T Mark Hall, 1947-2013

It is with deep sadness that we have to announce the death of T Mark Hall on Monday after a long illness.

T Mark was a long and faithful servant of the British Go Association, of British Go in general and of World Go through his partnership with John Fairbairn in GoGoD (Games of Go on Disk). He was on our Council for some 22 years, serving for 20 of these as Treasurer, a record of service that will surely be unsurpassed.

He was a fine player, especially at Lightning Go, and won many tournaments, although never quite challenging for the final of the British Championship. His last tournament appearance was in the British Open in April this year when he came 4th. Sadly, due to his illness, he was unable to represent us at the recent Korean Prime Ministers Cup.

John Fairbairn, his long-time friend and colleague, writes: "British Go has been blessed with many fine servants, but very high among them will rank T Mark Hall, who passed away on 9 December 2013, aged 66. I was with him in the last months and hours and so I can testify that he had borne his long illness with great dignity and courage - nonchalance even.

Very many knew him and admired him – he was the public face of GoGoD and attended tournaments throughout the world, representing Britain several times. And those who knew him will not be surprised to hear that he was working on both the database and proof-reading until very near the end. But earlier in his Go career of more than four decades he had also worked behind the scenes, for almost half that time, as Treasurer and Council Member of the British Go Association.

Mark wished to continue his work for the British Go Association even after he was gone, and has made substantial bequests accordingly. The British Museum has also accepted the offer of his antique board. He has asked that GoGoD should continue if possible, and although this will involve some changes (with his approval) I hope to keep his flame alive there, although frankly he will be quite irreplaceable.

Mark was not just well known. He was popular and I will be writing a personal memoir of a staunch and loyal friend in less mournful tone, and to add some details of the bequests, in a future issue of the British Go Journal. I hope others may also come forward there and join me with memories of someone who will forever remain a Vice-President of the BGA."

He will be remembered by many for sitting at tournaments and other events after his game was over with his pipe and chatting to all and sundry.

He will be sorely missed.

Jon Diamond
President