Veteran county swimming official, mentor and committee member Ann van Beukelen has died aged 90.
Ann joined Kingston Royals SC in 1985 and quickly established herself as a dedicated, dependable and conscientious official.
Over the years she became a familiar and trusted presence on poolside, volunteering her time and expertise to help ensure competitions ran smoothly.
Kind, personable and matron-like in stature, she would often be seen blowing her referee’s whistle at county, district, regional and national events.
She also regularly supported club open meets, inter-services and school galas.
Surrey Schools’ Swimming Association treasurer Carole Chaplin said: “Ann had always been a much-respected referee in my eyes and one of the stalwarts and backbone of Surrey officials.
“She was extremely reliable, always putting herself out to be at all the galas she was asked to attend.”
Ann played an important role in the development of officials, helping to mentor a great many of them through training across the county and wider area.
Diane Gamble, chair of Surrey County ASA, said Ann had been a friend and mentor for many years, dubbing her “Mrs Swimming”.
“Swimming had been her life. Her blood was made up of chlorine,” she said.
Ann was recognised with a number of accolades over her long involvement, including a Surrey County ASA honorary life vice-presidency for distinguished service.
In 2003 she and her husband, Wim, were awarded the president’s plate for outstanding service to the county.
Surrey masters club King’s Cormorants have a trophy in Wim and Ann’s honour, which they award annually to their most improved breaststroker.
In 2008 she was the recipient of the Alfred H Turner award, presented nationally to an organisation or individual who makes an exceptional contribution to aquatics at any level.
Ann had been a London Region licensing panel member for many years and was also a representative on the national swimming officials’ group. In 2017 ASA London Region awarded her a silver pin for 10 years’ service.
She served on both the Surrey management and swimming committees, where she provided invaluable support and guidance, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight to her roles.
Her commitment, reliability and willingness to share her experience were greatly appreciated – and she made a valuable contribution to the work of both committees.
She was in her early 80s when she finally hung up her whistle and whites and stepped down from officiating and committees.
Born on 9 July 1936, she died from complications associated with dementia on 23 September 2026.
The funeral will take place at 2.20pm on Thursday 22 October at Kingston Crematorium.