A life of dedication, kindness and outstanding service to judo 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elaine Parkinson, a much-loved and highly respected member of the judo family, whose contribution to our sport over many decades will never be forgotten.

For generations of judoka across Yorkshire and Humberside, Elaine was a familiar and reassuring presence at competitions. As Tournament Director and Competition Controller, she was the person who made things happen, working quietly to ensure that every event ran smoothly and professionally.

Three words perhaps sum Elaine up better than any others: cool, calm and competent. And competent she most certainly was. When Elaine was involved in organising an event, everyone knew it was in safe hands. She set exceptionally high standards for herself and those around her, but this was always driven by her deep commitment to the sport and, above all, to the people taking part.

Although she officiated at the highest levels of competition, Elaine was never officious. Her greatest concern was always the players. She wanted every competitor, whatever their age or ability, to enjoy their experience and have the opportunity to perform at their best. 

Elaine's contribution to judo extended far beyond the competition mat. During the 1980s, she played an important role in the development of the Yorkshire and Humberside Junior Squads under the leadership of Jeff Brady and Colin Frudd. Weekend squad training sessions at Colin Frudd's Judo Club in Woodhouse, Dronfield, were made all the more memorable by Elaine's care and generosity. She made sure everyone was fed, and nobody went without. 

"No child should go to bed or leave you with an empty stomach."

Those words tell us so much about Elaine. Behind the highly capable official was a genuinely caring, generous and thoughtful person who looked after people and made them feel welcome.

Her dedication also reached across the country. Elaine supported the North West Development Programme between 1994 and 1997, helping to establish the Greater Manchester Youth Games, as well as supporting countless area events. From 2005 onwards, she contributed to the National Schools Development Programme, including events such as the London Youth Games and Tyne and Wear Kyu Grade Development.

She served on the National Competition Controllers Group, representing Yorkshire and Humberside, and played an important part in the transition from the old Tournament Handbook to the Competition Manual we know today. She also gave many years of service to the Yorkshire and Humberside Area Committee and served on the British Judo Association's National Competition Commission.

Her expertise and professionalism were recognised nationally, with Elaine entrusted with official responsibilities at some of the biggest events in world judo, including the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games, as well as numerous British Championships. These were remarkable achievements, but Elaine never needed recognition or fuss. She simply got on with the job, giving everything she had to the sport she loved. I'm sure many will recall stories of Elaine staying up all night sewing back patches onto players kits!

Her involvement in events also spanned generations. Elaine was part of the team behind the inaugural York Under-18 Years Open Championships in 1986, an event which evolved into today's North Yorkshire Judo Development Festival, she was the Tournament Director for the inaugral installation of that event in 2010. 

At that event, in recognition of her lifelong service and commitment to judo, she received a special award in recognition of the many years she had devoted to helping others enjoy and develop through our sport.

Yet, for all her achievements and the prestigious events she helped deliver, it is perhaps the personal memories of Elaine that will remain closest to people's hearts.

She was one of the hardest-working, kindest and most caring people you could ever wish to meet. She brought reassurance when things were busy, calmness when things became challenging, and a quiet confidence that everything would be all right. She was a true inspiration to players, coaches, referees and fellow competition officials alike.

There was always a smile, a laugh and a warmth that went beyond judo. Elaine was a proud Catholic, and there was always a smile shared about her home address being 'Hail Mary Drive' – one of those little details that those who knew her will remember with affection.

It is easy to measure someone's contribution by the number of events they organised, the positions they held or the championships they officiated at. By any of those measures, Elaine's contribution was immense. But her real legacy is so much greater. It lives on in the generations of young judoka she encouraged, the countless volunteers she worked alongside, the events she helped make possible and, above all, the people she cared for along the way.

Elaine gave so much of herself to judo, often without seeking recognition or reward. She was a dedicated servant of our sport, but more importantly, she was a wonderful human being whose kindness, generosity, friendship and unwavering commitment touched so many lives.

The judo community owes Elaine an enormous debt of gratitude. We will miss her presence at our competitions, her quiet efficiency, her high standards, her warmth and, of course, that reassuring feeling that when Elaine was involved, everything would be taken care of.

Thank you, Elaine, for everything you gave to judo and to all of us who were fortunate enough to know you.

You leave behind a legacy that will endure for generations, and memories that will be cherished by the many people whose lives you touched.

Rest in peace, Elaine. You will not be forgotten.