It is with deep appreciation, recognition, and admiration that we share this message about Paul Whitehead's upcoming retirement from Mechanics' Institute on April 22. Paul has worked for Mechanics' Institute since 2012 and was first introduced to the Chess Club in 1972!
Paul shares, “I’ve had a fantastic time working here. It’s unexpected to work here. I had taken a wide turn away from chess for many, many years. So to come back and be submerged into the chess world was surprising to me in a way, but it felt like home. I still find it remarkable that I still get to come in here.”
Paul's family had been living in Europe and during a trip to New York City, Paul and his younger brother Jay were introduced to chess. This was at the height of the 1972 Fischer-Spassky match and influence. When the family moved to San Francisco, Paul and Jay immediately joined the chess club at Mechanics' Institute - which Paul says, "was like a dream, filled with fantastic characters and interesting people. The community was very welcoming."
Paul's chess talent was undeniable, and he won his US Junior Chess Champion title in 1978 and became a FIDE Master in 1983. Paul joined the staff of Mechanics’ at the personal request of Steve Brandwein and former Chess Director IM John Donaldson, following Steve's retirement. Paul had been living in Virginia at the time and knew this was an exciting opportunity to take.
During his years at Mechanics' Institute, Paul has kept the chess room humming - welcoming players and guests from all around the world, being a font of knowledge and current events, teaching classes, facilitating pre-TNM lectures, ensuring tournaments and activities run smoothly, producing the chess newsletter, supporting players and families, being the indefatigable simul master, and so much more.
Paul's absolute favorite highlight of Mechanics' Institute was playing against Mikhail Tal here sharing that it was "just incredible." Among chess players, Tal is a legendary chess player and World Champion in 1960. Paul got to play him in three games during a blitz tournament and drew him in one game - a feat!
Paul will be moving to Virginia to be nearer to family on the East Coast and looks forward to new adventures.
Please join us in congratulating and thanking Paul for all he has added to our Mechanics' Institute community! There’s no one like Paul and we are incredibly grateful for all you’ve done.
PS: Check out this film Paul wrote and directed in 2009 called The Charlottesville Kitchen Killers showing another creative side of our colleague! Paul shared that the Virginia Film Festival selected this feature and screened the film alongside fellow luminaries like John Waters!! Please be aware it’s R-rated and contains violence.
