Ronald LANNING Obituary

To say that someone is perfect is often stretching the truth or an exaggeration!
...But in this case....
Ron came as close as one could get to being 'perfect'.

He was Humble, he was kind, he was not boastful, nor was he judgemental.
He was patient, understanding and gentle.

He always had time for 'everyone', no matter who they were.
He reached out to many, to help where he could.

Mangawhai Chess Club is forever grateful to him for supporting and encouraging us to grow and learn.
He donated two CHESS clocks to us, and came to meet us in person.
He showed us how to use the clocks and encouraged us to practice using them.

He invited us to the Northland Chess Championship and encouraged us to learn Chess notation and write down (record) our games too.
He even offered to analyse our games and taught us a couple of end game puzzles and The King's Gambit!

Ron was always the first to "Thumbs up" my Facebook posts on The Mangawhai Chess Club Facebook Page too!

When I used to tell Ron that I wasn't very good at Chess, he always used to answer:
"Well, the truth is, none of us are that good really....we all just try our best".
I liked the way he made me feel like I can do it and never put himself 'above' anyone else!

Ron spread the love of Chess to our little Club, and really took an interest in us!
And so, we all worked hard and the club grew in popularity and numbers!

Mangawhai Chess Club owes our past successes to Ron Lanning!

As I sit, recovering from my unfortunate fall back in January....I think of Ron....and how much he did for me personally and our Chess Club!
"Thank you so much Ron!"
You may not be here in body, but you will forever be in our hearts and minds!
Your passing comes as a shock to us all....but I refuse to be sad and miserable!

Your passing is just a SHARP REMINDER and a WAKE UP CALL to us all....to be more like you!
To carry on your legacy!
We will take our inspiration from you!
To not be afraid....and get out there...to not only play CHESS, but tell other people that they can do it...and they are smart enough!

Success is not measured in bars of gold...
Nor is it measured in bundles of cash.
It's simply who we are, and what we believe we can achieve and what we do with this life of ours!

You set an extremely HIGH bar Ron!
...And so it's now our job to try to continue your work, to a that very high standard!

When I am well enough to walk again, I will be following in your footsteps and promise to do my best....always, and spread "The love of Chess" to The Families of Northland! Teaching all these kids that they really are something special.

We can all still see your smile Ron, and your Legacy will live on, and you'll always be remembered!

Tina Smith
President and Founder of the Mangawhai Chess Club

Condolences to the family of Ron. He was a great friend and we had a lot of fun with the chess comps over the years. We always had a beer with the Pukekohe chess players after the comps. Great advice and mentor for so many. Much admired and missed by us all. From Eric Hutchesson. Ex president of the Waihi Chess Club.

Goodbye my affable Friend.
It has been a supercharged journey of cars, hiking and fishing.
You will be greatly missed and remembered forever.

Great memories of a good mate and esteemed work colleague.
Always in for a challenge, whether it be cards, cricket, soccer and fishing.
Ron will be sadly missed.
Sympathy to the family

Peter Hoyle
Geoff Gatfield

Rest in eternal love Ron! Ron played a huge part in my sons love for chess. He took time to train him after school for hours because he wanted to nature his love for the game and because Ron was so passionate. Thank you Ron we will miss you alot!

My condolences to Ron's family and friends.
Thank you for all the great times Ron. Weather we were on the road, on the track, on the water, or just relaxing after a hard day fishing, you would always have a joke or a comment .. or two .. that would make me laugh. I have many happy memories of our trips away. I will miss you mate, it won't be the same without you.
A good man with a big heart. Rest in peace my friend.

Sincere condolences to all of Ron´s family and friends.

Ron was instrumental in starting the Kerikeri Chess Club and the Northland Chess Championship. He was not only a highly regarded chess player, but also a very community driven person who volunteered many hours to our chess community in the Far North. I was lucky to spend many hours together with Ron on his visit up north and he had a very warm and humourful personality.

He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Ron and will keep the pieces moving on the board.

It is with heavy hearts that we send our deepest condolences to the Lanning Family. Ron was a team member at YKK Oceania Limited for over 20 years, a kind, generous man who wore his loud shirts well, and was always up for a good natter, whether it be on food, fishing, car racing or shopping. You will be dearly missed by all our friend. Taken too soon from us. Hope you are now at peace.

Prayers to the Lanning family on your loss.
Ron was a beautiful man whom we shared many cricket memories
Loves Anthony & Gaylene Dale

Such a huge loss. We will dearly miss Ron and his great persona. A very humble man with a huge heart. Alex will miss him dearly. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Love the Moore''s.

Sympathy to family members.
Ron used to play table tennis at the Papakura club many years ago and it wasn't very long ago (this year) that I was speaking to Ron about coming down for a hit but unfortunately it was his chess night. We have always kept in touch over all these years through messages etc. Did he have a heart attack?,
Val Beaver

Such a great ambassador for chess in South Auckland, his enthusiasm for teaching & playing chess was amazing. Rest in peace Ron, you will be sorely missed :(

One of the truly good people on the planet. A kind heart and generous soul.
The world is a little bit dimmer without you Ron, thanks for the memories - you will be missed.

Such a special man and mentor who would offer his support without hesitation if it would benefit a child´s chess game or experience. A gentle soul with a heart of gold. We are so sad to learn of Ron´s passing . We will cherish our memories and send his family all our love and condolences.
Georgie , Portia and Boston

Thank you Ron for taking an interest in help young kids find chess. He was a great support, mentor and facilitator of chess with youth. Our whanau will miss you Ron.

I did not know Ron well personally, but his kindness, wisdom and encouragement will be remembered. A genuinely good man and a true loss for the community. May you rest in peace - by the time we meet again I might just be able to beat you at chess.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We'll miss you dreadfully Ron. Rest in peace... & play lots of chess. Xoxx