Richard Lee Fortman (February 8, 1915 – November 8, 2008) was a champion checkers player and authority on the game.
Richard Lee Fortman was born on February 8, 1915, in Springfield, Illinois, which was his home throughout his life.
[2] He served in the United States Army during World War II in North Africa and Italy.
[1] He adapted to the technological changes in the game and would spend hours each day playing checkers over the internet.
The first signs that he was in declining health came when he failed to respond to moves in the allotted time.