the Lord. With Love, Nina,Bill,Taylor andConner

Martin Family <marrep@msn.com>
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Tribute to a Special Chess Friend: All of us who knew Steven thought he was pretty special! His honesty,

integrity, and willingness to impart his knowlege of Chess freely was most impressive. We hope that more Chess Champions will continue in his footseps to do the same. Fondly, Judy, Don, and Jeffrey Cornell

Judy Cornell <DJJPLANO@aol.com>
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The Steven I know is a very unique person. I know him through Susan Breeding in Bethany Chess Club. Every time I saw him either he’s teaching in chess club or volunteer in tournament, he always looks serious, gentle and a little quiet and shy.

I had a chance to invite him to my house teaching chess lesson for a group of kids just started last month. He is always nice and pleasant, and very patiently going through the lessons and games with kids. I’ve never seen him talk bad or yell at them when the boys get wild during the class. He’s not only teach kids how to be a better chess player, he also taught them about good sportsmanship and demonstrate a good example for them.

I really shocked and speechless when I learned he is no longer with us. I prayed with Alan for the past nights for Steven’s family. We know he is not coming next Monday for the lesson, he is now in heaven with our Godly Father. I can not explain to Alan why does this happen, but we truly believed and obey this is God’s best plan for him.

Our deepest condolences to Steven's family. Steven, you are such a wonderful young man; we missed you already. Your life is so short but you touched a lot of human souls. We’ll remember you forever.

Sue, Kelvin & Alan Chen <swang@guici.com>
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I met Steven in this summer. I've noticed him from the first sight. He was very kind & serious man. All children liked him. When i found out those sad news, I couldn't believe it. I'm really sad about this & really sorry about that. My best support to his parents. He was a great man, i will remember him forever......

Annakov Babakuli <gm_gahan@usa.net>
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Although I only knew Steven peripherally, I had a great deal of respect for him. It’s not often that you meet someone as kind, generous, dedicated and morally upright as Steven was. Whether it was going over a game with an opponent, giving advice to a junior player, stepping in at the last minute to direct a tournament, or sharing his faith, there was no one more devoted to the game – he will be sadly missed. My condolences to the Grubbs family.

Kenneth Artz <ken.artz@consultingpartners.com>
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Steven was a great coach. Here are some of the lessons that he taught me that I will always remember:

1) Play because you love the game and play as often as you can.

2) Never worry about your rating it will improve as you improve.

3) Almost every position is "interesting, very interesting".

My goal was to be able to beat him someday in a tournament game. That was his goal for me, too. The best I ever did against him was a draw at a Wednesday night tournament. He was proud of me when I did that.

Alex Chua <KIngChua@aol.com>
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It was Friday night and I was going into the third rounf when Mrs. Jamison gave me the news. I was in shock, I could not concentrate at all the next two rounds. I got lucky wins. Steven and I were not to close of firends, but I have played him a couple of times, and after most tournaments he was at, he would usually go out to eat with Tony and I. I was amazed at his abilities in chess and his moral and spiritual standards. While we were out to eat, if someone started to tell a dirty joke, or say something rude, Steven would just put his head down and cover his ears. He didn't want to hear any of it. I wish I could be like Steven, in his ability to play chess, and moral standards. I have a great deal of respect for him, and I know he will be there to greet me at the pearly gates.

You are very missed Steven.

Justin Barber <B0cefus@aol.com>
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I miss Steven already...

Here are some of the things I remember/miss about Steven...

When Steven first came to the Dallas Chess Club, the DCC was not the best place for kids. It was full of tobacco smoke, and a lot of profanity was used. Soon, Bob Smeltzer had smoking banned by bringing it up at the membership meeting. He said it was bad for health, and it was especially bad for the kids. I think that the club members like Steven (and the other kids so much) that we banned smoking at the club. There were not many kids playing at the club back then. Steven really hated profanity. He would give me a stare when I said anything improper. I remember him scolding several club members about their language. This was when Steven was around 13 or 14 and one of the club members was in his 60's. I think that Steven was responsible for much of the kid friendly-ness of the Dallas Chess Club. My boss at work has commented on the fact that I do not use bad language. I may have been Steven's chess teacher, but he taught me a lot.

I remember Steven mowing lawns so that he could have enough money to buy and put a coke and candy machine at the club. I remember Steven reaching in the candy machine to get his entry fee for the Wednesday or Friday tournaments. I remember Steven stocking the coke and candy machine with what I liked; instead of what may have sold more.

I remember Steven having to earn money so he could go to private school. He wanted to go where kids did what they were supposed to do. He earned the money and went to Garland Christian Academy for four years.

I remember Steven having to earn the money for his trucks and his insurance. I never heard him complained about having to do it.

I remember Steven correcting his mother when she mis-pronounced my name. He wanted my name pronounced correctly.

