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Mr Noguchi's Obituary
January 15, 2010
by 1st FIRS Vice President - Valerie Leftwich
Born 29th January, 1926 - Died 6th January, 2010
The skating world was saddened to learn of the recent sudden death of Mr.Yoshiro Noguchi.
Mr.Noguchi's interest in roller skating commenced when he set up roller skating rinks in Maebashi City in Japan in 1951. From there he held positions in the Japanese Federation as Chief Director and Secretary General from September 1953 to February 1982. He became President of the Japanese Federation in March 1983, a position he held until November 2006 when he was awarded the title of Honourary President from December 2006.
Mr.Noguchi was instrumental in the formation of the Confederation of Asian Roller Sports, holding a position on FIRS as 1st Vice President for many years.
His work in building Roller Sports from nothing on the Asian Continent has favorably benefited the status of FIRS and Roller Sports word wide. The FIRS World Championships that have, in recent years been conducted by several nations on the Asian Continent, are a direct result of Mr.Noguch's pioneering effort to expand organized roller skating as a sport beyond the borders of Japan, where he had nurtured it since the 1950s.
In recognition of his dedication and tireless efforts in the Asian region for Roller sports Mr.Noguchi was awarded a Life Membership of FIRS in 2007.
Although his health had restricted his travels in recent years, his influence and selfless devotion to roller skating continued to be an inspiration to many others who followed him as leaders in the sport.
Yoshiro Noguchi will always be remembered as a man of great respect and who was admired by all who knew him in the skating fraternity.
He is survived by his wife, a son and daughter and their families.
The skating world sends their deepest sympathy to the Noguchi Family at this sad time.