George McCallum
With great sadness we learned of the passing of George T. C. McCallum on Friday 27th October.
George joined the Club in 2001, eventually serving on the Management Committee for several years as Captain of Boats. During that period, he helped resurrect the Tail o’ the Bank LD Kayak Race and was instrumental in organising the very successful “Grand Aquatic Extravaganza”, as part of the Club’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.
He had a great sense of humour and was always willing to help wherever he could within the club. He arranged the kind donation of the audio-visual system we all enjoy at the Club now, as well as keeping us up-to-date with the latest Wi-Fi in the clubhouse.
However, George was probably best known for his skills on the water, both Kayaking and Rowing. He was competitive with others but mostly with himself. He competed in the round Kerera race and later set himself the challenge of Kayaking non-stop round Bute in under 24hrs to mark the Club’s 150th Anniversary. He successfully completed that trip and was also successful racing rowing boats for the Club. In 2018 & 2019 he took part in the Castle to Crane Race in the club’s Jollyboats, on one occasion setting a course record.
Last summer George took part in filming for the latest series of Outlander. As a Technical Advisor / Supporting Actor for 4 days he piloted one of two Club Pairs used in the filming. His fees were donated to the club along with others and the boat hire fees, raising more than £3,500 for club funds.
On 22nd July he cycled from Bowling to Edinburgh along the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal one day. On 10th September he rowed to Kilcreggan to celebrate his 54th Birthday in the pub. On 21st October he took a spontaneous trip to & from Cumbrae by ferry on an afternoon out. As Coral says of him “There was stubborn and then there was George”. Active to the last.
George was a treasured member of Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of George’s life will be held at Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium near Largs on Friday 10th November 2023 at 1pm.
The hearse will leave the Boat Club at approximately 12pm (TBC) then pass Glenpark Harriers clubhouse on its way to Largs.
Rather than flowers, the family would request you donate to Ardgowan Hospice at the end of the service.
Our sincere condolences go to his family.
Vice-President Rose Sloan