I remember taking Steven to all scholastic tournaments in the area, many of which he was the number one seed by over 400 points. I remember on the way back from one of them, Steven said that one day he would score well enough to win a team trophy by himself. He would then take the trophy to school and be able to start a chess team. He would be able to convince his potential team mates that they would win trophies by being on his team. If he could win a team trophy by himself, then with their help, they could win an even better team trophy. Steven always wanted to be on a team. I am happy he got his wish by being on the UTD team. I remember telling Steven that he had scored well enough to win team trophies several times, but one person was not a team, so he never was awarded one. I remember the sheepish grin he had when I told him. He still went to the scholastic tournaments after that. He really enjoyed playing.

I remember him learning more about the rules after that. He became the Dallas Chess Club's tournament director on Wednesdays. He was very reliable and dependable. I remember him doing his college homework at the club while he directed.

I remember that all I had to do was to show him how to do something on the computer and he could then do it. All it would take was to show him once.

I remember his sense of humor. He loved puns and word play. I remember him liking the old radio comedies that I had on tape. We would listen to them on the way to tournaments. I remember the look Steven had when he heard a subtle joke. I especially remember Steven staring at the radio and then at me when Rodney Dangerfield said, "when I get directions, I can't help but get lost again. I get directions like...you go down this road and you turn left where the old church used to be." I remember Steven's favorite vegetables when he was in middle school were... lettuce, turnip and pea.

I remember Steven volunteering to direct and do simuls at the state scholastic events. While former state high school Champions had volunteered before, they all ended up at the high school section watching the games instead of doing what they were supposed to do. Not Steven, he was just as happy directing in the elementary or primary sections.

I remember Steven needing a draw in the last round to win $1000 at one of the Pinfork tournaments. He played it out to a win. When I asked him if he knew he needed a draw, he said, "Yes, but the position did not call for a draw offer. I had to play it out."

I remember the year Steven won The Dallas Chess Club Championship. He was upset in the first round. Steven saw that the turn-out was poor. He asked if he could re-enter the tournament with a half point bye, that way the club would get another entry fee. I asked all the players if it was ok, and all said yes except for the number one seed. I had to tell Steven that he could not re-enter. Going into the last round of the tournament, Steven was 1/2 point behind the leader. The leader was the number one seed. Steven was paired against him and reached a dead drawn ending. The number one seed kept asking for draws, but Steven kept declining. Steven kept applying pressure to the position and ended up winning. He later told me that he had to win so he could be club co-champion, a draw would have left him in fourth place. Steven said that if he had re-entered and played the same person under the same circumstances, he would have accepted the draw and then the number one seed and Steven would then have been co-champions.

I remember when Steven was in a wreck with his red truck. It was not his fault and the insurance of the other driver paid for Steven to have a car rental. I remember that Steven would put premium gas in the rental. When I asked him why, he said, "That is what I put in my truck, so that is what I put in the rental." Even though it was not his car, he would not put in the cheap stuff. He followed the golden rule even when it applied to car rentals.

I remember how proud Steven was whenever his favorite students, The Chuas, would win a trophy. He really cared about Alex Chua and all his other students.

I remember taking a tour bus ride with Steven in Washington DC. I remember that the conversation turned to some criminal getting off on a technicality. Steven could not understand that. He said that if a person was guilty he should go to jail.

I remember some of the times Steven had seizures.

One time he had one at a tournament I was directing. I made sure he was okay and I bought him apple juice to drink. He drank the apple juice and I got him some more. I was really worried about him. I had remembered his dad telling me that there was nothing one could do after a seizure but to make sure he drank something. So I kept feeding him apple juice. I remember Miles Ardaman looking at me strange when I said the apple juice was good for Steven. It turned out Miles was right. Steven was worried that I was worried, so he pretended that I was helping him by getting him apple juice. I remember the good sportsmanship that happened during the game he had a seizure. His opponent, Burt Dennison, said that Steven made his chess move while having the seizure. So Steven could take his move back if he wanted.

I remember taking Steven to the Oklahoma Junior Championships. The tournament was opened, but an out of state player could not win the title. I took Steven to the tournament in hopes that he would win and thus have enough confidence to win the Texas High School title. Steven won the Oklahoma tournament. On the drive back, Steven had several violent seizures. A week later I was still worried about the seizures he had had, so I asked him if he was okay. He said about what. I said about the Oklahoma trip. He surprised me by saying that he was not. He felt that he affected the results of the tournament by playing and that the best Oklahoma player almost did not win the tiebreakers. He would not go to that tournament again. He did not want to feel that he affected the results.

One time when the club was still on Hampshire Lane in Richardson. I found Steven wandering around outside. I asked him how his game went. He said fine and that he won. Jonathan Walsh came out and told Steven, "aren't you going to finish your game?" Steven went back in with a puzzled look and finished the game. Apparently, Steven had felt a seizure coming on and did not want anyone to worry, so he stepped outside and had one. He then did not remember that he had not finished the game or that he had had a seizure.

Steven did not play very well right before or after a seizure. But he did not ever allow me to tell anyone that he had had a seizure or that he had a seizure sometime after a loss game. He did not want his opponents to know that he had one, and he never wanted to diminish an opponent's victory by claiming injury. He always said that the opponents won fair and square.

