In Memoriam: Lionel Pugh 1922 - 2002

Athletics in Canada and specifically British Columbia lost one of its more colourful, innovative and knowledgeable coaches on July 14, 2002 with the passing of Lionel Pugh.

Lionel was the UBC Cross Country and Track & Field Coach from 1964 to 1987 - the "Golden Age" of Track and Field at UBC. He Coached UBC to four national titles and an astounding 25 Canada West championships. Many of UBC's Track & Field records were set during his time which also saw 14 UBC Track & Field athletes named to the Olympic Team.

Lionel was an Olympic Coach for Canada in 1972 and again in 1980. He was very involved with BC Athletics (Track & Field), providing a great deal of leadership in Coaching Education with his in-depth knowledge of Biomechanics and Kinesiology. Known internationally, Lionel was a British National Team coach for 11 years and author of several books on Track & Field.

Golf was a passion for Lionel and he could often been seen working on his swing at the playing fields surrounding UBC.

He will be remembered by many who knew him and appreciated by Athletics for the knowledge and expertise that he has left us.

In keeping with his wishes, there was no memorial service but should you be playing golf at his favourite vacation spot in California, know that Lionel will be watching your swing mechanics.

For more information on the life of Lionel Pugh, please go to the UBC Sports Hall of Fame and type in Lionel Pugh.