Tributes paid to Swim England honorary life member Gordon Alexander

Tributes have been paid to Swim England honorary life member Gordon Alexander, who has died at the age of 93.

A former Amateur Swimming Association committee member, Gordon also held a number of roles at club, county, regional and national level.

He was also a key contributor to Swimming Times, covering the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games for the magazine.

His son, David, who has followed in his father’s footsteps and is the current Yorkshire SA secretary, said: “My dad began his time in swimming in the early 1960s by taking my sister to Bramley Baths.

“His exceptional administration skills were noted and he joined the Leeds Central SC, where he became their championships secretary followed by a time as their chairman, a post he held for seven years.

“This led to some time with the Leeds & District ASA and then onto the Yorkshire ASA where he served as their Secretary for twelve years from 1977-1989. He was rewarded for his service to the county as the President in 1982. He also served the North Eastern Counties ASA and was President in 1987.

Contribution should never be forgotten

“During that time, he compiled the North East notes for the Swimming Times. His contributions were noted, and he was their representative at the Olympic Games in Seoul. One of his favourite trips for the Swimming Times was to attend the Mare Nostrum circuit Meet in Monte Carlo.

“Thorough this time, he was supported by his wife Betty who often sat on the entrance door collecting the admission charge at Yorkshire Championships.

“Dad was also an outstanding announcer and could be heard at national events at the Leeds International Pool and during the ASA National Age Group Championships at the Derby Baths, Blackpool.

“He served on the ASA Committee and was rewarded for his efforts by becoming a select band of volunteers as life members.”

Gordon leaves his wife Betty, sons David, Arthur and Andrew and daughter Moira.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “Like many volunteers, Gordon committed a huge part of his life to swimming and his contribution should never be forgotten.

“We’re thankful for his dedicated service to the many roles he held at club, county, regional and national level and send our condolences to his family and friends.”