Vale - Ray Harwood | Leichhardt RC and Port Macquarie RC

Ray Harwood, a Life member and a popular Leichhardt Rowing Club Captain in the 1970's passed away in Calvary Hospital, Kogarah, his family by his side, on 24^th January 2022, after a long illness, aged 73 years. 

Ray commenced rowing at Leichhardt in 1966 at a time when its senior rowers had retired, and its Junior development program led to the recruitment of many with sporting backgrounds, in sports other than rowing.

Ray, with his quiet unassuming manner, was elected Club Captain in 1971. His leadership skills, developed under coach Len McPherson, had followed Ray's appearance in the Lightweight Club Eight, at the 1968 National Championships at Murray Bridge, South Australia.

Ray remained Captain until 1979, and in that period, he, with then treasurer Alan Flint, initiated a major fund raising and physical training program, through very disciplined  telephone book deliveries across Sydney suburbs, from Glebe to Hunters Hill.  This involved jumping over fences and running with a bundle of books which proved to be a very successful fitness development program over several years.

It's fair to say that Ray, like many of us, may not have had natural ability, but as a loner, trained extremely hard with a strong incentive to win. Together with a young Ross Ullo, Ray won his first State Championship in the Lightweight Coxed Pair under coach Michael Lowrey in 1971.

Pictured above with Brian Glawson

Ray was a master at making friendships with his fellow crew members, even recruiting his brother Rodney, to the sport. 

Ray's hard won achievements as an oarsman are reflected in his club's many total point score wins (The Steve Roll Trophy) in 1973-1974, and from 1976 to 1983. He was awarded Life Membership of Leichhardt Rowing in 1976.

His love of the sport followed him in later years to Telegraph Point, NSW, where in a strong bond with visiting Port Macquarie Coach, Bruce Williams, he supported that club both in the local competition, and the NSW Masters Championships, held at SIRC, over many years. He competed in many differ

ent boat classes, even rowing “Composite” to maximise his involvement and success.

Above from Left: Brian Glawson, Allen Atkins, Colin Broos and Ray Harwood.


Above: Ray preparing to race with George Xouris

Tragedy struck at Telegraph Point when the 2019/20 bushfires destroyed his home and shed. Nature then disposed of what remained in the recent floods in spite of strong support by his family to rebuild.

Ray is remembered at both Clubs for his love and loyalty to Rowing.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday 8^th February at 12 noon, Woronora Cemetery, South Chapel, Linden Street, Sutherland.

Easy Oar Ray, may you rest in peace.

Barry Moynahan OAM 

Photos courtesy of Carolyn Campbell

Final image from RNSW archives