Birth date: Apr 30, 1967 Death date: Mar 19, 2013
Colley E. Kitson, 45, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Colley was born on April 30, 1967 in Decatur, the son of Carter and Jerriann Kitson. He was a Navy veteran and master chess playe Read Obituary
Ok this is very late but I just learned today, and better late than never. Sorry to hear of Colley’s passing. I remember visiting his chess club in downtown Bloomington a time or two, and I played chess with him several times. I also remember his work on the Illinois Chess Bulletin back when that was a thing. Today was my first day playing in Bloomington since 2009 and I learned of his passing during a break in the tournament. Rest in peace.
I met Colley while serving on board the U.S.S. Robison in the late 1980's. He was a special friend. I left San Diego on a flight out on the morning of January 1, 1990, with Colley and our mutual friend Chris sending me off on my new adventure. I didn't get to meet up with Colley again until we were both out of the service in 1993. Over the next few years, we would meet up to go camping in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois on several occasions. I also made a few trips up to his house in Decatur, and he and Rachel brought their baby down to my house in western Kentucky once. While in Kentucky, my wife and I took Colley and his little family to Mammoth Cave in south-central Kentucky. After graduating from Western Kentucky University and subsequently moving to Hodgenville, Kentucky, we kind of lost touch with each other. I did give him a call back in the early 2000's to let him know where I had relocated. He had always been a big history buff and especially liked stuff related to Abraham Lincoln. When I told him Hodgenville, Kentucky was the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Colley said he would be very interested in coming down with his family to see Lincoln's birthplace. This never happened, and I am very saddened that we never got back together again. I started thinking about Colley a lot about 2 months ago and started looking for him on the Interweb. I found all kinds of great stuff about his chess cafe and about how he had touched so many children with his love of chess. I am a special education teacher, and I know what it means to work with young people. I'm sure Colley will be missed and remembered by those who knew his giving personality and pure humor. I love you Colley and will miss you forever!
Our family is so grateful for Colley's presence in our lives and the life of our young son as his chess teacher and friend. He had the patience of a saint and knew how to reach young people's minds and make the difficult and complex world of chess strategy, something attainable. He encouraged children to be self confident, and respectful; to believe in the best in themselves, and in others. He insisted on good sportsmanship and respect. Gone too soon, we are so grateful for the time we had with you.
I have know Colley since he was in grade school as I was his 'teachers aid' when he was in 5th grade. Then, as adults, we reconnected when we rode the State Farm vanpool from Decatur to BLM for several years. Colley was truly one of a kind and I know he will be missed terribly by all who knew him. Rest in peace, my friend.God bless…Tina (Rogers) MillerBloomington, IL
I met Colley about four years ago at his Chess Cafe'. We had a few memories, a New Orleans trip, playing chess, or just having a beer or two. I enjoyed doing his photos when I could.He was the kind of friend that would do anything you asked him.I knew how much his children met to him and how much he loved each one of them. I am deeply saddened by his departure but grateful that he passed to a better life, even though he left the ones he loved."Don't despair children, your father has your names written in heaven."God bless Colley, take care.Steven BlewettBloomington, IL
Lit a candle in memory of Colley E. Kitson
I was fortunate to meet a Great Passionate person like Colley and played lot of chess with Colley and enjoyed being a Chess Buddy since 2001. He is a Blitz (Speed chess champion in Twin Cities area). He was ICB Editor for 5 years. He was teaching Chess 500 kids in different schools. He is the only person I know in U.S. who got a Autograph from 15 Top World Grand Masters including Kasparov. He flew to Bann, Germany to see Viswanathan Anand vs Kramnik World Chess championship in 2008 to get their autograph. He was a Great Chess Ambassodor and we really miss. May You Rest in peace. God Bless all his family and friends.– Suriya Kopula.
A former classmate of Colley`s at MacArthur High School Class 1986. I remember Colley as being so funny. I am so sorry for your loss. I have not heard from or about Colley since 1986 but it sounds like he still touched a lot of hearts. May You Rest In Peace. God Bless the family. Kathy Lowe (Lane)
Please accept my condolences to all for the loss of Colley. I know his loss will be hard on all who knew and loved him. Though I spent little time with him I enjoyed immensely sharing with him in his love of chess and watching him with the children he adored. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. With warm regards, Regie (Rachel's uncle)
Colley was a good friend and shipmate on the Robison. Always smiling and a great attitude. Very sorry for your loss. Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate. Your watch is over.
