Louis Corbeel 06.02.2026
His school nickname, Tintin—after the comic strip character—really was a perfect fit for him. He possessed all the traits: courageous and determined, with a strong sense of justice, curious and adventurous, honest and morally steadfast, intelligent and observant, loyal and caring, and above all, modest.
He started the school’s chess club in 1965, together with a few students during the lunch break. This soon moved to Wednesday afternoons. It all took place in the convivial atmosphere that is characteristic of the club. The club grew, and he was later joined by another teacher, Fred Smessaert. Together, they expanded the chess club further. In 1977, the decision was made to join the Royal Belgian Chess Federation. The reason for this was a desire to keep the group of friends together after secondary school.
No one, not even Fred himself, could have imagined in those early years that his brainchild, TSM Schaakklub, would grow into one of the stronger chess clubs in Belgium, with a team in the first national division. He remained active in the club until 1990. Afterward, he continued to follow the club’s progress and was always available for a chat or to share his vision regarding any issues facing his chess club. Every now and then, he would stop by to take a look, including during the Flemish Youth Championship. He visited one last time in 2019.
He also taught Dutch lessons to non-native speakers at the school until a very old age.
Louis Corbeel Chairman, TSM-Chess club