Page 13 - ABF Newsletter August 2025

Beyond his many triumphs at the table, Ish played a crucial role in 2015 exposing the high-profile cheat- ing scandal involving the Israeli pair Fisher - Schwartz and others. His work, sometimes controversial at the time, has since been recognised as instrumental in preserving the integrity of the game. We know now beyond all reasonable doubt that Ish was on the right side of history.
Ish’s final major bridge victory came in 2022, when his dark horse team of Del’Monte - Finn Kolesnik and Kevin Rosenberg - Simon Cope won the Soloway Knockout Teams in Phoenix. Trailing by 17 imps with just two boards remaining, they pulled off swings of 12 and 11 to win by 6 imps – a fittingly dramatic finish for a player of his flair.
Ish’s talent was matched by his charisma. His in- fectious enthusiasm drew people into his circle, whether sponsors, partners, or friends. Over the years he partnered with some of the biggest names in the game: Boye Brogeland, Justin Lall, Brad Moss, Thomas Bessis, among many others. In a tribute, American champion Moss wrote, “I can honestly say of all the great players I’ve competed with, nobody, and I really mean nobody, had more natural talent for the game. He was amazing.”
When asked in an interview what he valued most in a partner, Ish answered simply: “I like to have fun at the table. Humour is the biggest necessity!”
The last years of Ish’s life were spent in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he had no shortage of clients will- ing to learn from him. The cause of death was a car- diac arrest.
Ish is survived by his children, Julia and Ben, his first wife, Kim, and his second wife, Lisa. Our thoughts are with his siblings Cham, Shadrach, Shalom, his half-siblings Zippy, Ann and Jean, and his extended family. May his memory be a blessing.
A message from Ish’s son, Ben:
Ish’s family has made the decision to have his ashes brought back to his homeland, New Zealand
However, they need help to cover the expenses of his cremation, the flight home, and funeral costs.
A link to the fundraiser is below, any help will be greatly appreciated by the family.
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ help-us-bring-our-brother-home-1
Australian representative appearances
• 2014: Commonwealth Nations Open Team
• 2013: Bermuda Bowl – NPC; U26 World Youth Open Championships – NPC (2× Silver medals)
• 2011: Open APBF (Silver); Bermuda Bowl
• 2010: Open APBF – NPC (Silver); World Junior Teams Championship – NPC (Qualified for QF)
• 2009: Seniors Bowl – NPC
• 2008: World Bridge Games Seniors’ Teams – NPC (Qualified for QF)
• 2005: Open APBF – NPC (Bronze)
• 2003: Bermuda Bowl – Qualified for QF; Austra- lian Junior Team (NPC)
• 2002: Open APBF (Bronze); Commonwealth Na- tions Open Team
• 1999: Open APBF (Bronze); Bermuda Bowl
• 1997: Australian Junior Team
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: August 2025
Page: 13