Alan Bankier
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the loss of our ex- President and Captain, and current Greens Convenor, Alan Bankier.
Alan was a forty years plus member of the Club and served on the Committee of the Club, in various positions, for many years. His dedication and commitment to the club was extraordinary, and his enthusiasm in promoting the club in the best light was legendary. It was not unknown for his playing partners’ bags to be filled with empty cans which Alan had picked up while playing the course, because his bag was already full of discarded bottles, cans and other assorted detritus.
Alan embraced the game of golf, and its competitive spirit, in equal measure. He was instrumental in promoting the Thomson McCrone team within the club, and also introduced numerous golfers to the team dynamic, welcoming all the newcomers with his typical enthusiasm. It was not unusual to be sitting in the Clubhouse after a McCrone team match to hear Alan holding court, the team around him and Alan’s hearty laugh echoing through from the lounge to the bar.
When our course was being re-built, Alan was given the onerous task of Development Convenor, which he threw himself into with his usual gusto. He worked closely with the Course architect, Rocky Roquemore and the Course Builder, Phil Reeve from Contour Golf. It is a testament to Alans’ attention to detail, his work ethic and his ability to communicate his ideas and thoughts that we now have such a great course to play. In his many years as Greens Convenor, the afore mentioned qualities shone through when it came to any new Course developments to enhance the playing experience for members and visitors alike. We have much to thank him for.
Alan was also the driving force behind the building of our halfway house, in memorium to Graham Bartlett, and was immensely proud of the end result. In fact, it was not untypical to see him sitting on the decking of a Saturday, welcoming and chatting to all the golfers as they passed, before ambling up to the Clubhouse for his own tee-time.
Alan was a big character within the club, and will be sorely missed by the Committee for his experience and guidance. His playing partners and team colleagues will miss his humour and friendship.
But above all, Alan was a family man, and the hearts of the whole club go out to his beloved wife Elaine and his cherished daughters Holly and Abby, his parents Sam and Margaret, and his siblings Frances and Douglas.
As a Club member, Captain, President and Greens Convenor, Alan stamped his personality on the Club. His drive and enthusiasm, coupled with his love of the game and the Club, shone through all he did. He will be sorely missed, but the course which he did so much to develop will remain as a testimony to this remarkable man.
Next time you find yourself in the Greenside bunker at the tenth, don’t be surprised to hear a wee chuckle – Alan will still be with us in spirit.
