Draft:Josh Gavin

Josh Gavin (April 26, 1966 – February 5, 2013) was a Scottish Judo players and athlete and model, from 1982 to 2013. He was regularly featured in magazines and local press. After receiving positive reviews on his performances, Josh was hailed as one of the best up-and-coming youngsters in his sport, a fabulous Scottish Judo players, and a promising newcomers in the future.

Josh Gavin
Born	Jonathan Hugh Gavin April 26th 1966 Airthrey Castle
Died	February 5th 2013 (age 46)
Resting place	Sunnyside Cemetery Alloa
Occupation	Judoka
Years active	1974 - 2013
Height	5 ft 9 in (175.26 cm)
Spouse	Ann-Marie Gavin
Children	Stacey Gavin, Shaun Gavin, Josh Gavin
Parents	John Gavin (father) Jessie Gavin (mother)
Awards	Scottish & British Title, World Masters Champion

Judo competition career

Josh Gavin 18 years old in Tullibody 1984

Josh Gavin had been involved in martial arts since he was eight years old. He rose to the height of 6th Dan and was World Masters Champion in Judo at the age of 35.

Personal life

Josh married Ann-Marie Stewart and they were married in 1992. They had a daughter called Stacey Gavin born in 1995, then later on they had a son called Shaun Gavin born in 1999. Josh and Ann-Marie moved in to 7 Norwood Ave in Alloa in October, 2003. Josh and Ann-Marie had visited it several times, and Josh was thrilled to learn that it was available, referring to it as the "Dream House". At their new home, the Gavin's continued to be popular hosts for their large group of friends, Josh and Ann had a son called Josh Gavin born in 2005 named after his dad.

Death and aftermath

The funeral of former British judo international star Josh Gavin had taken place at St Mungo's Parish Church in Alloa on Friday 5th Feb 2013. Mr Gavin, 46, died after a long fight with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife Anne Marie and their three children Stacey, 17, Shaun, 13, and Josh, 7. The council closed several roads in the surrounding area due to the large number of mourners expected. Clackmannanshire tragedy Following the service, the procession left St Mungo's Parish Church to head towards Sunnyside Cemetery, this was led by the Bowmar Pipe Band.

Clackmannanshire Provost Tina 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.

Provost Tina Murphy lowered the flags at Alloa Town Hall on as a mark of respect.