There is a certain type of personality I get on with best – people who let me rant on, pay little attention to what I say even though generally agreeing with most of it but not necessarily all, who are sweet natured and even tempered whose main aim in life is to laugh and enjoy the fruits of the world between the various episodes of harsh treatment life is prone to bring into everyone’s lives. One such person was Rodney Palmer who departed this earth to my sorrow and regret on December 23 last year.

There was a memorial to Rodney last week on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. This was the memorial put up by his rowing club to mark his passing.

Many Black Mountain Rowing Club members joined about 100 people from the local rowing community and Rodney’s family and friends for a very moving memorial by the lake at Yarralumla, organised by his partner, Lynne Thompson.

 

The location, weather and atmosphere were perfect for the occasion.

Rodney died just before Christmas after a long illness.

 

He was a true and generous friend and member of BMRC, and before that of other Canberra clubs over a period of many years.

 

Rodney gave his time freely and quietly to anyone who asked. He taught countless people to row, and was the first to put up his hand to help any new member of our Club.

 

He volunteered endlessly for the benefit of the local rowing community .

 

As is often the case, other interests and skills that many were unaware of were revealed by speakers at his memorial. These included a longtime passion for soccer (he came close to national selection as a player ), a love of chess and music.

Rodney was also a close friend, mentor and father-figure to many young people.

 

Vale Rodney – we’ll miss your quirky style and your boundless enthusiasm.

I will just add that there was much more to Rodney than just rowing, although there was that. The sweetest nature and the kindest soul. It was my privilege to have been his friend.