I just saw this sad news on TWIC. (Photo by Chess Lecture)
Mark Diesen 1957-2008
Former World Junior Champion Mark Carl Diesen has died at the age of 51 (16th September 1957 – 10th December 2008). Having dropped out of the chess world the news seems to have escaped the chess media. Below is a listing from an unidentified Knoxville newspaper sourced via his family. I couldn’t find anything online.
Mark Carl Diesen DIESEN, MARK CARL – age 51 of Conroe, Texas native of Buffalo New York, passed away suddenly December 9, 2008 in Conroe, Texas. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked as a reservoir engineer for Shell Oil, Pennzoil and Noble Energy. Mark was a World Junior Chess Champion in 1976, the US Junior Co-Champion, the Louisiana State Champion in 1986, 1987, 1988, Texas State Champion, Southwestern Open Champion, and an active chess coach in Houston, Texas and online. He is survived by his wife, Melinda Diesen of Conroe, Texas; daughters and sons-in-law, Gina and Travis Perkins of Knoxville, Amy and Daniel Smith of Houston, TX, and Sarah Diesen of Conroe, TX; mother, Marjorie Diesen; sister and brother-in-law, Laura and J.C Butler all of Bristow, VA; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Joyce McGlothin of Knoxville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Meredith Averill-McGlothin of Ossining, NY; several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension with Rev. Dr. Howard J. Hess officiating. Interment to follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the U.S. Chess Trust, PO Box 838, Wallkill, NY 12589, 800-388-5464. Friends may call at their convenience at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com
RIP Mark.
This is so sad to hear. I remember him giving lectures on US Chess Live a few years ago. I found this link to a Knoxville paper – http://www.legacy.com/knoxnews/Obituaries.asp?Page=Notice&PersonID=121839221
I have known Mark through his lectures in what was Chesspm. I learnt to love and respect Mark who was a humble and decent man and also had great instructional ability and his lectures were superb. I was shocked to hear of his sudden death. My condolences to his loved ones. I am so sorry that this happend. May his soul rest in peace.
A. Weiler
Rest in Peace Mark.
JB
Goichberg must be salicating at the new money comnig to the US Chess Trust.
This is very sad news. I remember Mark from his active chess playing days in Louisiana and Texas. He had an unpretentious and congenial personality. Just a good guy. I see that he had a spouse, two married daughters, plus a third daughter. Truly sad to leave us so early.
mark old friend I just heard the crushing news of your loss, I will never forget our game when we were both 5 -0 a dragon in us high school championship, we blitz the moves and ou with your genius beat me withyour flag hanging, we were the pogo dancers in sweden in 1976, we talked endlessly over the years on icc, you were a life long friend even at a distance, The first bright light of the clss of 76, even though you were a year ahead of us. I kniw you loved your wife and kids who I never met,As a doctor I know life is fragile, your loss rocks my world, its unfortunate that I never really told you what a great memory I hold of our association. Your family will always cherish you and we will play again someday when I can even the score, rest in peace buddy. eric d moskow m.d.
Mark was a terrific guy, who I played a few times in tournaments. Later I got to know him better while he was an Admin at freechess.org (FICS). Always helpful and a class act. RIP Mark, you are missed.
I remember Mark playing as a teenager playing in the Hastings(England) Challengers Tournament. He stayed at the same hotel as me and B.H.Wood (Editor of ‘Chess’ magazine). Mark was so friendly and enthusiastic. He was willing to show me (a much weaker player) one of his wins as White against the Caro Kann opening. Very instructive. Sincere condolences to his family.
I just discovered this sad news when I asked about Mark on ICC. I took chess lessons from Mark a couple of years ago. He was a super instructor — very patient and unassuming. What a tremendous loss for not only his family, but for chess in the Houston, TX area. Mark, buddy, my prayers are with you and your family.
mb