I remember that Steven like to wear religious tee shirts. Steven was religious and had found the Lord. He would talk about Christ to many of the chess players that approached him because of the tee-shirts. Steven really loved his church group. For a couple of years, Fred Hurst and I were a little miffed at Steven. Instead of preparing for state by playing in the club's tough Friday night tournaments, Steven would play volleyball with his church group.

Steven was a great human being.

Luis Salinas <lsalinas@iadfw.net>
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Having just received the news, i am both shocked and disappointed. Shocked that another fine human being has left the earth when there are so few here anyway. Having not kept close contact with Steve, i took for granted that he was there. Now knowing that he isn't, there is a very noticeable void left behind. I believe this is called being impacted by someone. It's going to feel good crying for Steve tonight and I'm going to pray to the Lord God that his soul is properly taken care of. I apologize to everyone for my tardiness in learning about this and missing the funeral.

Marvin Huckaby <huckaby@swbell.net>
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It's ironic that only last Wednesday (8/30/00), Luis and I were talking about Steven, his styles, his whereabouts, etc. We never knew that Steven would live only 2 more days!

I was cruising at the sole-1st place in the last Friday's tournament at the end of the 3rd round, and feeling good about it. Then all of a sudden, I heard that Steven Grubbs passed away. I was so shocked that I just couldn't play/concentrate in the last round. I never felt so saddened after dominating a Friday night's tournament.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see him as a TD, a "rival", a chess-lover, etc. We played a lot of tournament games at DCC. In fact, at one time we used to get paired against each other quite often. He used to like tactical positions very much. I sometimes used to go for the tactical positions intentionally to get the best out of

Steven Grubbs! His styles mixing with my unusual techniques often produced very exciting games. I thought we had lot more games to play in years to come.

Even though I didn't agree on all of his opinions/remarks,

I had nothing but respect for him. As a TD, he showed a great deal of responsibility and maturity. He tried to treat people as best as he could. Above all, I liked his unselfish approach to make the kids happy.

My deep condolences to Steven's family/chess-family. I'll miss him.

Sincerely,

Jahangir

Jahangir Ahmed <">"Jahangir Ahmed" >
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i will miss you, Steven. thank you for being you.

-- al sprague

al sprague <iamjosh@swbell.net>
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Dearest God, please comfort Steven's family and friends. We miss him so much. I have known steven as both a competitor and a friend. I coach chess teams at richardson Berkner, Apollo and now Dartmouth. Steven was always gracious in both victory and defeat, and was the very epitome of class - a perfect example for all the kids I have coached. He was always helpful and king to me personally and to all the kids on my teams. Oh ... its hard to write this .... I'm really sorry I missed his funeral, I just heard the news this evening .... Everyone in dallas, and in all of texas was is so proud of steven....My love tears and sympathy to all who read this ... I love you steven ... always

Bill Devin <w_devin@yahoo.com>
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One year ago, i first saw Steven at Dallas Chess Club during a Friday night's tournment.Steven was filling the vending machines and I thought that he was very responsible, I was very impressed.

When I played a fun game with Steven, he sometimes tell me what he was planning to do. Steven was always sharp on tactics or he was looking for a better position that he could work on.

My brother, Albert, and I are going to miss him very much. I feel sorry for his family and Luis.

Peter Yeh <alyeh@flash.net>
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Steven Grubbs was not only a great chess instructor as may have noted, he was also a great chess player. He was especially strong in tactics. He had an unrivalled ability in creating an attack from nowhere. I have played close to twenty games against Steven and each of those games was a hard fought battle. His interest in chess was remarkable. His passion for the game never seemed to decrease. However, unlike many of the chess players, he was equally interested in other activities too. Truly, he was a remarkable person. He will be missed by all.

Shivkumar Shivaji <shivajis@hotmail.com>
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I heard about Steven about 30 minutes ago from my good friend Jason Doss. It is hard to imagine that Steven is no longer with us. I remember Steven as being very genuine and honest in everything that he did. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim Dean <jhdean2400@hotmail.com>
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I will remember Steven as a sweet & geniune person who had never so much as a negative word for anyone. A gentle soul who will not be forgotten by anyone who knew him, if even for a short time. This is not a goodbye, but simply -- I'll see ya later.

Melissa Simms <mj_simms@yahoo.com>
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Steven Grubbs was a wonderful person. I never heard him say a negative word about anybody. He was always there to help and lend a hand. I will miss him greatly.

Danny Hardesty

Danny Hardesty <dharde@texas.net>
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I couldn't breathe when Luis came into the Dallas Chess Club on Friday night and told Eric Wiggins, Martin Alexander, kris LittleJohn and I that Steven had passed away just a few hours prior. I was expecting to see Steven that night, and play bughouse with him for a few hours as he often did with us on Friday nights. The shock of knowing we won't be doing that anymore still hasn't set in.

