John R Gillespie
Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
17/5/1928 - 21/5/2018 aged 90 years. A 57 year member.
John joined the club in the 1950/51 season and was soon winning races and helping the club administration. He served as:
- Committee member 1952-54 and 1957-59
- Social secretary 1959/60
Following his active rowing and rowing administrative career, he maintained his interest in the Club, calling in at the club on the odd occasion, mainly at Annual meeting time.
His last visit that I recall was in about 2014, the occasion was the anniversary of Ted Woolcock’s birthday.
They were great friends brought together by Legacy. They were born a seventeen days apart John being the elder, many a quip between them about this item.
1980 Annual Meeting with John on the left
From the 2018/19 annual report:-
Vale John (Doc) Gillespie
John (Doc) Gillespie was a passionate and active member of Yarra Yarra Rowing Club having joined the club in 1950 and was a member for 57 years.
John won a number of lightweight races during his time at YYRC and was our social secretary for a period
John’s last visit to the club was in 2014 on the anniversary of Ted Woolcock’s birthday. Ted and John were great friends brought together by Legacy and they were born a fortnight apart.
John passed away aged 90. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.
Vale John.
In 2012 with Ted Woolcock - John is second from the left
Recorded wins:-
1951 - Camperdown regatta, lightweight four (bow)
1952 - Colac regatta, lightweight four (bow)
1953 - Yea regatta, lightweight pair (bow)
1953 - Warrnambool regatta, lightweight four (3) and lightweight pair (bow)
1953 - Camperdown l regatta, lightweight four (3)
1958 - Barwon regatta, lightweight eight (4)
1958 - Henley regatta, lightweight eight (4)
Jim Skidmore
June 2024