Fitness instructor's death devastates community as tributes flood in for Kilmarnock stalwart

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The death of a fitness instructor has devastated many people in the Kilmarnock community.Galleon Centre stalwart Chivonne Houston-Smith marked her 60th birthday in May this year — a milestone that coincided with the 35th anniversary of the popular leisure venue.The aerobics instructor spent the majority of her career teaching fitness classes at the Kilmarnock centre and said earlier this year that she had no intention of giving up her beloved vocation.Chivonne was one of the first in the door of the new Galleon in 1987, initially juggling 25 aerobic classes and reception work each week.While this was reduced to 12 classes a week in recent months, Chivonne's passion for fitness and warmth towards her clients, who were more like friends, was undeniable.Speaking to the Kilmarnock Standard as part of a feature on the Galleon's recent 35th anniversary, Chivonne said that her 35 years at the Galleon was only broken by a year-long stint in Australia.She said in May: "I heard about the Galleon opening and I came down and spoke to the manager and he said they were starting aerobic classes and I took the very first one and I got into reception."I used to go upstairs and do a class, come back and have a shower then put my uniform on and go back to reception.

I did that for years."I still do 12 a week and used to do 25 a week in here and in different places but my old bones won't take it anymore but I still love it as much."In a stirring tribute, the Galleon announced Chivonne's passing this evening, saying it was impossible to put into words how much she will be missed.The statement read: "The Galleon Centre would like to inform all of our customers and colleagues of the very sad news relating to one of our most loved members of