I knew Steven for 6 years and quite well. We've had our ups and downs, but it was always consistent that the next week we would usually end up having lunch together and or talk about something new in chess. He was the most sincere person I have ever met in my life. When he believed something, he stuck to it.

Steven was always young at heart. We often worked together teaching kids through the years. His greatest moments in my mind are those he spent making kids smile. His student's success's and true sportsmanlike conduct are a credit to his love for his kids, to help them inside and out of the chess arena with his lessons he taught. My memory of Steven will always be of him at the Dallas chess camp, with 4 or 5 little boys and girls hanging from him. I pray that his students left behind understand what he really gave them.

My deepest condolences to Steven's family, especially to his father, Larry Grubbs and "step-father" Luis Salinas. Steven's family taught him what it is to know God, and I have no doubt he is standing in heaven now watching all of us.

All of us that have known him and worked with him are fortunate to have met him. Your life was too brief Steven, but you touched us all.

I cannot remember who said something like " I dare any man to stand before God on the day of my judgement and declare to the Holy Father 'I was a better man than he!'" . In Steven's case this applies....there are few to none as great an individual as he.

I will always remember you Steve.

Jason R. Doss

Jason R. Doss <jdoss@dallaschess.com>
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It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Steven. When we got the email about steven's death, none of us could believe and want to believe.

We knew Steven as our daughter Jennifer's chess teacher. Bethany chess club kids liked him very much. My daughter still rememberd playing chess with him last Wedesday.

He was young, fun and had a sense of humors.

Bethany kids will miss him very much.

Our deepest sympathy to the Grubbs family and to Luis.

Tang's Family <ztang@ti.com>
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Initially, we were impressed with Stephen's humility. Obviously, he was a great chess player; but he was a greater champion. We never saw him boast or have a haughty spirit. On the contrary, he was helpful and kind to everyone. He really had a servant's heart and considered others more important than himself. We believe that one character trait that attracted others was Stephen's peace that came from his relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many saw Jesus in Stephen. And now with this turn of events, his relationship with his heavenly Father...and knowing that Stephen is in heaven and that he is full of joy ...well it sure helps to know that he is in a better place. Our lives were enriched by knowing Stephen and we will miss him. Our hope is that those who knew Stephen and didn't know his Lord will consider the Source of Stephen's peace. Stephen would want that for us all. That's just the way Stephen was...always considering others more important than himself.

Driggers Family <driggers@flash.net>
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I was playing chess in the lower section at the Dallas Chess Club Friday night when one of the children came and told me the news about Steven, I did not believe it and I went to Luis to find out if it was true and yes he said it was, Luis was very upset and shaken by the news he just received. I also felt very saddened and shocked hearing this news and so did everyone else in the club who knew Steven.

We first met Steven at Aldridge Elementary chess club. The club was so fortunate to have Steven as their chess teacher. This young man was able to have all the young children's attention as he showed them how to move each chess piece on the board. Later he would divide the children into groups and have them study or play each other. At this time, Steven was also teaching 5 other elementary chess clubs. This was his first year at the University of Texas at Dallas. Volunteering his time generously, he went and taught chess at the schools who had chess clubs. It was very rewarding and beneficial to all children as they gained a wealth of knowledge from him.

Steven was my children's first chess coach, I remember one time he gave my kids a lesson at a McDonald's restaurant half way through the lesson a couple of young marine recruits fresh out of boot camp were watching the lesson and were itching and very eager to give Steven a challenge.

Casually Steven said sure, well these guys really thought they could out play him, as Steven was capturing piece after piece the look on the marines faces changed from their anticipation of impending victory, turned to shocked disbelief. After the win Steven demonstrated what a gentleman and a good sportmans he was and proceeded to go over the games with the marines.

Another time he gave a lesson in the back of his truck. The afternoon was warm and sunny and as time went on the weather started to change, it got very windy and cold but still Steven continued with the lesson. His candy machine at the DCC, my children loved that machine especially Teddy, if the machine gobbled up the quarters Steven was quick to return the money. Steven your love for the children really showed, you became their friend you were very patient and caring with them. You also had great respect for the adults and I admired that quality about you. Steven we will all miss you." For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3: 16

Our deepest sympathy to the Grubbs family and to Luis.

Ted, Helen, David, Courtney & Teddy Jamison <tvjamisons@home.com>
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One can not attend a scholastic tournament and not know Steven Grubbs. He was a real asset to the Chess community. Hopefully someone else will rise up and contribute as much as he did to so many lives that he humbly touched and influenced for the good. You can tell how special someone is by how we react when they are gone. It is obvious by this web page and the intense, heartfelt reaction by everyone at the DCC and around the state that Steven was a marvelous young man, and a good Christian example to his peers and so many children as well.

I would be honored if my son Jonathan turns out to be as fine of a person as Steven. May God give peace and comfort to those closest to Steven. We will all miss him.

John and Sharon Mayes and the Netcache Chess Club.

