Alex Dawson (formerly known as Kip Stubberud) died in May in Helena.

He was 66. Alex was a former president of MCA and 7 time state champion earned over a period of three decades. Although not as active in recent years, Alex brought a number of younger players into MCA as part of his drive to increase the membership. Thanks to Nick Warner of Helena who sent the below:

It is with somberness that I write that my former chess mentor and longtime friend Alex (Kip) Dawson has died. Many of us knew Alex personally not only as a pretty viscous competitor and state champ, but a kind hearted human. I started playing chess in tournaments with his help when I was 13, and still love and enjoy the game. Alex’s quirky jokes and intelligence left a mark on many of us. May his king lay forever safe!