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I am terribly sorry to have to tell you that Joy, Bob Coombes beloved (Bob Coombes is blondeite "sixpac") passed away yesterday.

Many of you know that Joy has fought a long & courageous battle against illness. She opted for chemotherapy, but the third & final treatment was just too much to face, & she decided to forego it, & allow nature to take it's course.

Joy came to Paris during the WPT for what Bob poignantly described as her "last supper", and I was so pleased I was able to meet with her there. But it's all over now.
 
Bob is the tutor & mentor of many of today's best players, amongst them, his very special friend, Keith Hawkins, The Camel. Bob is one of life's great Gentleman. When I was in sight of my biggest ever payday in the Deauville EPT semi-final this year, I made a horrendous play against Bob who duly busted me. I'd messed up, & I knew it. Bob took great trouble to seek me out, reassure me that I had some sort of "game", & wish me well for the future. Since then, we've kept in close touch, & I ache for the man, his love for Joy was so transparent.

Bob is devestated, & is not really in a position to comment yet awhile.

Should you wish to send a PM to Bob, I'm sure he'd appreciate the support. He needs it right now.

Bob intends to resume his life shortly - poker has been taking a back seat for a while, though he's been a constsant lurker on blonde, stuck at home for so long.

You are amongst friends here Bob.

You are very much in our thoughts.

Such poignant words Tikay.

I will PM him now - didnt know the man, but everyone needs support at a time like this.

Well said T

My thoughts are with you Bob.

Memories give us roses in December

Our thoughts are with you

I had to think about Red's Post, but then I got it. It's beautiful.

Everyone grieves in their own way. Whatever you need to do Bob, is what is right for you. Take your time, and be how you need to be.

Cherish the memories, and allow the pain to recede.

You have friends here.

Heid
xx

Sorry about the news Bob, I read it else where this morning. Take care.

I can only echo Tikay's sentiments.

Our thoughts are with you.

Heartfelt best wishes. Thoughts and prayers with you sixpac.

My thoughts are with you at this terrible time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

 :(
Cheer's Tikay, I was in the process of getting through the day without any tears, then  I read this.

I really appreciate the comments, but I have been trying to prepare myself for THE day for a year now. I just feal incredibly sad, sad that Joy had to go as she did. we thought we would go into the hospice for a peaceful end, but it was far from that. I left the hospice about half an hour before she died, I was just getting so angry at what I percieved they were doing to my wife, I knew if I stayed I might have ended up saying things which I guarantee I would have regretted. I Know the staff were doing their best.

I keep remembering one golden moment on Saturday and the look on Joy's face, and that is really helping me at the moment.

But let's get things into perspective, with what's going on in the world everyday one man's sorrow 'aint worth a hill of beans', especially one who has had a wonderful relationship with his wife for 36 years.

But many thanks anyway.

Never met you sixpac, but you sound like a great guy m8. And in my book 'one man's sorrow' is absolutely worth a hill of beans. All best from myself and mrs Jammer.

We lost our only son to cancer when he was 7, our hill of beans is a mountain, we climb a little further every day, we don't want to reach the top, the climb is therapeutic and, after a while we found we could look back and appreciate the view

Sorry RED if you took my statement the wrong way, In the last year Joy and I spent a lot of time at the 'Royal Marsden' and was heartbreaking to see some of kid's in in there.

When I reffered to things going on in the world, this was one of them, youre situation is incomparable to mine, i've a 36 years of happiness in an almost perfect reationship and have hundreds a happy memories to sustain me, I just wish i had'nt said anything now.

All the best

I certainly didn't take it the wrong way, not in a million years, I just wanted to say we realise how very hard it is for you and let you know that one day, you will be able to look back fondly

I wish I hadn't said anything now too

Terrible news.

Read this thread when you're low and remember that you're not alone.

I started playing poker 10 years ago at Reading Casino in the £10 game , three times a week i would turn up and 3 times a week " lucky Bob " would make the final , or at least it seemed like it . Many players befriended me and one of them was this lovely guy with a cheeky smile called Bob , over the next few years we started to travel together and i am proud to say i was one of the players he taught .

Bob is a very private man so i was delighted when Joy invited Kay and i to his 50th birthday , in return we asked if they would like to have Sunday dinner with us , for the next 5 years we spent every available Sunday with Bob and Joy , we would have dinner then go to the cinema , Bob was with me when we recorded Late Night Poker and has always helped me with my game . After Kay and i split up she maintained the tradition and eventually both Bob and Joy started to see me with Mathilde , i was so lucky to have found two wonderful friends who accepted my situation without judgement , Kay and i are still the best of friends and often the 5 of us would go out , i knew i was blessed with such great friends in my life .

When Bob and Joy came to Paris in August Mathilde and i were there and met up with them for dinner two nights and spent a day visiting the Louvre , walking in the Paris sunshine and eating ice creams and Joy looked fantastic ,  memories i will keep forever . I can honestly say i have never seen a happier couple , whether we went to a casino , a day at the races or just played a game of scrabble they really were pefect together .

I only knew Joy for the last 8 of the 36 years Bob spent with her and i like anyone who was lucky enough to be in their company loved them both , she really was one of a kind , always smiling and just being Joy , i will miss her so much and when Bob needs me i'll be here for him .

I had no intention of writing anything until i read Bobs first reply and then i just needed to .

The world has lost a very special person .

Love Simon & Mathilde

What a wonderful & moving tribute by Simon Trumper.