Lewis was viewed as a well-known figure in judo during the 1960s and 1970s, having served as the business manager of the British team for several years.

He chaired the organising committee when London staged the European Judo Championships in 1968.

Lewis also acted as the Chef d’Equipe for Britain’s judo team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

He managed the British team at several editions at the Maccabiah Games, a quadrennial Jewish multi-sport event in Israel.

The Briton would also referee at the Edinburgh 1986 Commonwealth Games, while he was secured several veterans titles at national level in the over 50s category.

The BJA added that Lewis was a great friend of Charles Palmer, who previously acted as a President and chairman of the organisation.

Palmer also served as President of the International Judo Federation (IJF) from 1965 to 1979, as well as a five-year spell at the British Olympic Association (BOA) President.

Lewis and Palmer, who died in 2001, were both members of the Budokwai club in London and taught the women’s class.

Lewis would also serve as the chairman of the club.

In recent years, Lewis had suffered from Alzheimers before his death from pancreatic cancer.