Obituary: Andrew Hunter (1952–2026)

The Old Campbellian Society records with great sadness the passing of Andrew Hunter (OC 5426), formerly of Chase's House, who died peacefully on 1 November 2026, aged 73, following an illness.

Andrew was a remarkable sportsman whose achievements in swimming brought distinction to Campbell College, Northern Ireland and Irish sport. Born on 10 December 1952, he attended Campbell College, where his talent and determination in the swimming pool became evident during his school years.

Andrew recalled the outdoor pool at Ormiston, where he faced strong competition in school races. By the time the pool closed, he had broken the senior school swimming record. The opening of Campbell's indoor pool provided an important opportunity for further development, supported by training at the College and coaching through the Leander club under Bobby Madine.

Although he did not win his first open competition race until the age of 15, Andrew went on to achieve an exceptional swimming career. By his senior years at Campbell, he was training early in the morning, sometimes with permission to miss Assembly, and had been selected to swim for Ireland. He gave up rugby to concentrate on swimming, and his colours were upgraded from minor to major in recognition of his international selection.

Andrew left Campbell in 1970 and that summer represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, as well as competing at the European Championships and other international meets. His selection for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich was a major milestone in his career. He subsequently represented Northern Ireland at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, reaching the final of the 100 metres freestyle.

His achievements extended well beyond international selection. Andrew held Ulster and Irish titles and records in the 100 metres freestyle, 100 metres backstroke and 100 metres butterfly. His 100 metres freestyle records stood for ten years in Ulster and seven years at Irish level. In 1971, he also finished second at the open British Amateur Swimming Association Championships.

Andrew continued his success at university. At Queen's University Belfast, where he studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated with a BSc (Hons), he trained at the newly opened Physical Education Centre. He became British Universities champion in swimming for four consecutive seasons, an outstanding record which earned him selection for the British University team at the 1973 World Student Games, where the freestyle team reached the final.

In 1974, Andrew joined the University of Michigan graduate swimming team, where he broke the university's graduate 50-yard sprint record and came close to the open-pool record. His sporting interests also included water polo, which he played for Campbell College, Queen's University and the Michigan graduates.

After his studies in Belfast, Andrew obtained an MSE from the University of Michigan in the United States. He subsequently built a distinguished professional career as a management consultant, becoming Managing Partner of Andersen Consulting.

Andrew's life combined sporting excellence, academic achievement and professional success. His Olympic selection, international representation and enduring swimming records stand as a testament to his ability, discipline and commitment. His achievements will be remembered with pride by the Campbell College community and by all who followed his sporting career.

Andrew is survived by his children, Christine,  OC 8103 Andrew and Gillian. The Old Campbellian Society extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends and remembers a former pupil whose accomplishments brought great distinction to his school and country.

Ne Obliviscaris