Derek E. Oldbury (known in checker circles as "DEO"), from Devon, England, passed away in July, 1994 as the world champion. He was always a great friend and supporter of Chinook.

Derek was born a paraplegic, and lived his 71 years in a wheel chair. He overcame his handicap to accomplish his dreams of becoming a World Champion checker player. He published his classic "The Complete Encyclopedia of Checkers" (6 volumes), and won the world's title in 1991. In his spare time, he also wrote a checker playing computer program.

Derek had a great sense of humor and many a checker hall reverberated his loud cackles of laughter. He has been missed by us all.