KEY POINTS:
Duncan Laing's son Stefan set the tone at the famous swimming coach's funeral in Dunedin yesterday by noting with a smile that at least his father was on time for his own funeral.
The 1000 family and friends who gathered in the Edgar Sports Centre to farewell Laing were cheered by stories of his habitual lateness and other idiosyncrasies.
The man known as Duncan, Dunc, Dad or Mr Laing was remembered for his charisma, his humour, his stubbornness and his dream to coach an Olympic champion.
His protege, double Olympic gold medallist Danyon Loader, recalled the humour and his coach's words of encouragement before a race: "Give it your all. Don't worry if you drown. I'll jump in and rescue you."
"He gave me ... the courage to go out there and try, even if it seemed impossible - to give it a go."
Laing was born in New Plymouth on June 20, 1931, and, during his early years, excelled at sport - particularly surf lifesaving and rugby.
In 1951, he married Betty, who could not swim then and, mourners were told, had still not learned 57 years later.
Rick Laing said his father loved coaching because he felt it was important.
"He felt it terribly upsetting if someone's life had been taken by drowning."
Internationally famous as a swimming coach, Laing was also a legendary figure in local rugby coaching circles.
As University A coach, he influenced many young players who would go on to play for Otago and the All Blacks.
Former All Black Wayne Graham recalled that Laing taught his team of students about competitiveness, passion and respect "and, of course, about what it meant to win. As he would say, it sure was better than losing."
Graham recalled Laing had trouble remembering names and at Thursday night training would announce his team for Saturday "something like this: fullback, you with the long blond hair; wing, you with the dirty boots; centre, same as last week ... "
New Zealand swimming coach Jan Cameron said she first met Laing in 1965 and he had later encouraged her to become involved in the sport.
"He had an unwavering commitment to helping all those who came into contact with him to be the best they could be.
"We did it your way, Duncan, and we're celebrating that today."
Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin bid formal farewell and Laing was carried from the sports centre to the strains of Adios Amigo.
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
