I just got word that Sevan Muradian passed away unexpectedly last night. His brother indicated information about the arrangements will be posted on his Facebook page when available.
So sorry to hear this.
The Chicago chess community is in shock: see the Facebook user group Chicago Area Chess.
My deepest condolences to Sevan’s wife, daughters, family, and friends.
I can hardly believe the news.
Sevan was personally a good friend and mentor. He guided me through my entire career to date with FIDE, starting with my being a student for the first ever internet-based FIDE Arbiter seminar in July, 2010. (Sevan had convinced Takis Nikolopoulos and the Arbiter’s Commission to allow the FA seminar to be given over the internet. Since then, it has been so delivered around the world forty-six times, most recently by Sevan himself earlier this month.) It was with his help and encouragement that I earned both the FA and the IA title. I could always rely on him for good counsel.
I can barely hold back the tears to write this. My heart goes out to his family and to the Chicago chess community. Such an awful loss.
This a large loss to our national chess community. We will sorely miss Sevan’s wit and wisdom. The chess world’s loss, however, will of course pale next to that of his family’s. Our deepest condolences.
Gary Walters
President, US Chess
While we didn’t agree on everything, Sevan’s voice was always one I respected. Sevan was an innovator and a force of nature all his own.
Of particular importance to me - and many other prospective arbiters who couldn’t get to a live version - was his development of online FIDE Arbiter seminars. I was fortunate enough to attend the first one he organized. I owe my FA title (and, indirectly, my IA title) to him.
His untimely passing leaves an enormous void in our international representation, US Chess governance, the chess scene in the greater Chicago area and the state of Illinois, and most sorrowfully, with his family and friends.
I was introduced to Sevan by Donna Alarie. Whilst Sevan and I had our differences during The Troubles, I always enjoyed communicating with him on non-Troubles related matters. There’s no question that he will be missed in the Chicagoland chess community and, most importantly, by his family. Especially for his wife and children, this was far, far too young to leave this plane of existence. I truly believe this is not the only reality—another one exists across the veil. May Sevan find peace there and support his wife and children from there.
Shocking. I visited his chess storefront when I was working in Chicago back in 2007 or 8. He was most congenial and bought me coffee on a very cold Winter’s evening. Always a deep loss when we lose dedicated chess promoters.
While we disagreed on many things, Sevan was never one to hold back on anything and always spoke his mind. I admired the passion he put into his directing and organization. He often posted real and theroretical scenarios in the FIDE Events committee and at times I could sense the twinkle in his eye as he got people to think. He will be missed and my condolences to his family.
Michael Atkins
Sevan’s passing comes as a huge shock. The news is so unbelievable, I kept coming back to the forums every half hour, hoping to find that the announcement had been a hoax.
Sevan was instrumental in improving the quality of tournaments in the USA, and in bridging (and narrowing) various gaps between US Chess and FIDE. His passing is a monumental loss.
Bill Smythe
It was surprising and saddening to hear of the passing of Sevan Muradian. Over the last couple of years, I had a number of communications with Sevan on a variety of topics. The messages I received were informative and detailed, all showing his passion for the game and its players. Some also contained a wry humor. He will be missed by everyone who came in contact with him. My condolences to his family and his friends.
Sevan’s passing is shocking and distressing and leaves a lasting void in so many places. Most notably, Sevan was a young man with a wife and two daughters - no doubt they and the rest of his/their family will miss his love and support most of all.
Within the chess world, we have lost an incredibly committed, energetic and enthusiastic organizer, arbiter and supporter. His contributions will be rightly remembered - and greatly missed - for years to come.
Personally, it’s sad to lose a chess friend whose wit and grace were evident throughout the time we knew each other. Regardless of the issue, Sevan could remain cordial and friendly and maintain a common bond with everyone through love of chess - and more generally the humanity that inhabits our game.
As one who grew up within the Star Wars genre, I feel a ‘great disturbance in the force’ as it relates to US and Chicago and Midwest chess with Sevan’s passing. Sevan reminds me of the embodiment of one of Yoda’s great lines: ‘Do. Or do not. There is no try.’ Sevan was a doer - and he did a lot, for a lot of people. That’s worthy of thanks, praise and reflection. For now, though, there is mostly just sadness and a heavy heart.
Sevan showed persuasively that there was another way in which tournaments in the United States could be organized and directed. He was passionate and persuasive on this issue, and I will miss him.
That’s about all I can say while I’m as stunned as I am.
I too, am saddened of this news as sometimes life is not fair. I never met Sevan, and he was a Linkedin connection as I have struggled with my career and Sevan had put out an announcement of opportunities with his employer, and he gave me some valuable career advice and was unselfish in doing so, and I can tell by the previous posters that he touched so many chess playing and organizing brethren to improve the quality of chess here in this country. As stated, a real monumental loss and I know that the US Amateur Team North does kick off in the Chicago area tonight, and hope that the organizers there give a moment of silence in Sevan’s memory.
Respectfully Submitted,
David A. Cole, USCF Life Member, Franklin, NJ
I also am deeply saddened. Sevan was a Chess friend of mine. He and I usually talked at least 3 or 4 times a year. He was my go to person for information on FIDE rules as well as DGT clocks. When I was in the Chicago area for a continuing education weekend, I went to visit him at his chess center. It is a nice place.
Sevan organized a number of chess events including norm title tournaments and GM lectures at his club. He also was the organizer for the Chicago team, I believe it was called the Chicago Fire, in that Master league across the country.
Of course he also began the online FIDE arbiter seminars as well as being on some FIDE committees and he was involved for our country.
I bought and used his eNotate system for 4 or 5 years as well. And now that I think of it, he got one of his DGT electronic board and sets from me, about 3 years ago. He actually drove to the place I grew up which is halfway between Peoria and Chicago, on the day of my mother’s wake, to get the board from me. He certainly was a true gentleman.
I already miss him.
Sevan was on the right side in the so called Troubles, and one day the truth will come out, at least I hope so. I admire his courage for standing fast for what was right and correct. We shall miss him in so many ways.
Rob Jones
That was in fact one of Sevan’s favorite lines!
Funeral arrangements were posted on the Facebook page linked earlier.
Funeral:
Vernon Cemetery
15215 Cemetery Rd Lincolnshire, IL 60069
1pm (MONDAY 02/22/2016)
There was also reference to a Gofundme account for his daughter’s college education. I did not reproduce it because I think that might violate the AUG.
A Great motto to live by.
Rob
You really know nothing of what went on behind the scenes during The Troubles…nothing. All that glitters isn’t gold, especially when it comes to involvements with FIDE during The Troubles. Perhaps one or more of the parties involved will one day write a book about it… 