The stalwart of children's athletics in New Zealand Jeannette Vivian of Christchurch has died.

Vivian, in her late 60's died suddenly in Scotland at the start of a six week holiday visiting her family.

Vivian has been involved with her husband Graham in all areas of the sport of athletics for over 30 years.

She was a life member of Athletics Canterbury and the Canterbury Children's as well as a life member of the New Zealand Children's Athletic Association.

Vivian was the current secretary treasurer of the New Zealand Children's Association, secretary of the Canterbury Centre executive and secretary treasurer of the Canterbury track and field sub committee.

Athletics New Zealand board member Trevor Spittle of Christchurch said that Vivian was the tower and strength of children's athletics in New Zealand.

"Jeannette worked tirelessly behind the scenes, organising and running Colgate games and there was never a meeting at QEII Stadium that Jeannette was not at doing the results. She will be severely missed," said Spittle.

Vivian was an official in the control room for track and field competition at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.