Perth stockbroker and former Olympic rower Tim Willoughby has died of a heart attack while flying home from a holiday in the United States with his family.
Perth stockbroker and former Olympic rower Tim Willoughby has died of a heart attack while flying home from a holiday in the United States with his family.
Mr Willoughby, president of the WA Olympic Council and president of the Olympians Club of WA, was aged 53.
It is understood he died during the flight yesterday.
Mr Willoughby was part of the men's eight rowing crew that won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and also participated in Australia's defence of the America's Cup on board the Kookaburra.
The Perth broker was due to start work today at his new firm, Citi Smith Barney, following his departure from Goldman Sachs JBWere after a 20-year career with the group.
Stockbroker Ron Bennetts had worked alongside Mr Willoughby for 18 years and said he was an "exceptional" stockbroker.
"You just have to look at the relationships he has with his clients, some of which span three generations," Mr Bennetts said.
Citi Smith Barney state manager Garry Giblett said he was stunned and shocked by the death of Mr Willoughby.
He said Mr Willoughby devoted a large amount of time to many charities and his death was a great loss.
A spokeswoman for Goldman Sachs JBWere said the firm extended their deepest sympathy to Mr Willoughby's family.
Mr Willoughby was married with four children.
Close friend Murray McHenry said Mr Willoughby was a "straight shooter".
"A lot of the time it was Tim's way or no way," he said.
"He was a very strong, disciplined person but he was soft as butter underneath. You got the best of both worlds with him."
Mr McHenry said Mr Willoughby was a big man that everyone listened too, characteristics that made him a good choice as the MC for Mr McHenry's upcoming wedding.
Mr McHenry said a funeral service was being planned for late next week.
WA Olympic Council executive director Tania Sullivan said Mr Willoughby worked tirelessly to raise funding to help aspiring Olympians participate at Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
"He has left an incredible legacy in creating an Olympic family in WA," Ms Sullivan said.
Mr Willoughby had been president of the WA Olympic Council since 1997 and played an integral role in raising funds for athletes to compete in the 2000 Olympics and the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games.
"He couldn't help but help," Ms Sullivan said.
"He really believed in the Olympic spirit. There is no such thing as a former Olympian, the journey starts when they compete and they remain an Olympian forever."
Mr Willoughby devoted time to several not-for-profit groups over the years including serving on the Anglicare Wintercare Appeal Committee, which is made up of a collection of business people who volunteer their time to support Anglicare's fund raising efforts.
He has also been involved with the WA Institute of Medical Research and the John Curtin Centre and was a past chairman of the Perth Wildcats and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay State working group.
