It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Roy Luff passed away peacefully on Sunday 2nd April 2017 at 18:30, after a short battle with a brain tumour.

Our sympathies and thoughts are with Roy’s family at this time.

Roy Luff was highly respected by all in the Judo world and loved by those who knew him best.

Roy took up Judo to support his son, Jeremy, when he started at Kin Ryu Judo Club over thirty five years ago. His support grew into helping at competitions and he was encouraged and mentored by Jean McNaughton.

He and his wife Lesley developed an interest in competition judo following a family trip to Paris when they attended the European Championships, held in the formidable Stade Pierre de Coubertin in 1986. This turned into an annual Pilgrimage to the Paris Tournament, as well as other events in Europe and Roy bought back many ideas, which he trialled at local Sussex and Southern Area events.

Roy soon became a Competition Controller and served on the BJA Competition commission for well over twenty years.  Roy was always extremely proud of British Judo and communicated that with everyone.  He was well known for organising the March-on of Champions at the Junior Nationals and he has supported the development of countless BJA Officials.

He was integral to the successful running of both the Manchester and Glasgow Commonwealth Games.  Taking part in the London 2012 Olympics was a highlight of his Judo career.  However, he was equally proud of the County and Area events he ran, giving thousands of Judoka the opportunity to compete.

Roy’s Funeral Service will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church, High Street, Rusper RH12 4PX on Wednesday 19th April at 12 noon.

Flowers or donations to The Brain Tumour Charity may be sent c/o Freeman Brothers Funeral Directors, 9 North Parade, HORSHAM, RH12 2BP