Sutton and Cheam Swimming Club president Fred Andrews has died aged 97.
He joined the club in 1970 and almost immediately became part of the team.
Over the years he had been a committee member, competition secretary, treasurer, chairman and for the last three decades president.
He was hugely proud to follow his friend Charles Thurley Snr as president.
Many will remember Fred as a teacher at Cheam Baths, helping the club’s youngest members on their swimming journeys.
He always had friendly words for the kids and parents, and if they had been good, a sweet from his bag.
Even near the end, he wanted to hear news about the club, how busy the spring open meet would be and whether the club had a full team for the final round of the British Water Polo League.
He was universally respected in swimming and water-polo communities. His family have been inundated with condolence messages from current and past members from around the world.