A Tribute to "Bomber" Pat Roach

It's a sad fact of life that as you get older, people that you've admired since you were a child pass away, seemingly before their time.

Just a few weeks ago I was watching the old World of Sport shows on The Wrestling Channel one afternoon, and, with a great deal of interest, saw a few matches featuring "Bomber" Pat Roach.

I hadn't seen Pat wrestle since I got hold of an old British wrestling video about fifteen years ago, so my memories of Pat as a wrestler were somewhat cloudy. But seeing him in action, particularly in his match against Ray Steele, reminded me just how damn good he was.

A former British and European heavyweight champion, by today's standards Pat may not have been to everyone's taste. He wasn't overly flashy, he didn't have any fancy ring attire or ring entrances. He was just a good, solid, professional wrestler, one of the best of his generation.

Of course, Pat also had a successful second career as an actor. His most famous role was in Auf Widersehen, Pet, but I will always fondly remember his big screen brawls with Indiana Jones and James Bond, the only time I saw Pat compete as a heel! He also appeared in films such as A Clockwork Orange & Conan The Destroyer.

Pat continued to combine both careers, but a couple of years ago announced his retirement from professional wrestling, retiring as a champion, holding the Premier British Heavyweight title at the time of his retirement.

His involvement in the wrestling business continued after the end of his in-ring career, attending various reunions, and also serving as the commissioner for the Frontier Wrestling Alliance. Sadly, he wasn't that well received by the FWA faithful on his one and only appearance for the company.

Six months ago, Pat announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer, and he took a step back from his busy schedule. He had been due to star in the latest series of Auf Widersehen, Pet, which is currently being filmed in Thailand. When they found out he had been diagnosed with cancer, the producers of the show promised to keep his slot open for him, should he be well enough to work.

Sadly, that day never came. In the early hours of this morning, Pat lost his battle. He was 67 years old.

Pat Roach is one of the true legends of the British wrestling industry, one of the game's greats who will always be remembered with a great deal of affection. He was one of wrestling's truest gentlemen. He will be sadly missed not just by wrestling fans, but fans of film and television as well.

My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. The thoughts of wrestling fans around the world will be with them at this most tragic of times.