RIP Andor

Special thanks to Gustavo for sending me this picture

I first met Andor when I was only about 5 years old. He was very very supportive of me and my family. This support continued for over 35 years since that first visit in his modest Budapest apartment. He always had encouraging words even through tough times.

I vividly remember how he showed off his all-time favorite game, his victory over former world champion Jose Raul Capablanca.

We met many times after that at his home or at various events. Every time I met him he was always in joyful and optimistic mood in spite of the various challenges in life.

He was always a real gentleman, very kind, and attentive. My family and I will miss him dearly.

Today, my parents are helping his widow (as her Hungarian is rather limited) with the logistics of tomorrow’s funeral. Another friend of ours, the world famous music conductor Ivan Fischer (who happens to be a great chess fan as well), is also helping with the funeral arrangements. He is a distant relative of the late GM Lilienthal.

RIP Andor, we will miss you!