John Buckingham
26 February 1935 – 15 January 2022
John was a physical education student at Loughborough from 1955 to 1958 and then spent 11 years teaching PE in Watton Norfolk.
He then returned to Loughborough as a lecturer in the PE department, running the college’s outdoor activities centre in North Wales and also lecturing in sports back in Loughborough.
From there he became the Outdoor Education Adviser for Leicestershire where he worked until his retirement.
John’s achievements centred around sailing. He was RYA East Midlands regional coach for a number of years. He was a Yachtmaster instructor and examiner and a National Judge for the RYA, officiating at events in the UK, Europe and South Africa.
John was awarded the RYA Yachtsman’s Award by the Princess Royal in 1996.
He served on the RYA Council for over ten years, which included an annual meeting on Britannia during Cowes Week.
Tributes after his death highlighted the fact that he made sailing a sport available to all ages and also helped with disability sailing including teaching visually impaired.
John had a keen sense of humour and made sailing fun for all.
He is sadly missed by his wife Helen, children Steve and Ally, and four lovely grandsons.