Tributes paid to Nigel Smith

British Rowing has learned with great sadness of the death of Nigel Smith of London Rowing Club, aged 54 years, on Thursday 19th February.

Nigel served for twenty years or more as Honorary Secretary of London Rowing Club and as Secretary of the Metropolitan Amateur Regatta, during which time he oversaw the transformation of the regatta from a one-day event to one of the most prestigious two-day regattas in the country.  He was nominated by his club in 2012 for a Diamond Jubilee medal, one of sixty medals awarded by the Chairman of British Rowing to volunteers for “going the extra mile for our sport…and through their dedication providing a legacy.”  Nigel had also served rowing for many years as a coach and as a National and FISA Umpire.  

Martin Humphrys, Chairman of the Thames Regional Rowing Council, has written, “Nigel throughout his life has loved our sport and gave so freely of his time to support all of us, without question or favour; he will be missed in so many areas not least on the Tideway which he loved.”

Annamarie Phelps, Chairman of British Rowing, said, “Nigel was a huge supporter of our sport; dedicating so much of his life to the River Thames both professionally and through his voluntary work. He was a constant presence at our events and at Henley Royal Regatta and will be sorely missed.”

Details of the funeral will be available in due course.