In Memoriam: Martin Finke

It is with great sadness that the European Go Federation mourns the passing of Martin Finke, who died at the age of 64 after a period of serious illness.

Martin was a devoted Go player, organizer, and administrator who made an important and lasting contribution to the development of Go in Europe. For many years, he was a familiar and much-valued presence at tournaments and events across Europe. A member of the Dutch Go Association since 1986 and a long-standing member of Go Club Utrecht, Martin combined his love of the game with an extraordinary willingness to work for the Go community.

Martin at the NK rapid – 2022/2023

Much of Martin’s contribution took place away from the spotlight. He was not someone who sought recognition, but rather someone who quietly made things happen. He talked to everyone, built relationships, handled difficult negotiations, and was always ready to contribute his time and energy when the European Go community needed it.

Among his many achievements, Martin was the main organizer of the European Go Congress in Maastricht in 1994, one of the important early milestones in the development of European Go, and later played a leading role in organizing the European Youth Go Championship in Zandvoort in 2007. He also served as President of the Dutch Go Association from 2008 to 2010 and opened the EGC 2009 in Groningen.

Opening EGC 2009 Groningen

His work extended far beyond the Netherlands. Martin served in several roles within international Go organizations, including as Secretary (1996-1999) and Vice President (1999-2000) of the European Go Federation (EGF). He was a board member of the Dutch Go Association and, at one point, served as interim president. He was also closely involved with the European Go Cultural Centre (EGCC), remaining active through its final years and contributing particularly to its international contacts and negotiations with Japan.

From the end of the EGCC to the beginning of a new chapter for European Go, Martin again played an important role. One of his final major achievements was his work on establishing the Iwamoto Europe Foundation for Go (IEF). He was deeply involved in the process of creating the Foundation and in bringing the necessary arrangements together, especially setting up the bank account in the Netherlands. It required countless hours of work and persistence, and Martin continued to devote himself to the project even while his health was declining. The signing of the first concept of the Foundation agreement in 2022 stands as a fitting testament to his determination and commitment to the future of Go.

The IEF European board in the first years – Martin, Gerry, Dominique and Martin Stiassny.

Those who knew Martin will remember not only what he accomplished, but also the way in which he did it. He preferred to work in the background, without seeking praise or attention. Yet he was always present: at tournaments, in meetings, in negotiations, at the Go board, and in conversations with friends and fellow players. He had a particular talent for making contact with people and bringing them together. And, as friends remember with a smile, he was always happy to sit down for a game of Go — and to try his luck against a new opponent.

Martin leaves behind a significant legacy in European Go. Many of the events, organizations, and structures that he helped build or sustain have continued to benefit from his work long after the meetings and tournaments themselves were over. His contribution was often quiet, but it was substantial.

Martin with Martin Stiassny at the EGC 2024 in Toulouse.

The European Go Federation is deeply grateful for Martin’s dedication, friendship, and many years of service to Go in Europe. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and to all those in the Go community who had the privilege of knowing him.

Martin will be greatly missed, and his contribution to European Go will not be forgotten.

Bordeaux EGC, 2011

2021, Den Haag

2023 Dutch Open

Thank you to Harry van der Krogt for the many photos.

European Go Federation