Is the chairman desd or alive?

Neither version does so.

In both instances, the only thing known is he had been chairman at some time in the past.

Thanks for dredging up this pearler from the depths.

If he was the former chairman then like Schrödinger's cat: he's either dead, or living in an article written by someone whose English ain't good.

The second sentence implies that the former chairman of ABC Association has passed.

32,000 posts - And STILL, people have little else to do, other than respond.

MODERATORS - PLEASE!

Go check out how we used to 'RUN' the 'philosophy-forum'... PLEASE!

Or Not... Your shout.

Grrrrrrr. Not worthy.

Have a lovely Day