TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Jack Calder, chairman of Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club (MASC), who passed away suddenly last Wednesday at the age of 77.

Mr Calder, from Joppa, was a well-known figure in the East Lothian swimming community and also dedicated his time to Lothian Racers, a swim club for children and adults with a learning, physical or sensory disability, and Lothian Waves.

A minute’s applause was held in his memory at the East Lothian Swim Team gala at the Mercat Gait Sports Centre in Prestonpans at the weekend, and two further one-minute applauses will be held this weekend at the MASC meets at Musselburgh Sports Centre.

A spokesman for Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club said: “It is with the greatest sorrow and regret that Musselburgh Swimming Club need to announce the passing of their beloved chairperson Jack Calder.

“Jack was elected as chairperson for MASC on March 4, 2010. Since then the club has grown to become the sixth biggest within the East District.

“Jack has been very hands-on since taking on this role, welcoming every new member to the club personally.

“He has created a wonderful caring culture within the club for all members. He has done so much personally to help all the swimmers achieve their goals within swimming.

“The club has been highly affected by this loss. Jack was not only a leader of the club but also a friend to all.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

East Lothian Swim Team described Jack’s passing as “incredibly sad”.

“Jack Calder was a power of good in our community – he will be missed,” said a statement on social media.

“All our thoughts are with Jack’s family and his swimming family at Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club – The Marlins.”

A statement from Scottish Amateur Swimming Association’s East District said: “It is with great sadness to inform all our members that Jack Calder, chairman of Musselburgh Marlins, suddenly passed away.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this extremely sad time.

“Jack was a very well-known figure in East Lothian swimming as well as being deeply involved with disability swimming and Lothian Racers in particular.”

Most recently, Jack’s daughter Sarah, a member of MASC, celebrated medal success at the Scottish Senior Championships for Swimmers with a Learning Disability, which was a proud moment for him.

This year he was also delighted to see Musselburgh Marlins win the Coverdale Trophy for the first time since the competition was established in East Lothian 11 years ago, beating teams from Tranent, Haddington and Portobello.

Last year, the Marlins lifted East Lothian’s Festival of Swimming trophy for the third year running.

Mr Calder led the Marlins to achieve a top swimming benchmark, a SwiMark certificate, in 2016 – part of a Swimming Scotland accreditation scheme which provides a nationally recognised standard.

He became club chairman in 2010 and was delighted to welcome Cameron Smith, from North Berwick, who was succeeded by Danny Kirkham, of Port Seton, as head coaches.

Coach Jacky Yirrell, on behalf of Lothian Racers, added: “Jack had been involved with Lothian Racers for many years. He was absolutely committed to training, his attendance record was exemplary and he showed genuine interest and concern for all the swimmers in the club.

“He worked particularly with swimmers with a visual impairment and was often heard above the noise in the pool shouting ‘kick your legs’.

“He had a very special rapport with these swimmers and had a particular joke with them about bringing him chocolate cake.

“He always encouraged all the swimmers in competition, being very keen to be part of their successes. Jack was a familiar face to many people around the poolside. His friendly nature meant he was able to put swimmers at ease and he always made an effort to speak to everyone as they arrived for training.

“Jack will be very much missed, his contribution to our club was really valued and appreciated by coaches, swimmers and parents.”

Mr Calder worked in the financial and insurance industry prior to his retirement. A good all-round sportsman, he was a badminton champion and also played squash.

He recently became a proud grandad to Callan, whom he liked spending time with since he was born 10 months ago.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Chris and daughter Sarah.