Bowls Scotland president Jack Wallace, who spent most of his working life as an employee of the ambulance service in Arbroath, has died after a short illness.
Jack, who was born in Newbury in Berkshire to Scottish parents in 1933, was an honorary member and past president of Fairfield Bowling Club, an honorary member of the Govan League and became Bowls Scotland men’s president at the annual meeting last November.
When the family moved back to Scotland, they settled in Arbroath, where Jack worked for most of his life for the ambulance service, before retiring to Govan.
Tributes have been pouring in for Jack, who turned 80 last month.
A recurring theme is that he was a true gentleman who would help anyone and a great ambassador for the game in Scotland.
“It’s desperately sad to hear the news of Jack’s passing,” said Bowls Scotland chairman Bill Knox. “He was always great company and I have only ever heard good words said about him.
“He was prepared to support clubs, counties and anybody in the bowling world that needed help. We will all miss him greatly.”
Jack was present at Kelvingrove last month, when Scotland’s team Kelvin and Clyde) came first and second in the Commonwealth Games Four Nations competition, and, just two weeks ago, stepped in for a colleague who was in hospital, and ran a neighbouring district’s finals.
He was hospitalised last week, so missed out on what was going to be a highlight of his presidential year leading the Scotland team on to the green in the men’s home international series in Dublin.
He is survived by his sons Alan, John and Neil. His wife, Joan, died a number of years ago.