Page 13 - ABF Newsletter February 2026

CM led the king of diamonds and Stephen played low in dummy. At this point South took a full 15 sec- onds before playing.
Stephen to CM: “What’s that?” CM: wan smile.
Stephen: “Do you think he’s got a singleton dia- mond?”
CM: wan smile.
Stephen: “Do you think he’s got an honour in clubs and hearts?”
CM: wan smile.
Stephen was never guilty of this common form of illegal communication himself. He only ever played count, so in his partnerships there was never any- thing to think about in these situations.
Around 2015, Stephen moved to senior’s bridge where he continued to enjoy great success, usually in partnership with Gaby Lorentz.
He was very generous of nature, and he loved to be the host. In the mid-90s he made a lot of money trading options. US backgammon expert and finan- cial market trader, Stephen Kessler, tells the story:
“I knew options traders in the US were training bridge players, so I decided to give it a try. Takes a bit of moxie, especially at first. Stephen seemed rather fearless, so I got him a badge and turned him loose into the Bank Bill pit of the Sydney Futures Ex- change, just as one of the weekly Treasury reports hit the news. The first few minutes after that were sheer pandemonium, thunderous cacophony. He loved it... so much so that he chose that pit to trade instead of my choice for him. I had planned to have him execute my trading strategy, but of course he could not be reined in. He had some good success before ultimately falling for a manipulation by Trea- sury that blew his odds into the stratosphere.
“You may remember that before he blew out, he was living it up in one of those mezzanine apart- ments overlooking New South Head Road just east of Double Bay... shouting French champagne for strangers at his extravagant parties, living like there would be no tomorrows.”
US expert, Bob Jones, who writes the Goren column, was a friend and sometimes partner. He presents a good summary:
“Stephen possessed immense personal charisma along with great talents and abilities. There were times in his life when his star shined as brightly as anyone’s. He had his demons, and they prevented him from becoming all that he might have been. His
big heart and his generous nature made him a be- loved figure among most who knew him.“
Stephen might have had his ups and downs, and he surely did, but he was always a steadfast friend. He would routinely visit us on his many trips to Double Bay, and he maintained a close friendship with many people, including a few who he had met here at the bridge table.
Stephen passed away on 3 January 2026, in Canber- ra Hospital after complications from a chicken bone accident on 15 November.
Dearly loved father of Chris, Emma, Becky, Rhys and Janas and their families, and partner Denise.
Paul Marston
Stephen's national titles in Australia
Australian Open Team Playoff: 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1997, 2000
Australian Seniors Team Playoff: 2016, 2020, 2023 and 2024
National Open Teams:
1983, 1984, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1998, 2003
Spring National Open Teams: 1988, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997
Gold Coast Open Teams: 1984, 1988, 1990
Gold Coast Pairs: 1983, 1984, 1986
Victor Champion Cup: 1985, 2009
Autumn National Open Teams: 1995, 1996, 2007
Bobby Evans Senior Teams: 2015, 2018, 2022
Interstate Teams: 1985
Australian Open Pairs: 1983
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: February 2026
Page: 13