RIP John Buchan a great servant and enthusiast in the world of rowing

Peterborough City Rowing Club chairman John Canton said: “John committed much of his life to the sport of rowing as a rower, coach, umpire and administrator.

“He made a huge impact both at the club and nationally through his work with the Amateur Rowing Association.”

Having learned to row at Aberdeen University in the early 1950s, John joined the Peterborough club a few years later when his career brought him to the city. He became a mechanical engineering lecturer at the technical college.

“In the early 1960s John switched his attention to coaching,” explained Mr Canton. “He helped with the development of young talent and focussed mainly on coaching sculling technique.

“John had a no-nonsense style which undoubtedly brought the best out in his pupils and he also had great technical knowledge at a time when it was not widely understood how a boat should be set up for racing.”

John coached Peter Zeun, who went on to be a world champion in 1978 and 1980, and Mick Bates, who won for England in the Home Countries International in 1971 as well as several other national medal winners.

John’s involvement with the wider aspects of the sport started in 1978 when he took over as Divisional Representative for Bedford, Huntingdon and Peterborough.

John was on the executive committee of the national governing body of the sport for 18 years and served on sub-committees as well.

He was also closely involved in the design of the rowing lake at Thorpe Meadows.

“John was passionate about the expansion of the sport, with clear views, and was an articulate speaker so he had great value in his various roles,” added Mr Canton.

“Rowing has lost a great enthusiast and servant.”

John became a race umpire in 1981 until retirement when he reached the age of 70.

His great contribution to the sport was recognised with the Amateur Rowing Association Medal of Honour in 2001 and Presidency and Life Membership of Peterborough City Rowing Club.

John’s funeral is at Peterborough Crematorium tomorrow (Friday, Jan 31, noon).