A much-loved High Wycombe judo coach who was a role-model to hundreds of players has passed away.
Bill Nobbs, 81, was one of the founding members of the High Wycombe Judo Centre, in Barry Close.
He also helped to build the centre and was present as Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh who also passed away earlier this week, formally opened it in 1987.
Mr Nobbs was born in High Wycombe on June 4, 1939 and went on to do his National Service.
He married Daphne in 1961 and then became a steel erector, going on to run his own business for many years until his retirement.
Mr Nobbs taught judo in High Wycombe for more than 50 years, retiring in 2014. He was a British champion and was awarded a 6th Dan last year.
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He coached at the club until his retirement and was also a director until his death last week.
Mr Nobbs sadly died of oesophageal cancer on April 8, with a friend saying he fought the condition “with courage and dignity”.
In a tribute to Mr Nobbs, High Wycombe Judo Centre wrote on its Facebook page on April 8: “With great sadness and heavy heart I have to tell our friends, family, and members that our friend, Bill Nobbs, 6th Dan judo coach, director and one of the original members and main builder of the High Wycombe Judo Centre Centre, has passed away this morning with his family by his side.
“Hundreds of Judo players will open their Judo record book and find Bill Nobbs grading signature.
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“He loved everything to do with the centre and the people in it. RIP Bill Nobbs.
“Much-loved by the staff and Judoka from far and wide.
“Such a sad day.”
Dozens of tributes were left on the centre’s post, with many praising Mr Nobbs’ dedication to the sport, describing him as a role-model and talking about the happy memories he left with all his students.
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Leave your tribute hereBill leaves a gap at our club. He inspired respect amongst all our players, juniors and seniors. He was an example to follow in terms of commitment and dedication. Wherever he went, he carried the colours of HWJC. He started judo when he was 22 and gained his 1st Dan in 1970. He travelled to many competitions. He took 3 players from the club to the Japanese Masters at the Kodokan in 2003. January 2020 he was still supporting the club and grading the little ones. ALWAYS with a smile and happy to make things happen. Until very recently, many Friday nights you would find him and his friends having a drink upstairs in the bar. The laughter and jokes were noticeable. I loved sitting down with them, listening to their stories and above all, teasing Bill about age before beauty. He actually had both, age and beauty. I will miss him very much. R.I.P. dear Bill.
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British Judo Life Membership - NHC Awards, February 2020 
Competing in Belgium in 1975 Leave your tribute hereDue to Tracey and Keith getting together in 1992 a strong bond and friendship grew between our two families. Regular visits between Edinburgh and Wycombe along with foreign holidays were greatly enjoyed. Happy, fond, fun memories of Bill. A pleasure to have been in his company and will be dearly missed by us and all his Scottish friends.
Leave your tribute hereRIP Bill.
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judo Leave your tribute hereRIP Bill. you taught me judo when I was little and I loved it. I never forgot you, and never will. Safe journey. Heartfelt sympathy to all the family. All the best. Andrea
Leave your tribute hereOne of the greats . A dear friend to my dad. When I first moved to High Wycombe 30 years ago, I rented his mum’s house with a couple of the girls from the British team. I fell in love with Bill and Daphne and all his family. So many laughs and good times. And that’s how I will remember him laughing and joking. Never forgotten, a true legend and a true gentleman ❤️ Jen Inman x
Leave your tribute hereRIP Bill, you were a good friend. God Bless
Leave your tribute hereRIP dear friend & Sensei Bill. Thank you for everything you have done for HWJC over the years and for the positive impact you have made on 100’s of people who had the privilege to know you... everything with a laugh & a smile. You will be greatly missed. Take care Bill's family at this difficult time. Kind regards, Tony.
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High Wycombe Judo Centre Juniors 
Bill Nobbs and the HWJC Coach Team Leave your tribute hereBill Nobbs...Royal Army Medical Corps and one of the longest serving members of HW Royal British Legion. For his contribution to the local community, including the Judo Club, this man should have been honoured with at least an OBE...lots of laughs and happy days Bill. Jimmy Findlay
Leave your tribute hereAlways helpful, kind, funny and generous with his time. A pleasure to be in his company. We feel honoured to be called his friends. A LEGEND. Love you Bill..sleep tight
Book of condolence for Bill Nobbs?
Whether you knew Mr Nobbs and want to share any stories or pictures, or you just want to send your thoughts, this is a space for you to pay tribute. Please know we will moderate content to ensure this remains a respectful space.
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