Charles Northam
Sandy Bay Rowing Club (TAS) then Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
Member 2015/16 - 2022/23
From the YYRC newsletter 'Yarra Yabbie' no 75 January 2023
Vale Charles Northam, 1940-2023
Sad news indeed for the many club members who knew him, that Charles Northam passed away in early January.
Charles joined YYRC when he was introduced to the club by Kerry McDermott in early 2017, and became a very involved member. He enjoyed an active rowing life, and rowed twice a week with the Vets on a regular basis. He rowed in a double, coxless Quad and occasionally a coxed Quad.
Charles was an engineer by trade and had his own company. He enjoyed using his engineering background with positive and beneficial results for the YYRC fleet. He can also be credited with providing significant impetus towards obtaining our splendid new YYRC blazers – apparently his enthusiasm rubbed off on some committee members, which eventually resulted in our “new” blazers being designed and ordered. In fact, Charles being the person he was, paid $250.00 for Hong Kong’s finest polyester (the club blazer) and then spent another $400.00 to get the tailoring exact.
Charles was a successful rower in his youth. He had been a member and captain of the Sandy Bay Rowing Club (Tasmania) in the 1960’s. Rumour has it that he rowed for Tasmania in the Kings Cup. [Editor: Likely to be the C Northam who raced bow for Tasmania in the 1961 King's Cup race.]
Charles had a sunny and outgoing disposition and was a huge supporter and contributor to the club. He is survived by his wife Maureen and eleven children. He is sadly missed by all those who knew him. His death was unexpected. Charles, was 82 years old. Those who knew him still can’t believe he is gone.
2022 Charles at the 150th dinner at the end of the table on left.
Jim Skidmore
June 2024