Vale - James Emond

It is with great sadness that the Barwon Rowing Club informs its members of the passing of Jim Emond, a valued and respected member of our rowing community.

Jim joined the club in 1959. He learnt his craft slowly, first as a coxswain and then two years later in the club’s first Henley on the Yarra win and, in his favourite three seat, in the Victorian Country Championship Eight. In the 1962/63 season he won Victorian Lightweight Four and was a Penrith Cup representative. He rowed in the club's first Veteran Eight in 1975/75. His last race was in 2006 in the Male Master D8+ at Head of the Yarra.

His early training was “miles makes champions”, and every Saturday afternoon a row from Queen’s Park to the breakwater, coached from the bank by Jack Gilbert on a Vespa scooter.

Some of his fondest memories were rowing to Barwon Heads and back in a day, a Junior Eight win on the Torrens River, easily passing the oil tankers, the Murray Marathon and Bill Grose’s stopwatch which invariably jammed.

Known variously as “Fingers” or “Mumbles”, he wasn’t a great talker but when he did it was worthwhile being there. Long remembered and recounted is his brutal heckling of a young St. Kevin’s first eight crew at Head of the Yarra when they tried to prevent being overtaken: “Grow up. When I was your age I was killing people”. He was also possessed of a wicked sense of humour.

In his 64 years of service he was cox, crew, coach and a committee member through the 1960’s, 1970s and 1980’s, a member of the club’s Crew of the Century and a Life Member.

In his own words “It was a great row”. Our club will not see his like again.

Jim will be farewelled at St. Bernard’s Church, Belmont on Tuesday 23 May 1pm.

Still water Jim.