A man killed on his first ever kayaking trip was a “reliable, caring, professional, multi-skilled, smart and a top bloke” who helped send young athletes to the Paralympics.
Alec Thorburn, 48, of Kennoway, ended up in the water while canoeing with a friend in Scotland’s deepest loch, Loch Morar, near Mallaig.
It’s understood he capsized in four-foot waves. His body was found in the water after a helicopter search.
Mr Thorburn, who died on Sunday, was treasurer of Disability Sport Fife, and played a major role in helping young athletes realise their dream of competing at London 2012.
The president of Disability Sport Fife (DSF), Richard Brickley, said: “Needless to say all of us in DSF are devastated. Alec was an amazing volunteer and a brilliant treasurer.
“Alec travelled as a member of support staff with Fife Special Olympics teams and overseas to Malaysia and Australia with the Scottish disability bowls team to the IBD World Championships.
“Alec has been an active member of the Red Cross for many years and it was in that capacity he first became involved with DSF.
“Alec has been recognised by DSF as an outstanding volunteer but his skills in finance and supporting athletes are where he will be best remembered. Nothing was ever too much trouble where DSF was concerned.
“As chair of the DSF finance committee, I have come to rely on his exceptional financial skills and attention to detail.
“Reliable, caring, professional, multi-skilled, smart and a top bloke. Our thoughts are with Alec’s family and friends. We shall find it exceptionally difficult to replace this very committed DSF office bearer.”
Shelagh McLean, resource manager with Fife Council education services, said: “We were all shocked and saddened to hear of Alec’s death.
“He was a well-liked and well-respected colleague who had worked in many departments in the council, the last few years within education.
“Alec was entirely committed to providing the best support possible for our pupils and schools.”
Mr Thorburn’s partner, Anne-Marie, who is blind, is understood to live in Arbroath.
Mr Thorburn’s friend spent Sunday night on an island on the loch before swimming ashore early next morning and telling hillwalkers what had happened.
He was flown to Belford Hospital in Fort William suffering from the effects of the cold, but was not thought to be in danger. Police Scotland are investigating the circumstances of the death.
Loch Morar is 11.6 miles (18.8km) long and is the deepest freshwater loch in the UK, with a maximum depth of 1,000ft (310m).