Kevin Winstain

I knew Kevin from a Karate Club we both joined. We trained together for about 15 years and sparred on many occasions. We travelled around the UK competing and training. He was an amazing man who led a very interesting and full life.. One thing that I remember very well is his determination and spirt.. Rest in peace.

I will always remember Kevin’s wonderful stories he led such a varied and interesting life. I am so happy I got to know him.

Kevin joined our T’ai chi school about 1989. He was a regular attendee. He was such great company. Well loved by all of us. It was a pleasure to know him. He will be greatly missed. RIEP Kevin.

I knew Kevin from a white belt to a black belt. A good friend full of wonderful stories of life. I remember disagreements in class that always ended in a smiles and laughter. A very intelligent man. I would enjoy watching martial arts videos with him and Harry on an old VHS video player whilst Jeni would panda and fuss over us with tea and biscuits. May you debate and converse in Heaven Kevin… rest peacefully Love Paul

I will always remember Kevin as a person who had a way with words and a subtle but sharp sense of humour, an intelligent man with a warm heart that is reflected in his family…till we meet for a chat again rest in peace

Trying to find a few words to sum up or at least sketch some sort of image of an extraordinary man. At least 25 years ago at a Tai chi training session/workshop organised by Jim Uglow ( Chu Gin Soon, John Conroy etc), at the lunch break I found myself on the periphery of a group; of which there was Kevin; the image of a master swordsman outnumbered, but his adversaries are only armed with cudgels.  Over the years I came to appreciate that this wordsmith had probably never been outnumbered, irrespective of the preparations of those who deemed themselves worthy to oppose. My pursuit of an understanding in the art of Yeung Tai chi chuan under the tutelage of Jim Uglow has been enhanced by my good fortune in sharing many of my sessions with Kevin. Initially with trepidation, not wishing to find myself the focus of his attention to looking forward to the education of what could sometimes be described as acerbic wit but mainly the English language in all it’s glory. We would enjoyably share the unpredictability of a TFL journey to Victoria Station. Suitable ensconced in a comfortable position in view of the train departure board, imbibication of choice. The discordant multitude racing hither and thither and Kevin and I discussing whatever, occasionally bringing into the conversation the nearest resting or even passing traveller. An enjoyable, pleasurable memory, accompanied with the sadness of a never to be repeated experience.  Thank you Kevin! With relief the prosecution sighed! Today, Kevin Winstain died! The prosecution’s reluctant witness at the back, Immediately had a heart attack! Tom Whitty

I only had the pleasure of meeting Kevin a few times and wow did he make an impact. That twinkle in his eye! As so many have said before me, what a brilliant storyteller and wordsmith, it’s so very clear he was adored and loved by so many. My parents, Brenda and Stuart Christie, used to speak so very fondly of Kevin and held him in the highest regard, they used to recount hilarious stories and anecdotes about their time at the Old Bailey with him, they would always, always have a huge beam on their faces when doing so. It’s clear he really was a very very special man who touched the lives of all who knew him. Much love to all of Kevin’s family, I hope it’s a comfort to know how many people thought the absolute world of him.