The news of the passing away of my mentor and friend Wilf Paish on January 29th has saddened me immensely. Wilf took me under his wing in 1968 and taught me how to teach and coach. Always there to offer a helping hand he supported me along the entire pathway of my career. He taught me that there was much more to life than just coaching and that a persons entire character and personality led the way in most things. He taught me the art of poaching in the River Derwent while on a schools coaching camp; introduced me to stamp collecting and antiques; and never let me forget that the basics were the key to everything.

I use his phrases and words even today after 40 years of coaching. His influence across all sports and with many athletes has been unforgettable and those athletes, to whom he gave so freely and effectively, will cherish his memory for all that he gave them. After a long time without seeing him I had organised February 20th, 2010 to pay him a visit. Sadly I am left with memories of bygone days - but what memories! Thank you Wilf.