Northwest Chess regrets to announce the death of Kathryn "Kate" Taylor (1955-2010) of Oregon. As reported by chess master Chuck Schulien, "Kate Taylor, one of the truly blessed people in the world and chess community, passed away. She will be missed. Condolences to Mike, and the rest of the family. She was very active in the Oregon Scholastic community." She is listed on the USCF website as director for over 100 chess events. Photo: Kate Taylor at the 2009 Oregon Scholastic Championships held in Seaside, OR.

Kathryn was born in 1955, and was co-founder of the Oregon Scholastic Chess Federation (OSCF) and the current VP of the organization. She also led the Oregon State High School Chess Team Association from 2007 through 2009. She has taught over 1,000 children to play chess in the tiny town of Clatskanie, and 2A Clatskanie HS won the state team championship in 2005.