Vale | Fred Griffin

Fred Griffin commenced rowing at the Haberfield Rowing Club in 1957 - coming under the guidance of astute rowing Coach of that era - Fred Fullerton.

Fred was promoted to the Haberfield Junior 8 - coached by Fred Fullerton - which won the NSW Champion Junior 8 in both 1958 & 1959.

He then rowed in successive champion crews for Haberfield RC until he joined the NSW Police Force in 1961.

It was here that he met fellow rowers Terry Hayes, Errol Brazenall & Ian Toll - & they formed a champion coxless four which rowed in both Australian & World Masters Championships from 1983 to 1991.

This crew was sponsored by Westfield through Fred’s close friendship with their owner - Frank Lowy.

The Police crew rowed regularly overseas in the World Masters Rowing Championships - during those years - winning races in their coxless fours each year - as the generous sponsorship continued - thanks to Frank Lowy!

Their final race was in Miami Florida USA in May 1991 - where they won both the Coxless four & the Eights in their respective Masters age group.

Fred retired from the NSW Police Force in 1995 - after 35 years of dedicated Service to the public of NSW.

Fred enjoyed rowing casually at Leichhardt Rowing Club until ill health prevented him from continuing in the sport he loved.

Fred reached the respectable age of 87 years!

VALE Fred GRIFFIN - champion bloke & champion rower!

Thanks to Ian D. Toll from St George Rowing Club for the obituary.