Leon was one of the real characters of the game, and his enthusiasm and drive were never surpassed. Less than a week previously, Leon had handed out the prizes himself in his own inimitable way, with a cheerful word for beginners and grandmasters, winners and losers alike. Standing 6 feet 7 he was literally a giant character of the game, and he will be sorely missed for his irrepressible good humour and hard work.
Steve Boniface
Leon's funeral is at St James' Church, Trowbridge, 2.00 PM Friday (22 May). There will be a Book of Remembrance, Donations to CLICK.
We have all been deeply stunned by Leon's death. Somerset Standard, Frome paper out today (20 May) will contain many moving tributes, both from chessplayers and his many friends.
Brian Gosling, Frome
When asked, Leon would say that his biggest chess achievement was beating Michael Adams. On closer prodding he admits it was actually a draw when Mickey gave a simul at Frome Chess Club aged 13. It was stories like this that helped Leon persuade Mickey to enter the Frome congress when he was already an established GM, and also get a number of IMs to Frome.
Leon never managed to get a world champion to Frome, but when Garry Kasparov was in London for the 1987 world championship, Leon presented him with a trophy (I cannot remember exactly what for), and the photograph of them together is somewhere at Frome Chess Club.
I will always remember Leon for his humour and general happy nature.
Neville Belinfante