In Memoriam: Bill Brice 1940–2026

It is with great sadness that we remember Bill Brice, who passed away on 3 August 2026, aged 86.

Born in Kent in 1940, Bill began his career as a railway apprentice before joining the Prison Service in 1960. Over 35 years, he rose to Chief Officer rank, spending much of his career in the Physical Education Branch, where he was instrumental in developing PE training and promoting weightlifting and powerlifting.

Bill made a significant contribution to British strength sports. A British National Powerlifting Coach in the 1970s, he went on to become British National Junior Weightlifting Coach, coaching national squads at Bisham Abbey and international championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He also helped establish weightlifting coaching structures in Kenya and developed the national PE training structure within the Prison Service.

Working alongside many of the great names of British weightlifting, such as Mike Pearman, Wally Holland and Precious McKenzie, Bill helped develop a generation of young lifters, many of whom went on to senior international success. He continued coaching at club level, supporting lifters to local, regional and national achievements.

Away from sport, Bill enjoyed travelling and other pursuits with his wife, Val, to whom he was married for almost 66 years.

Bill leaves a lasting legacy in British weightlifting and in the many people he influenced throughout a long and distinguished life.

His contribution will be remembered and he will be greatly missed.

British Weight Lifting offers its sincere condolences to Val and all of Bill’s family and friends. The funeral will be a private family service.