Mark W Brown
Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
Mark joined Yarra as a junior member in 1971/72 having come from Carey Grammar where he coxed their second eight in 1969.
However it was in administration and umpiring that Mark leaves his mark. Mark is a Victorian umpire of long and respected standing.
He served the club in the following roles:
- Vice-captain 1973 to 1975 & 1985 to 1987
- Committee 1975 to 1978, 1980 to 1983, 1987 to 1992 & 1999 - to 2002
- Social secretary 1978 to 1980 & 1984/85
- Life member 2004/05
On of the great stories in rowing involved Mark. At Wentworth, Mark was in a Sunday social row in a coxed four when Ted Woolcock had a heart attack and fell into the river. Mark used his diving skills to rescue Ted and start resuscitation until help arrived. Ted was taken to hospital given a triple bypass and lived for many years after. Great work Mark.
Mark's daughter Lisa followed in his coxing and umpiring footsteps with good success in both.
In 2016 stroking the officials eight to victory at Wentworth Regatta
... and celebrating afterwards - Mark third from the left
Wins included:-1971 - Morwell regatta, maiden four (cox)
1971 - M U B C regatta, maiden pair (cox)
1971 - Yea regatta, maiden four (cox)
1971 - Mildura regatta, maiden four (cox)
1972 - Barwon regatta, maiden eight (cox)
1972 - Nagambie regatta, maiden eight (cox)
1972 - Ballarat regatta, maiden eight (cox)
1974 - Metropolitan regatta, novice pair (bow)
2016 - Wentworth regatta, officials versus others eight (stroke)
2018 - Wentworth regatta, officials versus others eight (stroke)
2016 - Wentworth regatta, officials versus others eight (stroke)
A double scull was named in his honour during the 2010/11 season
Mark also donated a shield for the most Diligent & proficient coxswain in 2003.
Jim Skidmore
June 2024