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Julia Cossens - 8th October 2008

I am very sad at the passing away of Duncan. He was a great man and showed so much committment and dedication to swimming and all who came in contact with him. He gave everyone the equal opportunity to try and to become their best and to gain water confidence. I wish to show my heartfelt appreciation to Duncan, Betty and family for the lifetime of swimming enjoyment he gave me and so many others. Julia M. Cossens

Jan Jopson - 7th October 2008

To the Laing family, you have touched our family and all families throughout New Zealand in a very special way. From Karen who would play with my children before and after lessons, to Graeme who taught all 4 of my children to swim, with stick in hand and the big man himself Duncan who took up where Graeme left off and guided my children with a firm hand but compassionate nature. They have taken everything they were taught in swimming and continue to take through to their own lives today. Duncan's compassion for others and his loyalty saw him as a stand out figure in Dunedin. To me and my family they were Swimming in Dunedin. Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your husband, father and grandand. He will always hold a special place in our hearts as you all will. No one person could make an impact like Duncan could. He had the biggest heart and it overflowed with Passion and Compassion for all around him. It was a privilege to know you Duncan and to have the opportunity to work under you and learn from the Master. You are sadly missed.
From the Jopson Family
Jan, Trev, Stacey, Kim, Kris, and Nicole
Forever in our Hearts

john morrison - 7th October 2008

so sorry to hear of the passing of Duncan. But everything will be ok, good swim coaches never die. He will, I'm sure, be coaching GOD'S olympic team

Mel Tantrum - 2nd October 2008

I was fortunate to begin my swim coaching career with Duncan Laing at Moana Pool many years ago while studying at Otago Uni. Duncan gave me the opportunity to coach his 7:20am surf, triathlon and masters group. It certainly was an experience and I still remember him stating that "the biggest influence on results is work ethic; plain simple hard grind". I can vividly see the old gym hidden away underground with odd hand-made levers and pullies - non of this high tech machinery in today's gyms. Duncan, you're a true legend! You'll be sadly missed. You certainly shaped my coaching career in those early years. Thank you. Mel Tantrum - Head Coach, West Coast Swimming Club, Perth, Western Australia.

Kiwi West Aquatics - 29th September 2008

Kiwi West Aquatics sends their deepest sympathy to the Laing family. His contribution to swimming in New Zealand will be long remembered by everyone involved with swimming.

Robyn Jones - 25th September 2008

Duncan and Graham coached our two girls (Savanna and Seren Jones) during our too brief stay in New Zealand (1999-2002). The girls still swim for the City of Cardiff in Wales and remember their experience with Duncan with great pride and pleasure. I'm sure he will be greatly missed.

Swim Hawkes Bay - 22nd September 2008

Duncan Laing was one of the best known names in swimming circles. He was an unassuming man but a legend in his own lifetime. His passion for swimming and unselfish approach inspired many to pursue the sport of swimming at many different levels. He will be greatly missed.

Bill Robertson - 22nd September 2008

I had the good fortune to be one of Duncan's first swimmers when he came to Dunedin from New Plymouth in 1966. On retiring from competitive swimming a couple of years later, I coached swimming for Dunc on a part time basis for a year or so at Moana pool, until I decided that I wanted a full time career in swimming. After a few years seasonal coaching in New Zealand, I was lucky enough to obtain a full time coaching position in Sydney with Forbes and Ursula Carlile. Although Forbes and Ursula were two of the most highly regarded swimming coaches in the world at that time, I was able to use many of the skills and much of the knowledge that Duncan had taught me, in my position in Sydney and throughout my 20 year coaching career, most of which was in Canberra, Australia. The science of swimming is known to many, but there is more to coaching than just science. The art of coaching is equally important and I think this is where Duncan had a big advantage over many other coaches and why he was able to have the success he enjoyed over such a long period of time. Duncan had a great feel for people and a great ability to get people to challenge their limits and be their very special friend at the same time.
Thanks big fella for what you gave us all.
To Betty, Duncan junior, Stefan, Denise, Ricky, Lauren and Graeme, please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and father.
Best wishes
Bill Robertson, Canberra, Australia

Myra Williamson - 21st September 2008

I would like to express my condolences to Mr Laing's family and express my sadness at hearing the news of his death. I met Mr Laing when I was a first-year law student at the University of Otago. He let me, and a few other university students, join in with his squad. I used to cycle up to Moana Pool in the mornings at some incredibly early hour and then jump in a lane with the younger swimmers. I could see the "stars" of his squad, such as Danyon Loader, Zane Kubala and Anna Wilson, training a few lanes over from me. It was an inspirational environment and I am sure that all of his swimmers will be saddened greatly by his passing.I wished that I had met him earlier than my first year at university.

He never said much to me when I was training but every so often he would say a few words that would encourage me to keep going. When I reflect on it now, I realise that a few moments of his attention, a few words, was all that you needed to get through some long training sessions. The distance training I did with him in 1992 and 1993 was perhaps the only reason I managed to swim across Cook Strait in the summer of 1994 with the help of another of his proteges, Phil Rush. Mr Laing was always prepared to help and offer advice. I think he was evertything a swimming coach should be. I wished that I had got in touch with him before he died to express my gratitude to him. I hope that his family will accept my thanks on his behalf.

Craig & Jaynie Hudgell - 20th September 2008

Dear Duncan
It has been a great privilege to have known you and travelled on NZ Swim Teams with you. You have been a friend and mentor to so many people - probably too many to count. You have left an indelible mark on swimming in New Zealand - and around the world.

It is said that when a person passes away, it is not what they have achieved that they will be most remembered for, but for the way they treated other people. You not only achieved great things in your lifetime, but more importantly you always made people feel valued and important. Your sense of humour and love for people are qualities that touched everyone you met.

To Betty and the family, we pass on our deepest sympathy at the passing of a true "National Treasure".
May the wonderful memories of Duncan help to heal the pain you are feeling at this time.
Your friends,
Craig & Jaynie Hudgell

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