Andy Glover, one of Surrey's most respected officials, died after a long illness at the Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, on Saturday. He was 72.

Andy, who lived in Tattenham Way, Tadworth, who was a lifelong member of Croydon Harriers, served as Surrey president in 2000, but was best known as an indefatigable starter officiating at meetings from school and club up to international level.

It was not unusual for him to be out starting meetings up to 14 days on the trot during the hectic summer season partly because he frequently came to the rescue of clubs struggling to find a starter for their meetings.

He was favoured by timekeepers because he made up his own ammunition and was able to provide a good visible signal.

As a youngster, he was a good middle-distance runner for his club and in 1959 was ranked fifth over 880 yards with a time of 1 minute 58 seconds and second over one mile with a time of 4:25.9.

His daughter, Sharon, represented Surrey over 400m and 400m hurdles and won four county titles in the 1980's.

Initially, Andy was a coach, and at one time advised Jeina Mitchell and Julie Mitchell (no relation) who both competed at international level.

Apart from his involvement with Surrey County he was also officials secretary for the Surrey Schools Athletics Association and the UK Women's League.

He was also a member of the South of England Athletic Association general committee and a former chairman of their track and field sub-committee.

He was also a former member of England Athletics' London Regional Council and shortly before his death he was presented with the regions Services to Athletics Award for 2009.

Despite his serious illness, Andy continued to take an interest in athletics and attended the county championships at Kingsmeadow in the summer.

He also chaired the Surrey championships sub-committee and managed to attend a meeting for the final time in July.

His funeral will be held at Leatherhead Crematorium at 3:30pm next Thursday (December 17).