Vale - Louis Petrin | Drummoyne Rowing Club

It is with great sadness that we advise of the unexpected passing of Louis Petrin.

Louis was a valued member of Drummoyne Rowing Club for many years since coming to DRC as a parent from the PLC Corporate Rowing Program, in the crew affectionally known as The Grumpies. Louis was a long term member of the Drummoyne RC committee and held the position of Treasurer for a number of years.

Louis then went on to become a NSW Boat Racing Official and was a valued member of this important team.  He was renowned for his patience, understanding and willingness to assist anyone and in any role at a regatta.

During the stint of the National Championships being held in Penrith (Sydney International Rowing Regatta), Louis volunteered his time with medal presentations ensuring crews arrived and departed from the medal presentation pontoon safely and efficiently.  He developed his own extendable boat hook to draw crews into the pontoon and then walk the boat towards the far end so that others could utilise the docking area.  The boat hook was the envy of his fellow volunteers in that role and was even copied by some.  

Pictured above with the King's Cup at the 2018 Sydney International Rowing Regatta.  Picture courtesy of Hear the Boat Sing.

Through his association with rowing, Louis became a highly recognised Rowing Historian and amassed an extensive collection of memorabilia. It was a true passion of Louis'.  Louis had been hoping to start a Rowing Museum within the grounds of Callan Park as a way to educate school groups and the wider community of the rich history of our sport and display to a wide range of people the great breadth of the Petrin Collection.  Louis also served the NSW Union of Rowers as a committee member and as the Honorary Archivist.  His contributions could also be found on Hear the Boat Sing.

Louis' contribution to rowing and Drummoyne Rowing Club will be greatly missed.

We send our sincere condolences to Louis' wife Lorraine and daughter Nicole, as well as his family and friends at this sad time.

The Funeral Services Arrangements are:
Wednesday 14th April at 12:30pm
Camellia Chapel
Macquarie Park
A wake will be held next door to the Chapel afterwards.

Louis's family have requested that in lieu of sending flowers, a donation be made to Drummoyne Rowing Club with which the club is committed to using in a way as to preserve Louis's legacy to the club and the wider rowing community.
DRC ROWERS INCORPORATED
BSB: 112-879
Acc: 484 647 310
Reference: Louis Petrin Donation

Pictured above: Tony Wimble, Louis Petrin and Gavin Dods