We are sad to report the death of Ellen Collyer on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. She was 68. No services are scheduled.
Ellen was the widow of Dave Collyer, the club’s primary organizer and strongest player of the 1980s, as well as the mother of NM Curt Collyer, the strongest player raised in Spokane. Ellen was one of the unsung heroes of area chess. She was a hostess of the Collyer Memorial tournament and helped out at the tournament however she could, delivering food and supplies, hosting out-of-town players, driving people to the airport and the the playing site, and being a sounding board for busy TDs, old friends, and visitors to the event. She was a friend to many a chess player from the area and outside of it. She also was a second mother to many of our young players who grew up with Curt. She also did a remarkable job keeping in touch with older players and attending funerals for those from the club who had passed away in recent years.
Ellen will be missed. We offer our condolences to Curt. Our entire chess community will feel her absence.
6 responses to “Ellen Collyer 1952-2020”
Condolences to all, especially Curt, who knew and loved Ellen. It was not hard to do, as she was one of the loveliest persons I have had to privilege to know. The Collyer Memorial will have an even greater meaning now. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Monique and I are holding the entire Collyer family in our thoughts. Heartfelt condolences at this sad time. Spokane chess has lost a true supporter and she will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed talking with Ellen during the Memorial tournaments and as I recall she always made me smile ?
I first met Ellen during a scholastic event at Manito Park in 1985 that I played in at age of 11 her husband Dave ran the event. Curt you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your family, has been an important part of my life over all these years. Ellen was always so kind sweet and caring, a wonderful lady. It was a privilege to have her as a friend. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I was one of the out of town chess players Ellen hosted. This posting is exactly how I remember her. I didn’t know her at first but during the Collyer Memorial she gave me a bed and fed me dinner over multiple events. I remember most her kindness and sense of humor. She facilitated my life long friendship with Curt. I’m so sorry for your loss Curt. She will be missed.
Wow, Spokane Chess’s Godmother has passed on unexpectedly. Truly sad news. After befriending Ellen’s son Curt, I have many fond memories of being welcomed to stay at the Collyer home on many occasions for Spokane chess events. Ellen was one of the best hosts I can ever remember as she was always ready to feed everyone and give them a comfortable place to sleep. The Spokane chess scene will never be the same, Ellen will most certainly be missed.
Ellen and I became friends during her college days at UW and we both enjoyed our careers as Registered Nurses. Somehow we managed to stay in touch through the years, although our paths seldom crossed. We were the recipients of her yearly Christmas letters, which were always so well written and filled with news and good humor. I recently texted her and there was no response which was very unusual. And then today I received the sad news of her passing. Our sympathies to Curt and her other loved ones. She is home with the Lord whom she loved and faithfully served.