Ivan Bussens, one of the key figures driving gay sporting clubs to prominence in London during the past decade, died after a yearlong fight against cancer on August 27. He was 47.
Bussens battled a form of lymphoma into remission last year then suffered a relapse during the past few months. He died at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London with his partner of 26 years, Peter Unsworth, by his side.
Bussens joined Out to Swim in 1993 and helped transform a small group training for the New York Gay Games the next year into Britain's largest swimming club.
"Ivan was an inspiration to many of us and spent many an hour coaching," said Michelle Weltman, head coach of Out to Swim. "Ivan had a way with swimmers, showing compassion that encouraged many swimmers to keep going even though they thought they were not good enough."
He co-founded the Out for Sport umbrella organization representing gay clubs in London and promoted its first multi-sport competition, including running, swimming, rowing and water polo. He represented London before the Federation of Gay Games for the past five years and served on a number of other international sporting associations.
Bussens is survived by Unsworth and his two parents. Funeral services were held Monday September 3rd, 2007 at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Heydon.