Bob Humphrys

The face of sport on BBC Wales for twenty years

Born:

1952

Died:

2008

Place of Birth:

Cardiff

School:

Cardiff High School

Famous For:

BBC Wales sports presenter

Trivia:

Bob would boast of having played with Gareth Edwards and Barry John - albeit in a charity football match.

Biography:

The face of BBC Wales sport for twenty years, Bob died of cancer at the age of 56.

George Robert Humphrys was born in the Splott district of Cardiff, the younger brother of BBC news presenter John.

After his education at Cardiff High School and university, Bob followed his brother's example and became a journalist.

He left the Western Mail in 1978 to join the newly launched BBC Radio Wales before transferring to the current affairs TV series Week In Week Out.

Bob's investigation of the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s was particularly admired.

But sport was always Bob's main passion and became his focus from the early 1990s.

Bob was always keen to place himself at the centre of the action and was acknowledged as the nation's leading sports correspondent.

He forged a close relationship with leading sports figures such as the former Wales rugby coach Graham Henry and spotted stars of the future like Olympic champion cyclist Nicole Cooke.

Bob was named BT Welsh Sports Reporter of the Year three times and was given a lifetime achievement award by the BBC in 2004.

He confirmed his retirement in June 2008 after revealing that he was suffering from lung cancer.

Bob died on 19 August 2008 at the age of 56, leaving a wife and three children.

Moment of Glory:

Three-times winner of Welsh Sports Reporter of the Year

your comments

Ben Lloyd, Markham
He was a top guy! Added something a little special to his reports, he will be sorely missed by Wales in general. What a good idea to have statues of him and Grav in the bay!

Jonathan Powell from Ebbw Vale
As far as sport on BBC Wales goes, he was your man, first, second, and third, his command of sport was unsurpasable. A sad, sad loss.

Dai Harris from Pontypridd
Bob was obviously someone who loved his job and his enthusiasm for Welsh sport was infectious. I met him a couple of times at Sardis Road and he had more fans wanting to talk to him than Neil Jenkins. It's a sad day and my sympathies go out to his family.

Stuart Reilly from Ely
Sorry to hear the sad news about Bob! Another legend gone. Gravel and Humphrys!

Patricia Anne Paisley from the Vale of Glamorgan
You were such a talented man. I loved listening and watching you. You were so natural. II will miss your smiley face. So sad that you have gone.

Phil Black from Cardiff
Having met Bob just once, and that was a few years ago, I still remember the meeting as if it was yesterday. He made time to say hello and have a chat even if he was running late. Bob was more than just a sports reporter. He knew what he was reporting inside out wether it was rugby, football or any other sport. You will be missed by many, not just in televison, but by people in Wales and across the UK.

Dic Williams Caerdydd
I worked with Bob in C1 studios many years ago and he was one of the friendliest persons. Would always see you wherever you were, never ignored you. Always with a smile on his face and so helpful. He will be missed.

Bob from Cardiff
Loved watching Bob doing the sports on TV as he added a touch of good natured humour to it.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.You will be missed Bob.

Alun Hunt from Ebbw Vale
A knowledgable reporter and presenter who always had the respect of the people that he interviewed. Will be missed by everyone who followed sport.

Gilly Smith, Cardiff.
My family and I are sorry to learn of Mr Humphrys' death, he will be much missed. Bob was such a likeable character that warmed your heart whenever you saw him on TV. Our sympathies are extended to his family at their sad loss.

Rob Jones Tonypandy
Bob was a genuine sports fan as well as a celebrated journalist. He would always forge a close relationship with his interviewees and that brought the best results out of his discussions with the stars. He will be sadly missed!

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