Coach's wish to glide on

COMPETITIVE EDGE: The Whangarei Rowing Club has a new skiff being launched today in honour of late member Alan Walker. Here, Marlies Mitchell (left), Tyler Nicholas, Kenyah Lees and Sophia Wetzel get the skiff ready for launch. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Whangarei architect and rowing coach Alan (Bear) Walker feared nobody would remember him when he died.

But from today, the members of Whangarei Rowing Club will be more competitive thanks to the launch of a $25,000-plus skiff donated in Alan's honour by his wife Marianne and his family.

Mr Walker had been a member and coach at the club for 14 years after moving up from Auckland where he had a long association with the St George's Rowing Club, including serving on many committee positions.

Thursday marked the one year anniversary of his death and Mrs Walker said the quad skiff, which can convert into a four, would be a wonderful, lasting tribute to her husband, who had given so much in his life.

"Alan didn't know about this bequest and this is one of my ways, and his family's, of honouring him," she said.

"One of Alan's fears was that nobody would remember him so I made this bequest and his family all contributed to get the skiff for the club. Alan just gave and gave and gave in his life. When we were members of St George, I had a double [skiff] named after me and Alan always joked there was no boat named after him."

She said her late husband - who was a partner in Whangarei firm Architects H + K - would be so proud to know that a boat named after him would be used by so many people to improve their skills and make the club more competitive.

Mr Walker's daughter Meegan and many of his friends and family would be at today's launch. The coxless skiff was made by Kiwi Skiffs, where boat builder and friend of Mr Walker, Bob Rout, took great honour in being able to construct his memorial skiff.

Club spokeswoman Louise O'Hagan said the skiff was a marvellous addition and would help make the club's 40-plus members more competitive on the water. "Alan was such a strong member and great coach and this is such a generous gift and great way to remember Alan. It's just so special and while he feared nobody would remember him, he will live on long in our club and this will keep his name alive," she said.