Everybody who knew Mr. Kisling are deeply saddened by his death... So many people were touched by his kindness, care, generous soul and enthusiasm to live the life to its full and encourage others to do the same.
I met Mr Kisling when he registered for the Educational Symposium and then started coming to the training workshops to learn the game. At the age of 85 he learned how to play chess, and as usual, he made sure that he shared it with others- he started coming to the chess club at George Price Center and help to teach new kids. He also inspired the whole group of senior citizens, and that is how the Golden Kings and Queens team was born.
His commitment to children was incredible- he was at all our events, despite his health. It was not easy to him, actually it was a struggle, but he had an incredible determination to not give up and keep going.
He participated in so many activities with children, that i will not be able to list all of them, I just hope that some of this pictures will give you a little glimpse into his life at 85 years old:
Chess Training workshop- together with the other 37 participants Mr Kissling is playing chess using the clock
Mr. Kisling making a presentation about his future involvement with the chess program
Mr Kisling received certificate of achievement upon completion of the chess workshop:
Mr Kisling at the summer chess camp :
Always among the children:
Mr Kisling is playing in the Chess Olympiad- Golden Kings and Queens team
Leading his Golden Kings and Queens team a the Olympiad to receive awards:
Mr Kisling with the rest of the cayo team during the Chess Olympiad Awards Ceremony:
The oldest and the youngest player:
While Mr Kissling was assisting with the chess classes in GPC chess club we asked him to tell us a little bit about his life. That is what he shared with us at that time.
"Hi, have you heard about the Belize Chess Organisation? I have and even though at the sessions there are only children, for me they are all polite and helpful. I attend sessions because I want to learn the game.
My name is Lionel N. Kisling, also known as "Ali." I was born in Belize City 85 years ago. I am a widower and the father of two loving daughters.
I was educated at St. John's Anglican Boys' School and St. Michael's Anglican College in Belize City. On the eve of graduating from St. Michael's College I informed the principal that I wanted to develop a career in a trade and would be skipping graduation to seek employment in Panama. I was there for 2 years.
Upon my return from Panama, I attempted to join former schoolmates who were going overseas to take part in the war effort in England. My efforts were in vain but I nevertheless enlisted in the British Honduras Volunteer Guard. After 2 years I applied for leave of absence and went away to study to become a marine engineer. I was fortunate to realise my dream when my licence was granted by the U.S. Coast Guard. However, luck was against me because the vessel I was on was shipwrecked. Back home, I returned to the Volunteer Guard and gained employment at the Public Works Department mechanic workshop. I remained there for a few years until a more permanent position became available in the Government Information Serve as Photographer. After retiring from the Government Service, the Met Office offered me the post of Weather Observer in Belmopan. I stayed for a few years in that post when Brodies offered me the post of Assistant Manager of their Belmopan Branch. I remained there a few years before going into full retirement.
Over the years I have been involved with various service organisations, among them are: past president of the Belmopan Lions Club and past district governor of the Belize Lions District/Zone, Superintendent of the Belmopan Branch of the Fire Service, AIDS Commission, National Drug Abuse Control Council, Cancer Society, Red Cross, Hospital Auxiliary, Chairman, King's Children's Home, Ex Services League. I enjoy reading, gardening and listening to the news and religious and classical music.
I have long been interested in chess but had no one to help me. Recently, my daughter heard about the chess symposium and urged me to register. I did and that's how I became involved with chess in Belize."
WE WILL MISS YOU, Dear Mr Kisling!