John and Sharon Mayes <NetcacheKnights@aol.com>
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My heart goes out to the family of Steven and to Luis for their great loss. I have many fond memories of Steven. The first was the one where my son Harold was so excited to play a simil with him 3 years ago in Austin. Harold wispered to me "That is Steven Grubbs, please let me play him". Last year Steven became Harold's chess coach and would spend time playing chess with both Harold and Emma. Not only did he play chess, he spent much time after each session shooting baskets, tossing a football, and just hanging out with Harold and Emma. I considered him a very important mentor for my children. He will continue to be a role model for my children as we will always remember the way he lived his life. It is so difficult to say goodbye. Cindy, Harold and Emma Williams

Cindy Williams
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It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Steven. I have known him since his first days at the Dallas Chess Club. It was a great pleasure to see him grow up not just as a chess player, but as a person. I too will remember his smile, sense of humor, and good nature.

Steven was a teacher, mentor, and friend of our younger members. I am sure his influence on them will not be quickly forgotten. We older members also grew to like and respect Steven very much.

Part of the fun of going to chess tournaments is when one of your friends has great success. I remember nervously watching Steven twice winning his section of the Pinfork tournament. It is ironic that one of Steven's games, and his picture appear in this month's Chess Life.

Steven we will all miss you greatly,

Rich

Rich Weaver <rweaver@ticnet.com>
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I was shock when I saw "Steven Grubb's Furneral" in my inbox. Steven and I never came really close friends but he was a very calm nice young man. It was fun playing with him and after he beat me he would go over the game with me he will be missed dearly!

Sincerely,

Marcellus

Marcellus Pelcher <Marcell14@hotmail.com>
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It has been three days already and the sad news is finally registering in our minds. The first reaction was shock and disbelief. Now it is a deepening feeling of loss. Steven was a remarkable human being in many ways. The memory of him will always stay with those whose lives he touched. We will remember and miss you Steven.

Our deepest condolences to the family.

Edward, Irene, and Gene Pershwitz <edward@nortelnetworks.com>
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I realey did not know him. When he came to Houston fore a tournemtn at Klein High this was my first tournamet and I watched almost every game he played. I got to know him a little better at the state tournamret this past year in dallas. I was eating brecfast with some of the othere dorectors we saw him siting bye hime self we asked him to join us he did. He told us how his section was going and that there where a lot of good players there. I have read all the messages I can tell that Steven has touched maney peoples lifes

good bye steven you will be missed bye all

Coby <coby@pdq.net>
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After several days of not checking email, I was mortified to learn of Steven's passing.

I've only known Steven for about a year, but I'll never forget his curiosity or his soft-spoken, extremely dry humor. He would often stop by the UTD Chess Program office to find out what was going on with the Program. He was a cornerstone of the UTD Chess Team and a man who gave generously of his time and knowledge.

I will miss him terribly.

Kenneth Elliott - UTD Chess Program <kelliott@utdallas.edu>
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My mind is flooded with meaningful moments with Steven, but one in particular came to mind when someone mentioned his generosity. One day, during the 2000 National Elementary Championships in May, my family went to lunch at the nearby mall and we invited Steven to join us (he always looked forward to eating!). We finally settled on Chili's; I told him it was my treat. Sometime during the course of the meal he slipped a roll of quarters to my son to give to me later, to help with expenses (how many people do you know that walk around with a roll of quarters in their pockets?). I was frustrated and tried to think of how to give this back to Steven. I finally decided that, if I did, he would just think of a new way of returning it to me. That's just the way he was! I still have the roll of quarters.

Susan Breeding

Susan Breeding <susanbreeding@hotmail.com>
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Our family was blessed to know Steven Grubbs. With heavy hearts, we offer our sincerest condolences to his family and his friends.

In the fall of 1997 my husband & I had this grand idea of starting a chess club at our children's local elementary school. Lot's of school children wanted to participate, but neither of us knew much about the game. Both of us are U.T.D. alumni so we called the UTD chess club for help & Steven eagerly came to our rescue!!

Steven was so laid back about our club meetings, knowing that he was extremely competent and would have these lessons under control. Initially, he was a shy young teacher who often had to be reminded to speak up in order to be heard. The children picked up the basics quickly under his tutelage. At Stevens suggestion and with his help, we even hosted a lunchtime tournament so that the whole school could see what chess was all about. My children still proudly display their first chess trophies from that day. His presence and ability to share of his love of chess spurred many of those children to have years of chess success and enjoyment.

We liked him so much, we hired him to instruct our boys at our home. He charged only a nominal fee for these lessons because he said he enjoyed teaching and loved to play with anyone, even extremely new players. In July of '98 after that first year of chess club, my family moved to Granbury, Texas. We kept in touch with Steven and he continued to instruct at the Aldridge Elementary Chess Club in 98-99 and again in 99-00. He was all set to start again this fall.

