Tribute

Glen Davis : The Rowing Community Mourns the Loss of a Great Supporter

Members of the Canadian rowing community are shocked and saddened at news of the loss of Glen Davis (shown here, left, at the 2003 Head of the Charles).

Glen was a business person, philanthropist and environmentalist, but he was also a passionate supporter and friend of Canadian rowing. For just over 12 years, his many donations to the National women's program and the London Training Centre contributed greatly to the team's successes.

"He was a one-of-a-kind supporter," said his friend and national rowing coach, Al Morrow. "But it went far beyond that - he took an interest in the athletes and their lives. He wanted to know what we really needed - what would make a difference.” Examples of his donations are a breakfast program for athletes training in London, Ont. and transportation for athletes while training at the centre.

"He respected the fact that the athletes worked quietly and humbly to reach their goals because that was the type of person he was."

Glen shunned the limelight and wanted nothing in return - except the occasional ride in a coach boat or trip to the Head of the Charles regatta. He enjoyed his visits to the training centre, and often took the whole group of athletes and supporters out for dinner at local restaurants; in fact he was just in London last weekend seeing the women off before they left for Europe.

"This is a huge loss," said Brenda Liski, President of Rowing Canada Aviron. "Glen will be remembered as one of those rare individuals who always cared about others and was committed to work that made a difference. We are honoured to have been associated with him.”

The athletes – current and past National Team members - will miss Glen the most.

"The loss of Glen has affected all of us here in Germany," said women's National Team member Jane Rumball, who is travelling with the team in Europe. "This is a huge shock. Glen has done so much for us over the years and we will miss him very much."

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Marnie McBean said: "Glen, without question, gave the support to me and the team that came with the fewest demands. He learned quickly what was important to us, and had a wonderful ability to simply be present without hovering, to question without pushing and to assist by finding just the right gesture that would have otherwise remained on our wish list."

"He was more than a friend to the Women's Rowing Team, he was family. I will personally miss his company, his humour and his insight on rowing and women's sport. We have lost a great member of our team," McBean continued.

"On behalf of the athletes training in Victoria, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Glen Davis. He was the biggest supporter of Canadian rowing and will be missed," said Peter Dembicki, an athlete rep and current member of the men's eight.

Glen Davis and his wife Mary Alice gave generously to such charities as the WWF, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, The Sierra Club of Canada, in addition to his support of the women's rowing team and his strong connection to the University of Western Ontario.

Glen was murdered in Toronto on Friday and the investigation into his death is ongoing. The funeral will be a private service.

Shown here: Tom Whealy, John Carmichael (past RCA president) and Glen Davis. Whealy and Davis received President's Awards in 2003.

--

Jackie Skender - Rowing Canada Aviron
519.200.1835 (mobile)