John Purdy

Chess master In 1955 he became the youngest person to win the Australian Chess Championship. However, that year he failed to qualify for the junior world chess championship finals in Antwerp (the title was won by Boris Spassky).

He won the Australian title for a second time in 1963.

Purdy served as president of the Australian Chess Federation in 1971–72.

In 2003, Purdy suffered an aortic dissection in Lismore and spent weeks at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney. Although rehabilitation allowed him to return to his professional life, he was unable to continue playing chess. His latterday interests became golf, swimming, reading and bridge.

Judge, Family Court of Australia In 1984, Purdy was appointment to the Family Court of Australia. Headquartered at Parramatta, he also travelled on circuit throughout Australia. He was survived by his wife Felicity, and their sons Colin and Michael and their families.