We are sad to report that John Robbins died on June 20th after a long illness. He was a regular player on the national circuit attending congresses all around the country.
He started playing bridge after leaving Birmingham University and was a dominant force in Midlands bridge, being Chair of the Warwickshire selection committee for several years and an active member and Director of West Midlands Bridge Club. He also represented Warwickshire in a number of national competitions.
He taught bridge and was always keen to encourage young recruits to the game. Having done his post-graduate degree at Oxford University, some years ago he and several other Alumni set up 'The Oxford Alumni' with the aim of meeting socially and enjoying bridge. He was very much involved in promoting this and played his last match against Cambridge shortly before he died. In the last few months of his life, despite being very ill, he continued to play in every competition going. It could literally be said, "He lived for the game.”
John was a friend and team mate more than thirty years ago in Warwickshire. He was a kind man, always keen to help and encourage others. John has bravely gone on in the last few years despite his severe health problems and we met as bridge opponents for the last time only a few months ago in a local teams event. Our thoughts are with his family.
ReplyDeleteJohn was my first partner when I started playing competitive bridge in England, and he was generous with his introduction into the English tournament scene. Always a gentleman at the table, both as partner and opponent, John also contibuted his time and skills into the administrative part of the game. He is being missed by all who knew him.
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