Our NCCA President Cecil Lowe died late Sunday night or early Monday morning. Cecil played the District 4 Class B this weekend with his brother Fred who did the driving. He was 92 August 30, born in 1918. He tied for 6th place. He loved checkers and promoted our NC tournaments and elected to lead our organization on July 7, 1987. He held this office until his death.
Fred told me Cecil said he had a pleasant time and enjoy this tournament very much. He was very satisfied with Larry and NC Checkers. He always enjoyed the fellowship and playing checkers. Lexington was like homecoming because of home cook dinner and the gathering of past friends and players. I have two pictures attached which you can see he is enjoying the tournament.
My wife, Linda, Lynn Steelman and myself ate breakfast Saturday morning with Cecil Lowe. This was the first time that we had met him. He was a joy to be around with all the great checkers stories that he told. He seemed to know everyone. Although I only knew him for only two days I feel a sense of loss for not getting to know him longer. My condolences to his family and to all NC checkers players for their loss.
One of my favorites for years and I hate I wasn't at that tournament to see him and hear those stories one more time. I always enjoyed his brother Fred being there as well, a huge loss for NC Checkers and Checkers in general, one of the best promoters of the game just by being himself and showing the joy the game brought him.
I have known Cecil Lowe for several years. I believe the first time I met him was at a District 4 checker tourney. Apparently the tourney that I met Cecil at was at a different motel in the city of Lexington and I did not have a room for the night. Cecil said I could room with him and the motel staff brought in a folding bed and I roomed with Mr. Lowe. Mr. Lowe seemed a kindly man with a pleasant disposition, but one had better not take him for granted on the checker board or he would figuratively beat the daylights out of you! He will be missed but I am glad I got to know this gentleman and play several checker matches with him over the years.. Neil H. Wenberg
