A
Robert Brieger, Chess Champion
April 29 2012
Houston Chronicle, Houston, Texas, April 29, 2012
Robert Sinclair Brieger, 86, passed away on April 26, 2012, in Houston. He was born in Heights Clinic (later hospital) on October 18, 1925 to Raymond and Mabel Brieger and moved with them in 1926 to 220 West 18th, where he resided his entire life, except for brief jobs away from Houston.
He attended Cooley Elementary, Hamilton Jr. High and Reagan Senior High (1942). Graduated with B.S. in Mathematics from University of Houston in 1946 and teaching certificate in 1951. A chess player from the age of 17, Robert achieved a highest rating of "Master". Author of many books on chess and composed countless "end games", playing by correspondence with opponents worldwide. Houston City Chess Champion, recipient of many trophies from State and Southwest Open tournaments. Taught math for brief periods in Houston ISD and other Texas districts, worked two years for Convair Aeronautics in San Diego, CA.
A lover of classical music, Robert played clarinet in high school and university orchestras, later enjoyed attending concerts and opera. Also later in life he enjoyed all types of ballroom dancing. He loved classical movies and collected favorites, especially winners of awards in Cannes and Venice, as well as Hollywood. A gentle soul, Robert was widely known from his 85 years walking miles throughout the Heights, often meeting friends with a pun or joke.
Preceded in death by his brother, Albert C. Brieger, Robert is survived by his sister, Ruth Weber and her husband Dick, nephews Paul Weber and wife Ileana; Harry Weber and his daughters Ashley and Lauren; Michael Brieger and wife Belinda, son Steven and daughter Ashley, Nieces Anne Waehner and husband Dennis, their son Michael and wife Amber, and their daughter, Amy Waehner; Kathy Baker and husband Jeff and their children Kaitlyn and Kristin; Paula Elford and her husband Jim.
