ONE of Inverclyde’s most popular sportsmen has passed away at the age of 74.

Tommy Knight was a member of Greenock Glenpark Harriers for 57 years, and president for seven.

Born in Captain Street, Greenock, he attended the old Greenock High in Dunlop Street, and was a member of the 18th Boys Brigade at Cartsburn Augustine for many years. 

He sailed around the world twice in the merchant navy and worked as a marine engineer at Scotts, Kincaids, Joy Sullivan and elsewhere before helping to build Inverkip power station.

He then worked at Rolls Royce at Hillington, manufacturing turbine blades for aero engines.

Tommy was a match secretary at Whinhill Golf Club, but running was his main pastime.

He ran six days a week, every week for over 60 years through hail, rain and snow.

Long-time friend Dick Hodelet, who joined Glenpark at the same time after their previous club, Auchmountain Harriers, folded, said Tommy will be sorely missed.

Dick said: “We ran together since we were 13. If anyone was Mr Glenpark it was Tommy.

“In his early days he was involved in track running in Highland games, road and cross country. As time went on, his favourite distance was the marathon. I always tried to talk him out of that as I felt it was taking too much out of him, but he just loved it.”

Tommy’s marathons included 10 in Inverclyde and five in London. He also did the Glasgow marathon, as well as the Great North Run half-marathon and many other races.

Dick continued: “Tommy would be the first to tell you that he was never going to win the club championship, but that didn’t matter in the slightest to him as he just loved running. Over the course of the years, he won each of the club’s handicap races, and these meant everything to him.

“He made friends with everyone. He just loved to run and even latterly, as his health deteriorated, he would try to get out even if he had to end up walking.

“This didn’t stop him from helping the club. Just a few weeks ago, he was positioned on the Esplanade directing runners towards the finish of the club’s JG Cameron 4k race. He was there with a smile on his face and passing out advice in the clubhouse before and after the race.”

Inverclyde Athletic Club president, Gerry Gaffney, said he admired Tommy for his dedication to Glenpark.

Gerry said: “Tommy was a gentleman and a stalwart.”

Tommy passed away peacefully at home with his family on October 19. His late wife, Ray, died in 1995.

The couple are survived by their son, also named Tommy, daughter-in-law Morag and grandchildren Lindsay, Ross and Craig.

Tommy jnr said: “When my dad reached 70 he said he was going to cut the running down a bit — still six days a week but just six miles a day!

“He was a very well known and well-liked character. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends, and he has left behind a large legacy of fond memories.”