It is with great sadness that Bath Shotokan Karate club announces the passing away of Lionel Thomas, at the age of 77. Lionel was one of the club’s longest-standing members, having joined Bath Karate in 1971. He passed his Shodan in 1975 and was actively training until the early 1990s. Family and work commitments then took him away from his training, but he returned to the fold in 2012 at the age of 73! Although he was keen to train in the sessions, Lionel preferred to teach and particularly to assist in the instruction of new club members – a role he enjoyed, bringing an air of the ‘old school’ with him. He brought enthusiasm and knowledge to the classes, and will be sorely missed by the club members.

Lionel’s funeral will be at Haycombe Crematorium, Bath on Friday 1st September at 3:15 pm, followed by a  gathering at Odd Down Football Club to mingle with Lionel’s family and friends.