Dundee’s young boxing talent is in mourning for a popular coach who died on Sunday aged only 52.
Graham Healy, a boxing coach with both Dundee and Abertay universities, died of a suspected heart attack while watching the Celtic v Rangers match on TV.
The discovery was made by his son Scott (20), who lived with Graham. Scott had popped out to the shops and returned to find his father had died.
His brother Brian said the ”hugely popular” coach would be sadly missed by all the students.
”He hadn’t been ill at all, he was quite fit. He was carrying a bit of weight but not too much and he trained with me and the lads,” he added. ”We didn’t put them through anything that we wouldn’t do ourselves.
”He was working on Saturday morning but popped into training to drop something in. Then on Sunday he was watching the match on TV. Scott went out for a message and, when he came back, his dad was slumped in the chair.
”It was a massive shock for him and all the family. We think it was probably a heart attack.
”The boys will miss him. He was always full of fun, a barrel of laughs he always had a great laugh with them.”
Born in Dundee, Graham was educated at St Clement’s Primary and St John’s High School.
A joiner to trade, he had been working as a contract joiner latterly.
He started boxing aged seven with Camperdown Boxing Club and had a couple of fights but a Guy Fawkes Night accident saw him burn his fingers and ended his career.
Along with Brian, he became a coach at St Francis Boxing Club and left to join Dundee University in 1994.
Brian said: ”I went to join him and we were a team ever since. We’ve had a lot of success with some of the students at both universities.”
Dundee University Institute of Sport and Exercise director Brian Ewing, said: ”Graham Healy made a significant contribution to boxing here over a period of some 18 years where, along with his brother Brian, he was a committed and dedicated coach to the university boxing club.
”In recognition of their work and commitment to the university club, Graham and Brian received the coach of the year award in 2003.
”Graham loved boxing and his passion and enthusiasm shone through at every training session and competition. He will be sadly missed by many who are involved with the sport.”
Graham is survived by his mother Jean, son Scott, brother Brian and sister Linda.