fredthebear: Thank you <Kent Nelson>!Most members do not know Kent Nelson, but I've had the pleasure of meeting Kent at various times over the years (combining my trips to visit family and play chess tournaments), and watching him deal squarely with others. Kent Nelson is a kind, helpful, fair, honorable man; he walks tall! He's a steady competitor, yet humble and gracious. You cannot tell if he won or lost. He's an excellent organizer of various chess functions over the years, sometimes stepping in to save the day when others couldn't/wouldn't.
I think of Kent Nelson as having become the "Dean of Nebraska Chess" this century but perhaps others unknown to me might be deserving of that title too. (As a visitor, it's not my place to bestow such an honor, but it's what I think of him.) Certainly, Kent is The Informant of Nebraska chess, having edited The Gambit publication for many years, benefitting so many in the area.
Without going into details, I can think of a handful of ways Kent took the time to help other competitors, many that he did not know, including myself. Kent does not seem to be an outgoing socialite, but clearly a person of principle. There's a right way to do things, and he subscribes to this consistently.
This is my A1 Blue Ribbon Award. I know nothing of Kent Nelson's personal life other than he lives in Lincoln, NE. Through chess, Kent Nelson has consistently set a good example for all of us to follow year after year, decade after decade. Kent Nelson -- THANK YOU for your service, and your gentleman presence!! (Kent is not thrilled by being put in the spotlight, but he's more than earned my compliments.) May we all be a little more like Kent!
Kibitzing
