Loveable character Tributes to ‘fitness fanatic’ sportsman Bob
AWELL-KNOWN swimming coach who was still keeping super-fit in his 60s has died after a sudden illness.
Tributes have been paid to Bob Lisle, who lived in Brentry in Bristol, after he suffered a series of strokes on Friday and Sunday.
The 68-year-old was described as a “fitness fanatic”, who was a keen cyclist, rower, swimmer and former Avonmouth rugby player.
His wife Deb Lisle said his death on Monday was “absolutely unexpected”, and came just a few days after he was taken into Southmead Hospital.
She said: “The Thursday before he died, he did a 50-mile cycle ride. He exercised every single day. Sport was his entire character – that and politics.
“Two days before, we had been talking about how our 25th anniversary was only two years away.”
She fondly remembered his “unique sense of humour” and how they had been looking forward to their 23rd wedding anniversary next week, on June 4.
Mr Lisle is survived by a son and two step-daughters, and he was also a step-grandfather of four.
He had coached at several Bristol swimming clubs including Henleaze, City of Bristol, Portway and Bishopsworth, and had been head coach at Poole Swimming Club when he lived in Bournemouth.
He grew up in the Henbury area of Bristol and left school with no qualifications, Mrs Lisle said, and worked for some time at RollsRoyce.
It was not until he was in his 40s that he went to university and graduated with a first-class degree in economics, but he still continued to coach swimming until he retired.
He still taught at a friend’s swimming school, even after retirement, and was also an active member of the BS10 Cycling Club.
Avonmouth Old Boys Rugby Football Club posted a tribute on Facebook, which read: “Bob was a well known lovable character during his days at the club.
“Well known for being a fitness fanatic, Bob was happiest when on the go. A keen cyclist, swimmer, rower and runner – you name it, he did it.
“He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.”
Another former player described Mr Lisle as a “great guy”, saying: “We were both fullbacks and I learnt a lot from him.”
The sportsman was also a keen photographer, and would often print off his work on canvas to frame around the home.
Mrs Lisle said she would like to thank a kind healthcare assistant at Southmead, on ward 34B, who kept her husband company in his final moments.
She explained: “She was absolutely amazing, she sat with him and held his hand. She was so lovely.”
A family funeral is being arranged for June but, due to the coronavirus restrictions, only 10 people will be allowed to attend and there will be no wake.