HOWARD COPPING
1927 – 2024
Ross Rowing Club is mourning the loss of it’s oldest member today. Howard Copping died on Saturday, 22nd June, shortly after his 97th birthday.
Howard was a remarkably successful oarsman and sculler with a length of competing years that can scarcely have been equalled, beginning at Shrewsbury Junior IVs in 1952 and ending at Henley Masters Regatta 64 years later in June 2017 – in a quad scull that was specially put together to celebrate his 90th birthday.
He became an elite oarsman, competing with great success home and abroad, lastly at the World Masters at Zagreb in an F iv+ in 2008. It is rumoured that he was invited to compete in the Diamond Sculls at Henley, but was unable to do so as his employers refused to give him the day off!
He was twice club captain and was subsequently made a life member. Howard’s last regular racing crew was between 2004 and 2008 when he rowed at 3 in a successful E/Fiv +. His watermanship was superb and his enthusiasm undimmed. He shared his huge experience gladly with his younger crew members – with an age difference in the boat of 27 years!
At his last race at Henley ( a G ivx stroked by his son Tigsy ) not only did the crowd cheer him down the whole of the course but the opposing crew sang “ Happy Birthday to You” as he crossed the finish line.
After his competing days were done , Howard and his late wife Angie helped annually at Ross Regatta in the umpires tent, smartly dressed as ever. He will be much missed. Ross RC has lost one its very best.
I would like to acknowledge Brian Dean, Jeremy Whitehouse , Dave Wood and Julie Smith for their careful research in their recent club history which enabled Howard’s early career to be remembered as it deserves. More can be found there. Many thanks.
Mike Jones
