Published on:
06
February 2013
Clackmannanshire Council Provost Tina Murphy led the tributes following the sad death this week of former World Judo Champion Josh Gavin.
Provost Murphy said: "Josh's death is a personal tragedy, not just for his family, but a tragedy for the people of Clackmannanshire to lose such a shining star.
"He was a tremendous ambassador for his sport and was totally committed to pass on his skills and knowledge. He was a one off and completely irreplaceable. He touched the hearts of many people and on behalf of the Council I would like to extend my sympathy to his whole family and of course to his mother and father in Tullibody.
"We all knew of his illness and what he had gone through but we prayed and hoped that he would recover. He was a real battler and his passing is a huge loss to the community."
Head coach at Alloa's Dojo, Josh Gavin, 47, carried the Olympic Torch in Cumbernauld later in the morning of Wednesday,13th June, 2012, after it has been to Alloa.
Josh, who was involved in martial arts since he was eight-years-old rose to the fantastic heights of 6th Dan and was World Masters Champion in judo at the age of 35.
He founded the JSJ Judo Club 15 years ago and opened his martial arts academy in Alloa two years ago.
He coached around 300 youngsters at his Alloa Dojo, some of whom are currently members of the British team.
He was nominated to be a Torchbearer by the British Judo Association.
It was while coaching at the Dojo two years ago that Josh collapsed and was unconscious for two hours. He was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour and underwent a nine hour operation to have it removed. He continued to undergo treatment, and was rarely away from the Dojo, determined to battle the illness.
Josh is survived by his wife Anne Marie and their three children Stacey (17), Shaun (13) and Josh (7).