Bobby Fischer Buried in Iceland
3 hours ago
REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Reclusive chess genius Bobby Fischer was buried Monday in a private ceremony at a churchyard in southern Iceland, a television station reported.
Fischer, who died of kidney failure Thursday at the age of 64, was interred at Laugardalur church outside the town of Selfoss, Iceland’s Channel 2 said.
Rev. Kristinn Agust Fridfinnsson told the TV station the ceremony was arranged so hastily he did not arrive until after the fact.
The funeral was attended by only a handful of people, including Fischer’s longtime companion, Miyoko Watai, and his Icelandic friend and spokesman Gardar Sverrisson, the TV station reported.
A troubled chess genius, Fisher gained global fame in 1972 when he defeated the Soviet Union’s Boris Spassky in Reykjavik to become the first officially recognized world champion born in the United States.
The showdown, played out at the height of the Cold War, took on mythic dimensions as a clash between the world’s two superpowers.
Here is the full story on AP.
Chess champion Bobby Fischer buried in Iceland
Mon Jan 21, 2008 2:13pm
By Kristin Arna Bragadottir
REYKJAVIK (Reuters) – Chess legend Bobby Fischer, who died in Iceland last week aged 64, was buried on Monday in a private ceremony near the city that hosted his famous victory over the Soviet Union’s Boris Spassky 35 years ago.
Fischer’s spokesman, Gardar Sverrisson, said the American-born world chess champion was buried on Monday morning at a quiet ceremony attended by a few friends and his companion, Japanese chess player Miyoko Watai.
The Catholic burial was held on a cold, bright day at a small country church near the southern Icelandic town of Selfoss, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Reykjavik.
One of the attendees, who declined to be identified, said Fischer had requested that only a handful of people be at his funeral.
The quiet end of Fischer’s life contrasted with the fiery nature of his life, both at and away from the chess board.
Here is the full story on Reuters.
From wikipedia Link:
“Magnús Skúlason, who stayed with him until he died, said that Fischer’s last words were, “Nothing soothes pain like the human touch.” Fischer was buried on the morning of January 21 in Laugardælakirkjugarður, near Selfoss. This was in accordance with Fischer’s wishes to be buried quietly, in the church of Laugardælir, 50 kilometres (31 mi) outside of Reykjavík. Miyoko Watai and very few other people were present. His daughter was identified as his only immediate survivor.”
Church Laugardælir Photo Link
RIP Mr. Fischer.
A catholic burial?
– TCG