Last summer, Steven came out here to live with us in Granbury while teaching chess classes for our community's children. I'm so grateful that he graciously agreed to come here to share his knowledge & expertise with yet more eager learners. It was such a success that we even added a half-day class for the parents and the many children that wanted to learn even more. While he was here (when he wasn't teaching) Steven flew in a small airplane for the first time (and even handled the controls by himself for a bit)-I still remember his excitement about that, he played a few rounds of golf (he loved golf), we swam daily, we rafted on the river, he fished with my son Ryan, and played Nintendo with the boys constantly. His smile was ever present even when he'd probably had enough of us all (especially my 3 year old daughter that followed him everywhere). He taught us how to play chess on the internet, told us more about his many money making endeavors, he showed us his investments and talked about his financial goals…. all within the context of glorifying Christ. When he left, we were awed at his discipline, his love & thoughtfulness for others, his humor, his energy & motivation, his ability to enjoy all people, his patience and of course his intelligence.

My last correspondence with Steven was this past June. We tried via e-mail to come up with mutually acceptable dates for a repeat of chess classes here this summer, but were unable to do so. It's been over a year since we've seen Steven, but the news of his death affected us greatly. He was a good man. He was a godly man. We, as a family, are thankful to have known him and seen firsthand what a fine young gentleman he was.

We are sad with all of you. Goodnight, and may the comfort only God can provide be with you. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalm 91:2 2 Corinthians1:3

In Him,

John, Tracy, Eric, Ryan & Mallory Mann <>-<<

John, Tracy, Eric, Ryan & Mallory Mann <jmann02@attglobal.net>
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I remember when I first met Steven when I was in high school. I thought he was a snob because of the gentlemenly way he conducted himself while over the chess battle grounds. Because of him, I grew not only to respect his attitude towards chess but to adopt it myself. It is a sport of gentlemen, and he one of its finest champions. I will miss him.

Jonathan Allen <jallen@logicnetinc.com>
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The news of Stephen's passing came as a shock to the Sneed family. There really isn't words to describe the respect and admiration we have had for Stephen over the years. My son John's "idol" in chess early on was Stephen Grubbs. And why not, considering his accomplishments in chess? But there was something else about Stephen than just a superior chess player. Stephen knew Jesus as his Lord, and he lived like it. His rapport with children and adults alike, his willingness to teach, and his wry sense of humour all enamoured people to him. You didn't have to wonder who Stephen was. He was no hypocrite when it came to his faith, and that says alot. I remember one time when Stephen came all the way out to the P.E.A.C.E. home school chess club to play a simul. As always, he was gracious and accomadating - a perfect gentleman and ambassador of chess. He was helping us (in Fort Worth) in more ways than he knew. I just wish that I would have expressed my gratitude better. Stephen, you are in a better place now. I guess that we just have to wait alittle longer to see you again in heaven. May the Lord bless the Grubbs family with the peace that passes all understanding. Dr. Sneed and family

Daniel Sneed <sneedfam@flash.net>
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I met Steven at the DCC when I first moved to Dallas in 1994 from Chicago. He was a warm and friendly fellow. He used to crack me up with his dry wit. To me he was obviously quite brilliant. I remember that I beat him the first few games of blitz we played. I got cocky and thought I would always easily beat him. For almost the next three years I don't remember ever beating him again. He crushed me over and over again. He only got better and better while I got worse, but he never got cocky.

He was an encouragement to me because of his strong personal faith in Jesus Chirst. Since I moved to Monterey, California in late 1996 I'm sorry I lost contact with Steven, but have maintained a good friendship with Luis Salinas. I'll always have fond memories of Steven. I'm excited to say I'll see Steven again because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How about you? Will you see Steven in eternity?

Randall Swanson

Randall Swanson <rls@mbay.net>
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I've known Steven ever since I can remember playing chess at the DCC. He was always very nice to me when I asked him a question and was always willing to look over one of my games. This past year he and I had become very good friends. I worked with him during the last two chess camps at the club. He loved working with kids very much. I can't think of anyone at the club who has not learned something from him. I know we will all miss him.

Martin Alexander <trekkerx@earthlink.net>
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Steven Grubbs is the most unassuming young chess player I ever met at the Dallas Chess Club. He always had a nice smile which was infectious. He was always good with the kids playing simuls with them when there is a scholastic tournament going on at DCC, to keep the kids occupied in between rounds. He would go over their games and suggest improvements.

He was hard working, intelligent, and honest. A small incident I heard from Luis a couple of months ago made me a big admirer of him. When he had a rental car, he always used to fill it up with high octane gasolene, even with the prices so high. When Luis asked him why he did that since it is only a rental car, his reply was simple: 'I always use high octane gas in my car; I don't see any reason to change my habit just because it is a rental car".

This may be a very small incident. But it speaks volume about the young man's honesty. May God bless his soul.

Steven, the metroplex chess community will miss you very much.

Sundar

Swami's dad <uma5@hotmail.com>
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The Chua's - Pat,Alex,Paul, and Cake -- want to express our most sincere sympathy to the Grubbs family and to Luis. Steven was Alex's and Paul's coach during the first year that they played chess. He was an extremely involved coach and always willing to analyze games during tournaments or answer questions for free. In fact, when I was first divorce and Steven thought I was having money trouble he insisted on giving Alex lessons for free. I always felt that that showed his love for the game and for his students. He inherited this deep love for chess from his "chess father" Luis. At the Dallas Chess Club, if you were Steven's student then because of Steven's close relationship with him, Luis was your "grandcoach". Both of my children were lucky to be included in this chess family.

