A LIFE member of Dunfermline Water Polo Club who was described as having “touched every part” of the sport has died.

Brian Campbell, who played and coached with the club, as well as serving in administrative roles, passed away on Saturday at the age of 61 after a battle with cancer.

Tributes from across the water polo community have been paid to the former Scotland international, with the game’s national governing body commenting that he “invested enormous time in coaching the younger generation of boys in Scotland”.

Brian, who was also a season ticket-holder at the Pars for many years, had a long-standing association with Dunfermline and, as a coach, led the club to a British Cup success at under-16 level.

He went on to coach with Scotland and Caledonia boys, a composite team featuring players from Dunfermline and other Scottish clubs to compete in British Water Polo League competitions that are held in England.

Dunfermline Water Polo Club secretary Richie Metcalfe described Brian as a “fantastic person for polo”, while president Ian Thomson said that he “re-invented Scottish junior international polo”.

Recalling their British Cup success, Ian commented: “For five years, I was team manager with them, and we went down south and played in the British Cup.

“We went to Bath, we went to Walsall, Manchester, playing in these competitions, and eventually, when the boys were at that specific age, we went down and played all the big teams.

“We played Manchester, in Manchester, in the final and beat them 13-12. People still talk about that.

“He went away and did his Scottish Water Polo thing and build that up. What he did for that was absolutely fantastic; he re-invented Scottish junior international polo.”

The club added: “It is with our deepest regret that we have to advise that Dunfermline Water Polo Club life member Brian Campbell has passed away.

“As a player then coach, team manager and administrator, Brian touched every part of water polo since first taking up the sport as a young swimmer.

“An enormous number of players will have been influenced by Brian, who has been a significant part of Dunfermline WPC, Scotland boys and, latterly, Caledonia boys. His drive, passion and commitment will be sorely missed.”

Alan Anderson, Scottish Water Polo chair, added: “Brian spent his life in water polo playing his club polo for Carnegie, Portobello, Dunfermline and internationally for Scotland at all levels.

“After his playing career, he invested enormous time in coaching the younger generation of boys in Scotland and all will mourn his passing.”

Brian is survived by his wife, Vivien, and sons Darren, Chris and Alasdair.

His funeral will take place on Thursday, December 19, at Carnegie Conference Centre, at 10.30am for a 10.45am start.