Born: 2 June, 1944, in Fife.
Died: 15 August, 2008, in Paisley, aged 64.
IF DREW Manzie had been a professional footballer, he would have been described as that increasingly rare phenomenon, the "one club man".
He joined the University of Strathclyde's department of physical education (as it was called in those days) in 1967 and remained with the university until his retirement in 2003. By then, he was head of the physical education department and a much-loved Strathclyde figure.
Anyone who knew him even remotely was not fooled for long by his fierce appearance and introspective manner, and would quickly realise that here was a man who lived to encourage people to participate, whether trying a sport or exercise for the first time, competing at international level or embarking on a trek into the wilderness.
While telling you next to nothing about himself – his reticence and modesty were legendary – he would soon find out what made you tick and what you needed. He would also soon betray both a sardonic sideways glance if he didn't quite believe you, and a well-developed sense of humour if you managed to say something reasonably funny. He was viewed with enormous affection by generations of student sports office-bearers and club officials, as well as by his colleagues and the many thousands of ordinary students and staff who used the university's sports facilities.
His advice and wisdom, whether at executive, awards or general committees, were legendary and were still being sought long after his retirement. Even after that retirement, he maintained his links with Strathclyde by co-ordinating the R&A golf bursary programme on behalf of the university and sitting on the Sports Union awards committee.
Originally from Fife, Drew was educated at Bell Baxter High School, in Cupar, where his sporting activities started with boxing and rugby, culminating in him representing the school rugby 1st XV. He then moved through to Glasgow and the Scottish School of Physical Education at Jordanhill College, where he graduated in 1965 with the diploma of physical education and continued his rugby career with the successful Jordanhill Rugby Club.
He was awarded full colours in rugby while at the SSPE and soon developed into a first-class coach. After brief teaching stints at Greenock Academy and Stow College, he joined Strathclyde.
A lifelong interest in canoeing accompanied his continued commitment to rugby, although he also gained coaching qualifications in various other sports. An enthusiastic and motivational teacher/coach, Drew was comfortable coaching the full range of abilities to be found in a university environment.
Whether he was dealing with a world championship level canoeist, an aspiring international rugby player or someone wanting to learn to swim, they had his undivided attention and expertise. He had the ability of putting people at their ease immediately and giving them confidence.
Whilst at Strathclyde he also showed a great willingness to take responsibility by filling committee roles in a variety of organisations, some related to the university sector and some not. At various times he was vice-president of the Scottish Canoe Association, manager of the Scottish canoe teams and a committee member of the Scottish Council for Physical Education. He also sat on the HE consultative committee of Scottish Institute of Sport as well as being president of the Scottish Universities Physical Education Association and coach and selecter for Scottish Universities rugby team.
During this time, Drew also continued to satisfy his thirst for knowledge by completing an "in-service" BEd (honours) at Jordanhill and involving himself in a number of research projects.
Drew will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know him. He always had time for others and was genuinely interested in their activities. He leaves behind a legacy of great memories and good humour and a philosophy of honesty and fairness which will never be forgotten by all who knew and worked with him.
Drew was predeceased by his wife, Chris, in June and is survived by their daughter, Jennifer, and son, Kenneth.
JOHN MARTIN and NIALL STURROCK
The full article contains 685 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
