Frank K. Berry, ANTD,IA,IO, of Stillwater,OK, died of a heart attack at his home on June 6,2016. Frank played and directed tournaments for over 50 years. When the USCF had trouble finding a sponsor for the 2007 and 2008 US Men and Womens Championship, Frank stepped in and sponsored them! Plus he brought the championships to Stillwater,OK and Tulsa,OK. The local chessplayers had a ball watching the top GMs! Frank and his brother Jim donated countless hours and money to chess over 50 years. I personally knew Frank for 45 years and will miss his tournaments and funny e-mails. Our prayers go out to his brother Jim and the whole Berry family-- Mike and Maria Tubbs
Another major loss to US Chess - and to many of us who knew Frank from his tournament sponsoring, organizing, directing and playing. Frank was extremely generous with his ‘time, treasure and talents’ toward US Chess - and many of us as individuals. I too enjoyed his ‘colorful’ emails and commentary and looked forward to seeing him every year at the US Open and Delegates meeting. It will not be the same without him!
Frank and his brother Jim have been a huge positive force for US Chess. It leaves a huge void for all of us - in particular, of course, for Jim and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
I can’t be the only one who, when he heard this, kept googling “Frank Berry obituary” reasoning that as long as nothing came up, there was still a chance that this was a bad, macabre, joke. I’m just stunned. I worked closely with Frank for many years, and was still a member of his OCF eight years after I left Oklahoma. It is safe to say that Oklahoma chess will never be the same.
Alex Relyea
Another difficult loss. My prayers to the Berry family.
More info/pictures on Frank Berry and his funeral can be found on: pmcfh.com (the funeral home) and ocfchess.org
And one more thing, Bob Crume.
If you would like to post to Frank’s guest book please use this link.
It was my pleasure and joy to work with Frank as a TD in Tulsa. Frank offered so much to Oklahoma chess from the many women’s tournaments he hosted, to US Championships, and other fine events. Frank was the FIDE tournament TD in Oklahoma. In addition, Frank was
a driving force from the Oklahoma side for the annual Red River Shootout Match with Texas. In this I enjoyed the very spirited competition between Oklahoma and Texas, as I know many do to this
day. Frank was one who stepped up to the plate MANY critical times
when USCF needed an organizer for events with little/any hopes for
profitability. Through the years, I have known of many who talked about how much they loved our federation — Frank was one whose loyal and continued support for USCF left no doubt. We all, on both sides of the Red, and throughout the nation will miss Frank, and miss him greatly.
Rob Jones
Senior TD
I came across the following quote in an old issue of the Oklahoma Chess Quarterly [edited by Frank], thought I would share it with those who had not heard/seen it before.
“Sometimes you just have to take the bull by the tail and face the situation.” - Frank Berry
I (and those on the USCF States Committee) will miss his insights, humor, and thoughts greatly.
Larry S. Cohen