We regret to announce the passing of Russell McClymont, the 55thPresident of the Scottish Bridge Union, and the first to represent Ayrshire in that role.
Russell was our first Chief Tournament Director. He gained a diploma in Tournament Direction at an EBL course in 1982 and went on to direct for the British Bridge League at Congresses in Peebles and other venues in England. He was highly respected by all who knew him as a hard-working and conscientious organiser who got things done. He was the only Scot ever to be asked to direct at a European event, in Portugal in 1993, where he realised the potential of Duplimate machines and persuaded the SBU to invest in one.
He was awarded the President’s Prize in 1992 in recognition of his achievements. After retiring from the SBU Council he became President of the BBL in 1999. He continued to work for the SBU as Chairman of Appeals at Camrose matches where his quiet authority was much admired. His contributions to bridge in Scotland cannot be overstated.
Russell was also one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. When he retired he settled in Newton Stewart with his wife Anne. We send our heartfelt condolences to her and their son Donald.
Russell’s funeral will be on Tuesday 16th May with a family cremation in the morning followed by a memorial service at 2pm in Penninghame Parish Church, Newton Stewart.
SCOTTISH BRIDGE UNION