Shock over sudden death of Diss martial arts tutor
Family, friends, colleagues and fellow martial arts enthusiasts were this week mourning the sudden death of Diss black belt martial arts instructor Joe Harvey, described as a "gentle giant".
Mr Harvey, 49, of Shreeves Road, Diss, died in hospital after a sudden short illness. He was suffering from oesophageal cancer.
He leaves his wife of 25 years, Jeanette, and daughters Vikki, 22, and Danielle, 18.
Mrs Harvey said: "He was ill but we weren't expecting it to happen quite so quickly."
She described her husband as a man with many friends who spoke to people all over the world through his love of martial arts.
"He enjoyed his Kuk Sool Won and teaching his students, and he thought the world of his girls and just wanted everything to be right for them."
Mr Harvey was one of the founder members of the Kuk Sool Won group in Diss which meets in the youth centre at Shelfanger Road.
He was an instructor for about 12 years, teaching members aged from six to 60.
He then took over running the club for three years, before giving up a year ago when he first became ill and handing the reins over to current leader John Mortlock.
As a child, Mr Harvey lived in Thrandeston, Tivetshall and Diss and attended Diss schools.
He worked for many years as a baker at Health and Home Bake in Victoria Road, before becoming a chef at The Nunnery nursing home where his wife and daughter Danielle also work.
Jane Wentford, of The Nunnery, said: "It has been a great shock.
"Joe was a really genuinely lovely person and the residents will miss him very much."
Kuk Sool Won master instructor Steven Whiting, who taught both Mr and Mrs Harvey when they first started learning martial arts and who ran the Diss school when it first opened, was among fellow instructors and students who visited Mr Harvey at his hospital bedside.
He said: "Joe achieved a 3rd degree black belt which is very high.
"He was a popular person and all his family did Kuk Sool Won with him, which is very rare.
"He was dedicated and loyal and the kids loved him because he was a gentle giant and a warm, humble person.
"He will be very sorely missed."
Mr Harvey's funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Diss, on Thursday, 3pm.
Pay your tributes to Mr Harvey below or by emailing editorial@dissexpress.co.uk
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Weather for Diss
Thursday 02 September 2010
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Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
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