Sad News

[Lindus Edwards]

It was with deep regret that I recently heard of the passing of Len Chandler of England and Granville Evans of Wales. My deepest sympathy to the families. I knew these two fine players over a period of nearly forty years. RIP my good friends.

[tommyc]

Sorry to hear of Granville we had a few Mail games one time a real character,i didnt know Len but RIP to both gentlemen.

[Lindus Edwards]

Wales has just lost another fine checker player. Bill Wilkins died recently and will be best remembered for his skill at postal play. My deepest sympathy to his family. RIP my good friend.

[tommyc]

Lindus so sorry to hear the sad news of Bills passing ,we had many memorable Mail games and he was a proper gentleman and a great encouragement to me when i first started in the Welsh postal.I have lovely memories of Bill one of Mail players nicest players.R.I.P.

[Mac Banks]

I played Bill Wilkins postal checkers for over 30 years and never have I met anyone nicer than Bill. Bill would write me at least 4 pages front and back each time he communicated with me. I am deeply saden at his passing. As some of you know, I was a Naval Officer (Civil Engineering Corps) and Bill communicated with me when I was stationed at the British Isle of Diego Garcia which is located in the Indian Ocean. I could not take any checker books with me as we were limited to 50 pounds of luggage and I was playing from memory and crossboard ability. Once, Bill and I played the opening 9-13, 2218
1115 and Bill was following play by Fortman. Well, I pitched a few pieces and took all five of his remaining pieces in a shot.
I remember today that Bill told me that you couldn't even trust Fortman's play. I recommended to Bill that even if you are following play by someone, you should run the play up on the board and look for yourself to see if any trouble is imminent as there are mistakes in a lot of checker play that is published. I will always cherish my friendship with Bill Wilkins.

Mac Banks