The 61-year-old Launceston father of four and grandfather of seven lost his fight with cancer on Tuesday, leaving what Athletics Tasmania called ‘‘a wide and varied tapestry of accomplishment with an impact on myriad lives and organisations’’.

Less than two months earlier, AT had recognised a 45-year commitment to the sport by bestowing life membership on Willis, who was already a life member of its Northern branch and Tamar Athletic Club.

He received the recognition just nine days before he died and his partner Charmaine said he was immensely proud.

‘‘He was presented with the plaque in hospital and it was really important to him,’’ she said.

‘‘Athletics was his life. He was so generous with his time for all athletes and did not just coach the elite.

‘‘He was like a father to many of the young athletes and it didn’t matter if he had something else on, athletics would always come first. If he could help, he would.’’

AT board member Brian Roe said Willis was a tenacious innovator and achiever.

‘‘It is almost impossible to state emphatically in which area of service to his chosen sport that Andrew had the greatest impact,’’ he said.

‘‘He was both passionate and relentless as he sought to ensure the very best for his athletes and his sport.

‘‘His wicked sense of humour and willingness to offer sage advice that wasn’t always necessarily so will be missed by friends and colleagues across the Australian athletics family.’’

Little Athletics Tasmania president Rhonda O’Sign called Willis ‘‘one of nature’s true gentlemen’’ and ‘‘one of Tasmania’s greatest advocates for athletics in this state’’.

She added: ‘‘Andrew will be remembered always for his willingness to help others, his sense of humour, and dedication. He gave his all to this sport, and we thank Andrew and his family for all that he contributed.

‘‘From grass roots through to seniors, to international competition, his contributions have been outstanding. Over a period of 45 years, he has been a coach, friend and mentor to thousands.’’

Bestowing Willis’s life membership in July, AT president Mike Gunson called him ‘‘Mr Tamar’’, having taken over every role available at that club.

Scottsdale-born Willis joined Newstead after his home-town athletic club went into recess, then helped found Tamar where he became secretary, delegate, coach, committee member and president.

In administration, his contribution went well beyond his beloved Tamar club, serving as president of Athletics Tasmania and its Northern branch.

There were also immeasurable hours delivered as a road-race and track-competition organiser, handicapper and state selector.

Willis was there at the beginning of little athletics in Tasmania in 1974 when the first clubs were formed and competition began at Invermay Park and, when the Tasmanian Athletic League needed a handicapper, he put his hand up for that as well.

He managed track and field and cross-country events and helped organise the national schools knockout finals and national primary all-schools.

Willis had long served with the Northern Athletic Centre Board, which was set up to control the St Leonards Athletic Centre, overseeing the surfacing of the all-weather track, the lighting, pole vault bag and hammer cage.

He served as a national technical official at the 1996 world juniors, 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2001 IAAF grand prix final and the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, as well as many national championships and tour meets. He received the Athletics Australia platinum service award in 2014.

Willis coached many athletes to Australian representation, including decathlete Michael Mol, national 1500m champion Mandy Westbrook (Giblin) and this year’s University Games representative, Josh Harris.

Speaking from Italy, Roe said Willis’s athletic achievements gave him a unique perspective as a coach and official leading to several innovations, including the controversial concept of stand-up starting blocks.

‘‘During his years as an athlete, Andrew was known to test the application of the odd rule or two. It almost certainly made him difficult to outsmart once he was on the other side of the fence.’’

Roe said Tamar provided Willis the platform to display his many talents and skills, the club subsequently growing swiftly in numbers and success.

‘‘He was almost immediately successful both in progressing the careers of athletes with ability and in upskilling and enthusing the club, man and woman. He had an eye for talent but critically also developed the knowledge and ability to make every athlete who wanted to be better, just that.

‘‘Andrew was an excellent coach and made a difference to the lives and careers of countless athletes. The results of his athletes consistently indicated that if he had sought the opportunity, he may well have been an exceptional coach in broader terms.’’