The Sharp Series Committee was devastated to hear earlier this year that Rowing Stalwart, boat race official and rowing historian Louis Petrin of Drummoyne Rowing Club had passed away unexpectedly on 8 April 2021. Louis was an incredible figure in the rowing community – a tireless and selfless volunteer, a meticulous historian, and a kind and gentle soul.
Having been introduced to the sport via his daughter Nicole, Louis developed his love for rowing through competition, officiating, administration, and in carefully preserving the sport’s history. He was a regular official for the series, and his knowledge of the sport was second to none. In 2020 he was recognized by Rowing NSW as their volunteer of the year, and has been recognized by his club, the State body, Rowing Australia, and internationally for his love of the sport and his commitment to its history.
Not only a passionate rower and member of the rowing community, Louis had been a very successful scientist and businessman, having founded Arrow Scientific after a successful career at Sterling Winthrop and Pfizer Chemicals. This mental discipline had certainly carried over in his approach to the sport, in his roles as a competitor, official, and enthusiast.
It was Louis’ goal to develop a Rowing History Museum in Australia to house the medals, trophies, memorabilia and artifacts that he had collected, and intended to continue to collect, for the preservation of the sport. On behalf of the JB Sharp Memorial Regatta Series, the oldest continuous winter rowing series, and its committee, we express our sincere condolences to the Petrin family and Louis friends, which we know included the vast Rowing community within NSW and Australia.
Louis will be sorely missed by all, may he rest in peace.
A lovely tribute to Louis has also been posted on Rowing blog “Hear the Boat Sing”, and on the “Australian Rowing History” website.
