It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Michael (Mike) Jay.
Mike joined our club in 2012. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word: kind, generous, dependable and always willing to help. He possessed a wonderful sense of humour and fun that remained with him even through the challenging circumstances he sometimes faced in his personal life.
When Mike first joined Ringwood Chess Club, he became a stalwart of the C Team in the Bournemouth League. For several years, the first name on the team sheet was always Mike's. Despite being considered an unfancied side, we achieved successive promotions from Divisions Five and Four and then held our own in Division Three. Mike played a significant part in those successes.
One particular match against New Milton remains memorable. Ringwood were leading 2-1 and Mike was comfortably winning his game, a piece ahead with victory seemingly assured. Yet when the captain returned from the bar, they discovered he had agreed a draw. When asked why on earth he had done that, Mike simply smiled and said, 'Better we win the match than I mess it up for the team.' That quiet selflessness summed him up perfectly.
Yet it was not Mike's chess that most of us will remember. Rather, it was his unwavering support for the club and the wider chess community through the many administrative and voluntary roles he undertook.
One memory stands out from a Bournemouth League Committee meeting. Mike had only attended as a stand-in representative for the club. Before the meeting began, the League's Webmaster resigned and a replacement was urgently needed. The Chairman asked whether anyone would be prepared to take on the role. As often happens in such situations, a sudden silence descended on the room as everyone became intensely interested in either the floor or the ceiling. Then Mike asked, 'What does the position involve?' Five minutes later he had been unanimously elected Webmaster. As he left the meeting, he turned to a clubmate and asked, 'What have I done?' He replied, 'I believe you're the new Webmaster!’ Mike would go on to serve the league in that role for 5 years, as well as being league controller for the B&DL and the Dorset League.
He was a key figure in the running of the Dorset Rapidplay tournament, helping to organise the venue, assist with catering and, inevitably, tackle the washing up and tidying afterwards. Although he never entered the tournament himself, he gave countless hours to ensure that others could enjoy it. That willingness to work behind the scenes, without recognition or reward, was entirely typical of him.
Mike was equally committed to supporting the club's activities and was generous not only with his time but also with his resources. He thought nothing of anonymously paying a young person’s ECF membership to encourage their development as a chess player. Even when personal commitments often prevented him from competing, he continued to support the club financially, practically and emotionally.
Chess players can be an eccentric bunch, but Mike always chose to see the best in people. He looked for the positives in everyone and in every situation. In defeat, he would praise his opponent's play, even when fortune had been their greatest ally. In victory, he was invariably modest, often reassuring his opponent that they had played well and had simply been unlucky. He was gracious, humble and unfailingly kind.
Mike was one of the sweetest, gentlest and most decent people many of us have had the privilege to know. His friendship, generosity and quiet dedication enriched our club for many years. Ringwood Chess Club is a better place because of his presence, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and loved ones at this sad time.
