RIP Anton Reid, Upper Hutt CC and NZCF Life Member

It is my very sad duty to announce the passing of Anton Reid on Saturday 4th May 2024.

A doyen of Upper Hutt Chess Club and a Life Member of Upper Hutt Chess Club and the New Zealand Chess Federation (NZCF), Anton joined the Upper Hutt Chess Club in 1962.  He has remained a continuous member since for over 60 years, serving as Club Captain for 25 years, Treasurer for a further 19 years and a Committee member for many others.  Anton also served on the Wellington Chess League.

Anton mentored many players over the years, running a junior club for a couple of hours before the rest of the members arrived for the normal club night.  At our membership peak, we had 92 players each week in the late 1970’s.  He was the driving force behind Upper Hutt running the first 40-40 tournament in the country in 1973, a tournament which celebrated 50 years last year (now as a 30-30 tournament).  He was also the driving force behind Upper Hutt running 3 extremely successful National Chess Championships in Upper Hutt.

Anton was a friend to all.  He often armtwisted his wife Norah, and daughters, into catering for most of these tournaments.  Their excellent food drew players back again and again for successive tournaments.

Words can scarcely do justice to the incredible impact that Anton has made on chess in Upper Hutt and beyond over many decades.  We express our deepest sympathy to Anton’s wife, Norah, and the whole extended Reid family.  I have lost a lifelong friend and mentor.  May Anton Rest In Peace.

Gerald Carter

President, Upper Hutt Chess Club.

P.S. Anton’s funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday 10th May at Harbour City Funeral Parlour (corner of Ward Street & Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt).