Hilton BENNETT Obituary

Sorry to hear about Hilton passing. We were friends at high school - my most vivid memory is going to his grandparents place on Knighton Road Hillcrest and playing cricket with rotten grapefruit in the back yard. Lost track of him after school but his name cropped up on several occasions when catching up with old school friends. Arohanui to his family - piet

Hilton was a wonderful person, amiable and always even tempered. I organised the chess biographies of several prominent New Zealand chess players who were being honoured as Life Members of the New Zealand Chess Federation. Hilton was very late to reply but his services to chess were phenomenal. I also communicated with him periodically on matters related to New Zealand Chess history. Hilton was one of the few chess players for whom our history mattered. Sadly, he is now a part of New Zealand chess history but he will always be recognised for his many contributions, and live on in the memories of his many friends who were privileged to have known him.

Hello Robin. Our thoughts are with you Robin at this sad time and we hope the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Much Love Florence & Nigel. Xx

An amazing man with a gift of creating lasting friendships with countless hundreds of people, especially chess players in many countries. A warm-hearted, generous guy we shall all miss greatly. Ka kite ano. Kia kaha, Robin. From Nigel Cooper

Hilton and I spent our High School years together. He tried to introduce me to chess (it didn't stick) and we played cricket in the nets during our breaks. Lost rack of him over the years, but sad that he has now passed away

I remember having a good game at the recent Seniors' Tournament. So sorry to hear he's gone.

Hilton was highly regarded in South East Asian chess circles, from where I pen these lines. A regular in many Malaysian Opens, he was known for his attacking style of play, and his sportsmanship and sociability as a chess player. Always gracious in defeat and humble in victory, Hilton made chess friends wherever he travelled, and his passing has been widely and sadly noted in many countries in this region. A tremendous servant to chess and chess players the world over, and a great ambassador for New Zealand.

Saturday 12 November was a very sad day for Hilton´s partner, Robin Britton, and the many friends and wider family that Hilton had touched in his 67 years on this planet. It was a particularly sad day for me too because Hilton had been a true friend and business partner to me for nearly 44 years.

While I am sad, I also would like to remember the amazingly good and happy moments that I had shared with him. Times like our camping trip to the Waimana River Valley when Hilton, Robin, and I brought enough food and drink for an army but were one sleeping bag short. Times like our numerous trips to Hong Kong including when we convinced the largest eye surgery on the island to implement our Houston Medical software. Times when we toured many capitals in Asia on an NZ Trade and Industry trade delegation. Times like our many dinners where the fine wines literally flowed like water.



I also want to acknowledge the huge contribution that Hilton had made to Houston Technology Group since 2002. A chess player of international standing, Hilton used his strategy skills to help me navigate Houston through good as well as tough times to grow into the longest-established IT company in the region.

You will be sadly missed, Hilton, but never forgotten.

We have worked, played, and laughed together. May you rest in peace.

Alan Chew

It is with a heavy heart that I learnt of Hilton's passing. My heart goes out to Robin and family.
I was fortunate to spend the very best times at university with Hilton where we laughed and cried together. Gone too soon and will never be forgotten. RIP Hilton.

Saturday 12 November was a very sad day for Hilton´s partner, Robin Britton, and the many friends and wider family that Hilton had touched in his 67 years on this planet. It was a particularly sad day for me too because Hilton had been a true friend and business partner to me for nearly 44 years.

While I am sad, I also would like to remember the amazingly good and happy moments that I shared with him. Times like our camping trip to the Waimana River Valley when Hilton, Robin, and I brought enough food and drink for an army but were one sleeping bag short. Times like our numerous trips to Hong Kong including when we convinced the largest eye surgery on the island to implement our Houston Medical software. Times when we toured many capitals in Asia on an NZ Trade and Industry trade delegation. Times like our many dinners where the fine wines literally flowed like water.

I also want to acknowledge the huge contribution that Hilton had made to Houston Technology Group since 2002. A chess player of international standing, Hilton used his strategy skills to help me navigate Houston through good as well as tough times to grow into the longest-established IT company in the region.

You will be sadly missed, Hilton, but never forgotten.

We have worked, played, and laughed together. May you rest in peace.