During the time that Steven was our coach we were able to talk to him in depth about many subjects. One of these subjects was how blessed he felt to have two men in his life that he so deeply admired, respected, and loved, his father and Luis. He spoke of them both often and I know he would want them both to know now how much he appreciated them being in his life.

Another subject we talked about were his seizures. It comforts us to know that he said that he was never in pain when he had one and that he never remembered having them when they were over. We hope he just slipped away in his sleep.

Good Night, Good Knight

We will miss you.

The Chua's, Pat, Alex, Paul, and Cake <KingChua@aol.com>
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It is remarkable to see how the life of Steven Grubbs touched and inspired so many lives. Steven was truly one of the most unselfish, caring, honest, and admirable human beings that I have ever encountered in my life. He was truly an inspiration emotionally and spiritually. Through this time of grief and sorrow it is truly heartrending knowing that we will never physically see Steven again and that we have lost a true friend that would have helped us through these hard grief stricken times. Despite this, we must remember and cherish the memories that Steven implanted in our hearts to help us through these times.

When I first met Steven, I was at the 1997 State High School Championship. I was walking him my friend William Molina, and we soon encountered Steven playing John Hendricks a game of blitz. We were awestruck by their passion for the game and pending a few games between them we each challenged them. Amazingly enough we both won, but the illustrious checkmates were quickly shadowed by Steven’s benevolence and sportsmanship. He promptly congratulated both on our miraculous win, and went as far as teaching us new opening lines that went with the systems we upset him and John respectively with. His good nature helped us forge our concepts of sportsmanship and patience.

Later, when I first came to UTD, Steven was one of the first chess players I met. He was always up for a chess game, and we shared several other hobbies. Among them, Steven was an excellent racquetball player; in fact he was probably one of the best at UTD. We also, on occasion, played basketball and baseball and we enjoyed going out with other friends to dinner. Steven was always volunteering to transport people, and we enjoyed many a great dinners at Cheddars, Panchos, Burger King, and Hooters. I also remember Steven as being a devoted chess teacher; as I would always see him spare a moment to help a student analyze a game, or cheer them up after a lost game.

Steven was truly a devoted friend, and his memory will always live in the hearts of his many friends.

Here is a picture of Steven that was taken last year at one of our UTD Chess Club officer meetings (I think it was around 10-99).

Clemente Rendon

UTD Chess Club President

Clemente Rendon <crendon44@hotmail.com>
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I played my first games in Dallas with Steven in Midbery El.school.Later we analysed very often at UTD.When we were going to Baltimore in April this year all time in airplane we looking some combinations book.He liked combinations very much.I am very sad I will always remember Steven like nice and friendly young man.

Rade Milovanovic <rade @airmail.net>
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After not having looked at my e-mails for 2 days, I was shocked to hear the news about Steven. As a chess coach and sponsor for the last 6 years, I was saddened by the news of Steven's death. Though I did not know him as intimately as Luis or others from the Dallas or Plano community, Steven made a profound impact on many lives.

Steven possessed many admirable traits. Among them, he was kind, hard-working, smart, and very righteous. He had his own vending machine business to help pay for his high school tutition at Garland Christian Academy and his studies at the University of Texas-Dallas. As most of you know, he supplied the snacks and drinks at the Dallas Chess Club.

When scholastic chess was growing in Texas, Steven was the man to beat. He became the first 3-time high school champion. He raised the level of play several degrees. The players I coached and sponsored became better because of him. He even gave some of my kids formal lessons. I, too, learned a bit from him.

Now I am surprised by the level of chess play in the D/FW area, but mostly from those in the Dallas and Plano area. I never imagined how many class "C" and "B" scholastic players there are who are not even in high school. Steven has coached quite a few of these, and of course, has played many of them on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Steven has been a mainstay at the Dallas Chess Club for many years, in addition to his playing and keeping the vending machines stocked, Steven has directed a lot, taking a huge load off Luis and Brad's shoulders.

I now feel that there is a huge void in the DCC and in the Texas chess community. I don't know who can fill that void, nor do I look for one to fill it as Steven did.

Steven, I hope God has embraced you, for you truly were a model of what I hope my chess players can become. Though you are not with us in body, your spirit will live on with us, for you were a pioneer in the scholastic chess community of Texas.

My most sincere sympathy to his family. God bless you all.

Manuel A. Espino

Manuel A. Espino <manuelespino@hotmail.com>
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When I joined the University of Texas at Dallas in 1999, I met Steven Grubbs at the first chess club meeting in September.

I was nervous about my new job. Steven put me at ease. He challenged me to a game of chess. I lost (or drew?) a winning position, and Steven graciously let me attribute the result to being distracted by my first UTD meeting.

