A Dundee cheerleading coach and former captain of the New Golf Club in St Andrews who died following a courageous battle with brain cancer has been described as a “great guy” and “everybody’s friend”.
Scotcheer founder Steve Walls, 44, who also founded stationery business TEW with his father Terry, passed away at home on Saturday surrounded by his family.
He had undergone surgery to have a brain tumour removed last year, but sadly succumbed to his illness after developing a second tumour.
Tributes have poured in from across the world for the “remarkable” sports coach.
His wife Jo, 50, described her husband as “the love of my life”.
His parents Veronica and Terry said: “Every single Facebook tribute even though all are said in different languages just point out how inspirational he was as a person and as a coach.”
He founded Scotscheer and was vice-president of the European Cheer Union. He was awarded the first lifetime achievement award by the International Cheer Union in Florida.
“He played American football with the Dundee Whalers as a linebacker. He was very sporty and very artistic and a really good businessman as well.”
Mr Walls was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year after suffering a seizure at the World Cheerleading Championships.
He had returned recently from Germany after undergoing specialist treatment for his illness.
His family and friends, including the New Golf Club in St Andrews where he had been a member since 2000, helped raise more than £20,000 needed for the trip in just two weeks.
Mr Walls was club captain of the New Golf Club in 2009 and was also a member of Carnoustie Golf Club.
Tribute was paid by New Golf Club of St Andrews secretary Mark Richardson who said: “He was a great guy. A successful businessman. He was everybody’s friend and very charismatic.”
“He was a great ambassador for the New Golf Club.”