SNZ Life Member Noel Smith Passes Away

1926 - 2015

Swimming New Zealand Life Member Noel Smith passed away on Wednesday 25 February 2015. He will be remembered for his many contributions and passion for the sport of swimming.

Noel was also a Life Member of Swimming Canterbury West Coast following the amalgamation of the Eastern Districts with Otago and Canterbury.

In 1962 Noel took on his first role with Swimming New Zealand (then the New Zealand Swimming Federation) as a council member.

Noel continued to be part of the council until 1994, spending from 1991 to 1994 as the Chairman.

He was also part of teams for the World Championships and Olympic Games, attending as team manager for the 1975 World Championships and Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.

His involvement in swimming also involved officiating at international and national meets.

Noel officiated at two Commonwealth Games, as a starter in 1974 and a referee in 1990. He was also a referee for the 1990 World Masters Games.

Noel was also an organiser of the 1981 New Zealand Games and Director of the World Games for the Deaf in 1989.

During his career Noel officiated at 33 consecutive national championships.

Noel was awarded Life Membership of Swimming New Zealand in 1990 recognising his dedication and contributions to swimming.

In 1997 he was awarded with honorary membership of the NZ Swim Coaches and Teachers Association.

A funeral will be held for Noel at 2pm on Monday 2^nd March at Seven Oaks Reception Centre, 64 Wai-Iti Road, Timaru.