Then Steven entertained me with chess problems. I was impressed with how smoothly he explained each problem’s solution.

Soon, we had a small crowd around us. Chess with Steven eased those first introductions to the UTD players, and I am grateful to Steven for being there for me.

At the Texas K-12 (Houston, 1999), I was eager to play the bughouse tournament. Of course, all the little kids figured that an old person like me did not know how to play bughouse.

I was lacking a partner, even after I "showed off" in a few bughouse practice games with children.

Steven saw my predicament, and asked me to be his partner. He insisted on paying our team entry fee. Of course, he was a stellar partner. We won the event.

Steven was patient, polite, and generous.

Every interaction I had with him was pleasant.

Steven was soft-spoken with a sense of humor, too. I admired the way he behaved. I will miss him very much.

Sincerely, WIM Alexey Root (Associate Director,

University of Texas at Dallas Chess Program)

Alexey Root <aroot@utdallas.edu>
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Here are a few things that I will always remember about Steven. Steven always had a smile, no matter where I saw him. Whether he was at the DCC to fill the machines or teaching at a chess camp…he was always smiling.

The first time I met Steven was at the first State Scholastic Championship that we attended. It was the one in Austin. Steven was the first high rated player I ever met. I remember he played in a simul against a bunch of kids and some parents too. He played for what must have been hours.

Another early memory I have of Steven is when he came to the FW Chess Club. He walked up to my son Tyler and asked him to play. Tyler did not know Steven at the time and of course said yes. Steven then told Tyler that he was new at chess and wanted him to take it easy with him. It was this type of joking around that I will remember, he always wanted the kids to be happy. Of course Tyler soon figured out that Steven was a real payer, but Steven made it fun for him to play.

Another memory I have is when the chips in the machine at the DCC were about to expire and he gave all the kids there as many bags as they wanted (or that their parents would let them have). The kids thought he was the coolest thing around, giving free chips out. I know it is a little thing, but the smile on the kid's faces were very big. That's what Steven did best, he made us all smile.

This past summer he taught at the DCC Chess Camp. During the breaks the young girls would all sit on his lap and joke around with him. No matter how many of them were fighting for his attention, I never saw him lose his cool. He just enjoyed hanging with the kids and never hurt anyone's feelings.

Steven, you will be missed very much by each and every one of us in the chess community. You were a shining light in our world.

Sharon Pernes <ShaPernes@aol.com>
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For those who didn't know Steven, he was a student at the University of Texas at Dallas on their chess team. He was a tournament director. He taught chess to droves of children, and taught me a lot about teaching and playing chess. He was involved in every aspect of chess you could be involved in, because he loved the game and loved sharing it with people.

I was so startled when Luis Salinas called to say that Steven Grubbs died tonight. He was clearly shaken and I was shocked speechless. I still am.

I spoke with Mr. Grubbs a short while ago, and he seemed to be doing well because, as he said, he is still in shock. He said Steven had been on seizure medication, and they thought maybe he had a seizure strong enough to stop his heart.

Steven was a truly unique individual. He did not clamor for attention; he very much shyed away from it. But he was very smart, very patient, quite fun-loving, especially with children, and very funny. He taught group lessons in our home last year. One evening there was a very bad storm outside (remember rain, anyone?). As Steven was standing at the demonstration board going through a game, all the power went off. He very calmly continued to talk about the game and asked questions of the children about the position on the board. They burst out laughing, the lights came back on, and he continued on without missing a beat!

Steven got to know a lot of Bethany Elementary students through teaching group lessons. At the end of the school year he came to do a simultaneous with the students. The first week he told them he would give $5 to anyone who beat him and $2.50 for a draw. He let them choose which color they would be. The next week, after observing that everyone wanted to be white, he announced that he would give $10 to anyone who played black and beat him and $5 to anyone who beat him as white. The confident little critters all turned their boards around so they could be black!! Of course, Steven never gave up a dime. We changed the day we met for chess club so he could coach the Bethany team this year. Our first club meeting was this past Wednesday.

Last Fall I was in a car wreck on the way to the Dallas Chess Club which totalled our car. A few weeks later, someone ran into Steven (as had happened to us) on his way to a chess lesson; his truck was totalled. This initiated many in-depth conversations between us. He told me about a girl he had met at the funeral of his cousin who had died in a car wreck. He talked about switching majors. We talked about our shared faith in Jesus Christ. Steven was an individual who reinforced, through his actions and words, the concept that chess is a gentleman's sport. He was a wonderful role model for many children all throughout the Dallas area, including mine.

I took the picture above at the 2000 National Elementary Championships in Grapevine last May. I think it is a wonderful tribute to a very shy, hard-working, godly young man.

Susan Breeding
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I am somewhat in shock.

The finest friend that I ever had passed away tonight.

Steven Grubbs took a nap this afternoon around 4 pm. He never woke up. They think he had a seizure and then went into cardiac arrest. (Steven had been taking anti-seizure medicine since he was around 5 years old.)

I will sorely miss him.

Luis Salinas