ONE of Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre's most popular members of staff has recently passed away after a long illness.

Mike Dowling became a well kent face at the Pit Road Centre and was always known to go that extra mile to help the public.

Such was the way he was regarded by his colleagues they held a two minute's silence in his memory.

Said one of these colleagues and friends at the Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre, Tracey: "Mike was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet.

"I had the privilege of knowing him from 1995 when I was employed at Kirkcaldy Swimming Pool.

"Mike had been there for a few years before I started, employed as a lifeguard and gym instructor and he quickly struck me as a hardworking, intelligent and caring person who would do anything for anyone."

Added Tracey: "Mike was a very family orientated person who and had many people who loved and cared for him.

"One of the happiest days I remember was when he told us he was going to be a granddad for the first time.

"He was known as the 'wee guy with the big muscles', though I can testify that no matter how big those muscles were the would never match his big heart."

Looking at his work Tracey went on: "His circuit training classes were well received in the centre over the years and people knew they had had a work out when they attended one.

"I always remember the young guys from the from the Swimming Club ribbing him about his eagle tattoo not being straight on his chest and Mike just laughed and told them 'it was designed like that!'

"I will remember Mike as one of life's true gentlemen, always the same with a quick joke and a huge smile on his face.

"He was a naturally positive person living life to the fullest and loving to have a joke, laugh and smile.

"This continued to show through his illness with his many posts on social media outlining his 'stay at the Costa Del Victoria Hotel' keeping us up to date with what was happening through his funny banter.

"No matter what was happening in life Mike kept things happy, cheery and positive, his humour helped him through the darkest days of his long illness bravely borne."