Remembering Dick McClure (1935-2024)

Rowing BC was saddened to learn of the passing of legendary athlete and coach Richard (Dick) McClure.

Dick rowed for Canada in the 1956 Olympics, winning a silver in the Men’s Eight. He also won silver in the Men’s Four at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. But despite these achievements, he may be better known for his roles as a coach and a builder.

Dick graduated from UBC and went on to a successful career as a professional engineer and business administrator, but would continue to give back to rowing. He began volunteering at Burnaby Lake Rowing Club, as a boatman and coach in 1977. He built a program, repaired boats, and coached athletes from recreational to elite, for over three decades. His coaching at the National Team level, saw him taking crews to both the 1984 and 1996 Olympics.

Former National Team member, Colleen Miller remembers Dick from her first year on the team in 1989. Although he didn’t travel to the World Championships with them, Dick had stepped up to coach the Lightweight Women’s Four for the whole summer at Burnaby Lake. “He was such a great technical coach” said Miller, “He really impacted my career as an athlete. And he volunteered his time. He did it out of the goodness of his heart.”

He was dedicated to sharing his knowledge and passion for rowing. His legacy will live on in the countless athletes and coaches he inspired through the years.

Read Dick’s obituary here.