Lena Barclay

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Scottish Hockey is sad to hear of the passing of Lena Barclay. Lena was very influential in hockey both here and internationally, and was a key person in the development of many of today’s international officials.

An Honorary SHU member, Lena was deeply involved in all levels and in every position of Scottish and North District Hockey, and also travelled the world as a TD official with her husband, Wilson, often happily in tow as an official Scottish Hockey cameraman.

Lena was Captain and President of Aberdeen Ladies Hockey Club for many years and when she stopped playing she coached the club. Close friend Mary Anderson, Secretary of Aberdeen Ladies Hockey Club, said, “She inspired many young players and was always so encouraging and positive. She was also very involved in umpiring, and again many umpires had Lena to thank for getting them started blowing a whistle and progressing further. Many of us who now take on duties as TDs first learned the job from Lena.  She was an inspiration to so many of us in the world of hockey.”

Lena came from Dumfries originally before moving up to Aberdeen where she taught at St Margaret’s girls’ school. Word has it that Lena was also a very high profile judge in the Scottish country dancing world, and is remembered as a great character across hockey.

Anne Wotherspoon, President of Scottish Hockey, said: “Lena was very influential as a technical official both here in Scotland and internationally. She is remembered with fondness and great respect by many, including some of our European colleagues who became Olympic umpires and officials. In Scotland she was a key influence on many of our top international technical officials, including myself. She was always willing to give guidance and share her experiences with us ‘youngsters’. As others have said she was a lovely lady and genuinely liked and respected by everyone I know in hockey.”

Hillhead’s Christine MacDonald added: “She was the person who taught me how to be a TO, but it was learning by experience just at various inter-districts, so as each new crisis arose, you learned how to deal with that one. She was a very unflappable person.”

North District President Angie Keith was also sad to hear about the passing of Lena. Angie said Lena’s tremendous commitment to hockey across Scotland has always been admired and she sent her love and best wishes to Lena’s family. The thoughts of all at Scottish Hockey are with Lena’s family and friends.

Lena’s service is at Aberdeen Crematorium on Tuesday, 15th November at 1.15pm.

 

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