Drew Manzie, who died last month aged 64, would have been described as that increasingly rare phenomenon, a “one club man”, if he had been a professional footballer. He joined Strathclyde University’s department of physical education (as it was called) in 1967 and remained there until his retirement in 2003. He was head of the PE department and a much-loved Strathclyde figure.

Anyone who knew him even remotely was not fooled by his fierce appearance and introspective manner, and would quickly realise that here was a man who lived to encourage people to participate, whether trying a sport or exercise for the first time, competing at international level or embarking on a trek into the wilderness. While telling you nothing about himself - his reticence and modesty were legendary - he would soon find out what made you tick and what you needed. He would also betray a sardonic sideways glance if he didn’t believe you, and a well-developed sense of humour if you managed to say something funny. He was viewed with enormous affection by generations of student sports office-bearers and club officials, as well as by his colleagues and thousands of ordinary students and staff who used the university’s sports facilities.

From Fife, Drew was educated at Bell Baxter High in Cupar, where his sporting activities started with boxing and rugby, culminating in playing in the 1st XV. He then moved to the Scottish School of Physical Education at Jordanhill College, where he graduated in 1965, and continued his rugby career with the successful Jordanhill Rugby Club. He was awarded full colours while at the SSPE and developed into a first-class coach. After brief teaching stints at Greenock Academy and Stow College, he joined Strathclyde University.

A lifelong interest in canoeing accompanied his commitment to rugby, and he gained coaching qualifications in other sports. An enthusiastic and motivational teachercoach, Drew was comfortable coaching the full range of abilities in a university environment. He had the ability to put people at their ease and give them confidence.

While at Strathclyde, he filled a number of committee roles in a variety of organisations, some related to the university sector and some not. At various times he was vice-president of the Scottish Canoe Association, committee member of the Scottish Council for Physical Education, a member of the Higher Education Consultative Committee of the Scottish Institute of Sport, as well as president of the Scottish Universities Physical Education Association and coach and selector for the Scottish Universities Rugby team.

During this time, Drew completed an “in-service” B.Ed (Honours) at Jordanhill and involved himself in many research projects.

Drew was pre-deceased by his wife Chris and is survived by daughter Jennifer and son Kenneth.