By David Carlisle
BM May 1989
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Joe. To me and to many others he will be best remembered for his ability to impart to others his great passion and enthusiasm for the game of bridge.
As a teacher of the game, with special reference to good players or those with the ability to become good players, his talents were second to none. As a player he was dangerous and, more importantly, unpredictable - when Joe was an opponent, the game was never easy. He could, when the occasion demanded, play a strong percentage game, but he will be best remembered as an action player who brought in more points than he lost. His record as a player was first class - he won every major event in domestic bridge and also represented his country, always giving of his best and usually bringing in fine results.
As the long-time editor of International Popular Bridge Monthly he was never afraid to put forward his own views on the game. Always a passionate publicist of the game, in my experience he never criticised without putting forward a constructive alternative. He was for some years the proprietor of the Acol Bridge Club and tirelessly worked long hours to enhance the enjoyment of its clientele. His comments on the game were always backed up with a wealth of experience.
Many of the top players today learned a lot from Joe: Tony Sowter, Steve Lodge, Chris Dixon, Bob Rowlands, Phillip Alder and myself to quote just a few. Joe’s enthusiasm and never say-die spirit were never better shown than in a Crockfords match some years ago when he, Marius Wlodarczyk and the Sharples brothers were 46 imps down with eight boards to play - they won by 21 imps.
Joe will be sadly missed by his family and friends; his death is a great loss.
Camrose Trophy Selections: 1973 1977 1978 and 1979
Gold Cup Winner: 1970 and 1978
Spring Foursomes Winner: 1968
Brighton Pairs, Harold Poster Cup Winner: 1968
Brighton Four Stars Teams Winner: 1967 and 1971
The Hubert Phillips Bowl Winner: 1971
Tollemache Cup winner: 1970 1977 and 1978