Brian and his wife Maureen.

MADDY HARKER

Brian Cleugh, one of the founding members of the Upper Clutha Tramping Club, was awarded the club’s first ever life membership at a club meeting this month.

Brian had been with the club since its formation in 2002, serving 14 years on the committee, including two as president.

"Brian’s wealth of experience and local knowledge has been absolutely invaluable to the club,” former president Karen Marinkovic said.

"If you are up in the hills and want to know the name of some distant mountain, Brian will know. If you are planning a trip into unfamiliar country, and need advice as to the best route, Brian is the man to ask.”

Brian has been a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club since 1956. He has climbed extensively in New Zealand, and has also made expeditions to the Himalayas and Andes mountains.

Highlights of his time with the club include reconnoitring and then introducing other club members to new destinations, particularly Queens Drive on the Remarkables, and Mount Armstrong and Mount Cross above the Haast Pass.

Noting that "behind every great man is a great woman”, Marinkoviç also expressed the club’s gratitude to Brian’s wife Maureen, who has accompanied him on many of his adventures.

PHOTO: Supplied