Vale - John Sheldrick | Drummoyne Rowing Club

John Sheldrick, a longstanding member of our club for over a decade, died peacefully this August. He had been unwell for several years and has been visiting the club with the Ancient Mariners on Wednesday mornings and at other times when his health allowed.

He started rowing as a rowing parent in 2004 and then joined the Ancient Mariners and quickly became interested in the club administration during the difficult insolvency period and joined the first general admission to the committee of the new entity DRC Inc in 2011. 

He was Vice Captain from 2012 and held this position with George Andrews as Captain until 2016 and then Rob Glendenning as Captain in 2017. John's last year on the Committee was 2018.

John was passionate and very engaged with the Ancient Mariners, a crew that has been rowing out of Drummoyne for many years.  He was in the unique position of being a senior member of the crew but always prepared to accept guidance from his wife who as coxswain wasn’t going to let anyone away with less than perfect technique!

Beyond rowing, John was an experienced Executive Engineer having worked in the civil engineering industry. After completing an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from University of Sydney in1977 his professional engineering career included highway constructions, project control, bridge engineering, and project estimation.

He brought his engineer’s eye for detail and precision with a professional and competent manner. 

In 1992 he established his own consultancy, Professional Engineering Service Pty Ltd where he was able to draw on his experience which included working for RTA in a series of positions that developed skills and capabilities. His consultancy then focused on managing projects and providing resources for infrastructure projects.

Whilst at Drummoyne he contributed to the ongoing repairs and refurbishment, including resurfacing of the staging and repairs of the pontoon.

In this respect as a club member, he represents all that we aspire to be in giving our best in a boat and on the pontoon and everywhere.

A true member of the club and a great example to us all. 

Stephen Burke - Acting President, Drummoyne RC