Sad news

Tuesday 1st September 2015

Our community this week continues to mourn the loss of two significant figures, following the abrupt passing of both Stewart McCallum and Brian Winning.

Stewart was a former international athlete who joined the board of scottishathletics in 2013. He died in Oxford at the age of 65 over the weekend of August 22/23 when he had planned to attend the Age Groups Champs at Grangemouths before taking ill. (Funeral details for September 7 are at the end of this report)

That sad news was quickly followed later last week by the passing of Edinburgh AC coach Brian – at the age of just 48.

Brian was one of the best-known faces around the country and the awful news shocked athletes, coaches, parents and clubs he had come into contact with over a number of years, both competing and coaching.

scottishathletics chief executive Nigel Holl said: ‘It was devastating news that two so influential people within the family of athletics in Scotland should pass away within such a short period of time.

‘Our condolences, sympathy and support go to the family, friends, and athletes who knew Stewart and Brian well. They both – in different ways – had a notable impact on our sport for the better, and over a considerable period. They will be missed and remembered.’

Edinburgh AC made a brief announcement on Brian Winning on their website.

Across our own social media pages there have been a number of warm tributes paid by those who knew him.

Brian Winning – hurdles enthusiast

+++

Stewart McCallum’s athletics career in the 1960s and 1970s was mostly in decathlon and 400m Hurdles. He won several Scottish titles, setting national and native records, winning several Scotland and GB international vests and taking part in Commonwealth Games, Europeans and World Student Games.

Later, he coached athletics at Radley College, Oxford. Until retirement in 2012, Stewart pursued a business career with ExxonMobil and Infineum. He held several management, executive and non-executive director positions which featured close involvement in corporate governance, strategy development and deployment. Stewart joined the board of scottishathletics a couple of years ago.

*Stewart’s funeral will take place on Monday 7 September at 2.30pm

St Michael’s Church, Rectory Lane, Aston Tirrold, Oxfordshire OX11 9DH

Obituary on Scotstats.net

Appreciation in the Scotsman