Edward Cary Lafferty 1957 - 2008
EveryDay Ed will not be here at today's BCF tourney.
Ed Lafferty arrived just in time to enter St Peter's Open. Being new he was paired to face Bobby Fischer on board one. Ed with black defeated Bobby with his Philidor defense in 56 moves.
Everyone in heaven has a 3300 rating, the same theoretical understanding, and due to a special ruling allowing for imperfection, games can be won, lost, or drawn. Every game played is the greatest to that point in time.
Jack Martin bestowed the name "EveryDay Ed" because there was a time when if there was a chess tournament in Eastern Mass, Ed was there. Edward Lafferty played in so many tournaments that in the years that the Mass Grand Prix contest was in play Ed was a frontrunner.
The Ivanov's and Curdo's got 80% positive results but Ed had to earn every point one at a time. Still he was always in the lead pack.
Ed had a period in his life when he howled at the moon; chess was one of the things that gave him stability, motivation, and joy in a sometimes difficult life.
Ed and I share June 23 as our birthday although Ed was born in 1957 (myself in 1952). He got great joy when we wished each other a happy birthday.
Ed having been a varsity soccer player for U Mass Amherst (and a chemistry major), I unknowingly saw him play in the 70's against my Westfield State several times.
About five years back Ed played a memorable game against Alexander Paphitis where, from a position that looked like all the pieces were shot gunned onto the board in a random type of chess, Ed reeled combination after combination off to destroy Alexander's position. Definitely one of Ed's best.
Until we meet again EveryDay, Safe Journey.
06/10/2008 Mike Griffin
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Lafferty, Edward Cary
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51, of Waltham, formerly of Newton, died on June 5, 2008.
He was the beloved son of Edward L. and Margot A. (Footer) Lafferty. Devoted brother of Michael J. Lafferty, and his wife Alcira, and Jeffrey P. Lafferty and his wife Celia. Loving uncle of Julia, Patrick, Rebecca, and Emily Lafferty.
He worked at the Fessenden School, where he had many friends, and also spent many happy hours at the Elliot House.
A member of the Boston Chess Club, he enjoyed playing chess and participated in many national tournaments.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, June 9, at 10:30 AM in Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church, 270 Elliot Street, Newton.
A visitation as held on Sunday, June 8, from 2-4 PM at J. S. Waterman & Sons-Waring Funeral Service, 592 Washington Street, WELLESLEY.
Interment was private in Newton Cemetery, Newton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Edward C. Lafferty to the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, P.O. Box 759155, Baltimore, MD 21275-9155
or to the
American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
J.S. Waterman & Son-Waring Wellesley 781-235-4110
Published in the Boston Globe on 6/7/2008.
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