THE funeral for a man who dedicated five decades of his life supporting golf in Clackmannanshire was held on Monday.

Hugh Hunter's enthusiasm for the game earned him the nickname "Mr Clackmannanshire Golf Union" and his involvement took him further afield when he was the president of the Scottish Golf Union.

He passed away at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on Thursday, November 14, at the age of 77, and his memorial service took place on Monday, November 25, at Falkirk Crematorium.

He is survived by wife Fiona, brother Bobby, sister-in-law Kay as well as nephew and niece Alan and Laura.

Having grown up in Coalsnaughton, Hugh joined the Clackmannan County Golf Union (CCGU) executive in 1968 and took over as secretary/treasurer three months later, a position he held for 22 years.

He later became the local representative for the Scottish Golf Union, diligently representing the Wee County's interests at a national level before becoming the CCGU president in 1994, said to be one of the proudest moments of his life.

Friend and CCGU colleague Tommy Johnson paid tribute to Hugh, explaining he was passionate about all things golf locally from juniors to mixed events.

He said: "You would think that after all these years he would take a back seat, but not Hugh, he remained on the executive and was a great help to myself as I took over.

"He was always available for any advice at any time."

Tommy, also a former CCGU secretary, added: "There was more to come as in 2003 he took over as president of the Scottish Golf Union a position he cherished and revelled in.

"Hugh was very active with Scottish Schools Golf Association from the 1980s he was twice president and was awarded a life membership for his service.

"In 2013 Hugh once again became president of Clackmannan County Golf Union and again as before put his heart and soul into everything."

A great supporter of all local clubs, Hugh always wanted to be a part of anything in the county's golf scene and was also at one point captain of Alloa Golf Club.

Outside of the game, Hugh was a chemistry teacher at Alloa Academy and later principal teacher of chemistry at McLaren High School, having studied at Glasgow University.

He was also a railway enthusiast and loved to travel, recently visiting the three volcanoes in Italy by train.

Tommy added: "Hugh dedicated 50 years of his life to Clackmannanshire Golf Union and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him."