Hey Leland and the CCC: I see by now, that you have already heard about the passing of my good friend Laurin Keller. I got a call this morning from Matthew Greene, informing me of the loss of our best friend. I was shocked and saddend by the sudden loss of an incredible chess player but most importantly an incredible friend!! Laurin was the type of guy, when he walked into a room, you could feel his presence, not only by his loud laugh and warm sense of humor, but also by his sincere, and kind personality. Laurin had a sharp and aggressive style at the chessboard. I was lucky to have known and played with him over the years. Laurin and I played so much chess together, that I think that we started to play like each other!  I will always remember the times that we would go to Barnes and Noble and play for hours and the rides to Charlotte and Asheboro, where we would just talk about different strategies amongst one another! I remember the first time I met Laurin, it was at the Greensboro chess club when I was 16 years old. From then on, it was like we were inseperable chess buddies!!! I looked at Laurin not only as a friend, but like a brother!!!!!!! He was always there for me, not matter what kind of problems I was facing. The world just lost an incredible man, NC just lost a great chess player, and we have just lost an incredible FRIEND!!!!!!!!! I am flying home for the funeral, and I will be in Greensboro on Saturday morning. So I ask, if you looked at Laurin as I did, then I ask for you to come by and pay your respects to a great man, great chessplayer, and an incredible friend to all !!! I know Laurin would want everyone to be there!!!! Laurin will always be in my heart, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the rest of his friends!!!! -Josh Lawson