We
are sadden to report the death of Tom Larson on
May 7, 2009, in Canada. According to his brother
Adriel, his family was with him and he passed
away peacefully. Tom was 61 years old and had
battled illness for two years; a blood
infection kept attacking his system, his liver,
kidneys, & heart, were constantly at risk. He
was a strong man. His brother suggested the "Tom
Larson Memorial Fund' in lieu of flowers. The
family is very selfless. They may have a
memorial for him in Chicago in July and of
course, we would help support it.
Tom Larson loved the Chicago Public School
students, his happiness came from assisting
them in attaining their highest potential. His
life’s dream was to see the underprivileged
youth in Chicago succeed. Tom’s ultimate joy
came from his goals of helping others which he
gave countless hours of his time, he was truly
an altruistic man. Besides his strength in
character, he had a positive attitude & sense of
humor that was highly appreciated; he could
lighten up the darkest skies. Tom will be
missed, for he was always there to listen &
freely share his wisdom. It was an honor to work
with him & be his friend.
Tom Larson’s Chess Accomplishments:
Tuley Park Chess Club with friend, Tom Fineberg
founded in the 70’s. This program produced many
successful chess players in CPS i.e. Whitney
Young student
Kayin Barclay who graduated in 2008 as the
highest USCF rated player in CPS, and won the
‘IL HS Invitational Tournament’ in 2005 & 2006.
1986 Tom as the math teacher, implemented a
chess program at Orr HS, his idea was to help
the students develop self esteem & motivation.
1996 Orr High School team tied for 1st
Place at the National HS Chess Championship in
Sommerset NJ. Tom's plan worked, all the
students from his team stayed out of gangs & are
living a good
life today. This is a testimonial of his
dedication & desire for his students to succeed
both in school & life. As a result of the
success of the chess team, Tom was
appointed Chess Coordinator for CPS Sports
Department. 1999; he arranged for GM Maurice
Ashley’s visit to Chicago & organized a CPS HS
Tournament with a $10,000 scholarship donated by
the David McDonald Foundation. Tom established
the, ’CPS All Star Tournament’ at the Mayor
Daley’s Holiday Sports Festival, with the
Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, now in its
fourth year.
Tom Larson dedicated his life to serving
students, especially underprivileged children,
this is most apparent to all who knew him well:
family, friends, CPS & the Chess Community.
The ultimate goal is to honor Tom & continue to
assist students in CPS.
In lieu of flowers you can donate to: ‘TOM
LARSON MEMORIAL FUND’
Donate Online:
Mail Donations:
‘TOM LARSON MEMORIAL FUND’ RKNIGHTS - PO Box 1074, Northbrook IL 60065
