Colin “the Boatman” Campbell

It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Colin Campbell.

Colin & Betty Campbell

Colin served as the Club’s boatman for 44 years, retiring in October 2012. His career with us started as a request in 1968 to “have a look at some boats that needed some attention”. On retirement he was elected an Honorary Member and continued to use the Club socially.

Colin’s professional career outwith the Club included work as an apprentice on one of the tenders used on Britannia. He was very proud of the fact that he worked on two of the boats in Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

He will be missed by all who knew him and had the great pleasure of working alongside him in the Repair Shed.

The Funeral will be at Greenock Crematorium on Wednesday 13th June at 11am. Then back to the Boat Club for a cup of tea. At the request of the family the bar will remain closed.

Adam A. Graham
Honorary Secretary

 

Message from Canada:

Jimmy Hendry (Jeweller) and I started to help Dick Downey, Alan Bownes and Kenny Campbell, who were sanding down, re-cocking, and varnishing the boats in the late 60’s/70’s. First met Colin around that time when he started fixing the boats. Did the usual helping with moving, and turning the craft.

I moved away from Greenock returning to the Boat Club in 1983 and surprise surprise Colin was still there. I felt that Colin needed someone he could rely on to provide slave labour and over the years until I left the area in 1995 I would press gang anyone in the competitive rowers to help him with riveting, holding on, sanding, varnishing, re-cocking, etc.

During that time I learned how to rivet and cut out replacement planks and other relatively simple tasks he would allow me to do.

Always found him to be a real gentleman and always grateful to any member who was able to help.

Please give my best regards to Betty and RIP Colin

Stewart Bates