Martin Stephens

We are very sad to record the tragic accidental death of Martin Stephens, on 3rd June 2022.

Marty was a charismatic young man, whose energy and joie de vivre endeared him to many in all the different spheres of life he encountered and embraced.  Professionally, he was appointed partner in KPMG UK’s Corporate Services, in December 2021.
 
Until recently he played in Edinburgh, often at Colinton Castle Bridge Club with his dad, but the family moved to York in April of this year.

A fine bridge player, he was keen to support the game at every opportunity. He lobbied for our involvement in teaching young people and our retention of them, during the early stages of their professional and family life. Marty was a passionate and persuasive lobbyist.

During 2019 he, together with Liz McGowan, successfully persuaded the SBU to run “a final” Peebles Congress in early December, both in the knowledge that these Congresses were not to continue. Convened by Julie Choudhury but totally dependent on Marty’s networking and friendships, combined with Liz’s hard work, this was a fantastic affair which quickly sold out and attracted a considerable number of high calibre players, and many ex-Presidents. This link conveys much of the spirit and quality of the event. Recently he worked his magic again to bring his English bridge player pals up to another SBU Peebles Congress in March this year aided and abetted by Andrew Macintosh. Once again there was a gala dinner, and a speedball event, and once again it was very special.

A character at the table, always upgrading 14 points to a strong no trump or forgetting Michaels, he always had a smile and a kind word.

He will be sorely missed, not only for his contributions to the SBU, but as a well-loved friend to many.