It is with great sadness that I have to report that Sally Lawrence passed away on the afternoon of May Day.
She was diagnosed with cancer 8 weeks ago and had come home from hospital to be with her family and her cats for the last fortnight.
Sally worked tirelessly for Lea RC, as an organiser, a cox, secretary, accountant and was key to ensuring that both Lea Regattas were successful and fun.
In 2014 she agreed to become Secretary to ERRC to which role she brought energy, insight, doggedness and a wholly individual and positive personality which changed the way we worked.
She became key to the running of Regional and National events to which she brought her eye for detail and that inability to leave a job unfinished which is key to success.
Sally Lawrence was to be awarded the British Rowing Medal of Merit at this year’s ceremony and we will celebrate her life and work in time.
It is sometimes said that no-one is irreplaceable, but Sally is. Sally was a true friend to the sport, she was a friend to many, many in the rowing community. She was my friend.
Rest In Peace, Sally.
So sorry to hear this news. Sally was a hard working supporter for our region, and the sport of rowing.
My condolences to Sally’s family and friends, and to Lea RC, who have lost a wonderful member.
Simon
Before Sally, Lea’s regatta entry forms were an annual nightmare for me as Regatta Treasurer at Peterborough. Once Sally had taken charge they were completely transformed for the better. As Sally came to affect and effect events and procedures well beyond the confines of Lea RC it was apparent that she had exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills. Sally will be sorely missed. My condolences to her family.
So sorry to hear this. Sally was an good internet friend around regatta organising time and a fine opponent on the water. All the best to her family
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Sally’s passing.
She epitomised Lea Rowing Club and the wider world of rowing with her commitment, hard work and sense of fun.
On a personal basis I seem to have known Sally for a very long time and although to her I was just another rowing colleague whenever I met her on the Regatta circuit, no matter how busy she was, she would always find time for a few words and a catch up.
I do know that she loved to come to our Regatta and delighted in bringing her Lea colleagues to our special event.
We shall all miss her
Had the privilege of working alongside Sally at BRIC what an incredible person. Lea RC and her family will be held in our thoughts today.
So shocked to hear this terribly sad news. Sally was one of those event organisers who would go the extra mile to be a ‘can do’ rather than a ‘can’t do’ entries Secretary. On behalf of Weybridge Rowing Cub juniors over many years, thank you Sally. Sincerely felt condolence to her family.
What a shock and a great loss to the rowing community, Sally was a great personality of our sport and will be missed. Thoughts are with her family and friends.
Sally was well known to us at Broxbourne RC as a great organiser, and opponent but most of all friend. She will be sadly missed by us all and the rowing world has lost a great asset. Our condolences to her family, friends and all at Lea RC, RIP
At Milton Keynes we were so saddened to hear of Sally’s passing. She was always willing to help others and find time in her busy schedule to give advice and support or just for a friendly chat. Our deepest condolences to her family.
Thanks to Sally that week, not so good at giving instructions or it so strong! at rowing woman managed to cox men’s 8 and be part of a rowing club that I never thought I could be a part of. Thank you Sally. Be free, happy and be as you always are, fun where ever you are now.
This is terribly sad news. I will always remember Sally for her patience and great help with the many Cantabs junior entries we entered into Lea Autumn regatta. She made it such an enjoyable event for the juniors that we came back year after year. Such a great organiser who will be sadly missed
Sad to hear this news today. I got to know Sally at the ERRC Coaching workshops and her patience and helpful manner in supporting our juniors during the clubs Regatta at the start of the new season. She will be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
Sally was wonderful, helpful and friendly, a real loss, I will remember her very fondly and with a smile, a real inspiration and hopefully we will get to celebrate her life together soon, my warmest wishes to Sally’s family, friends and Lea RC from Amanda and Broxbourne RC
Hello: I went to graduate school at the University of Tennessee with Sally and have been friends with her since 1982. Quite an odd match we were as friends-an Englishwoman whose accent took a while to understand and me a young southern US man. And we hit it right off!!
I was fortunate to keep in touch with her all these years. I remember her coming over to the US and bringing her young son Henry so he and my family could visit the Houston Livestock and Rodeo in Texas. Those kids never had so much fun! My wife and I were fortunate enough to visit her and her family in London in 1988 also. I managed to see her a few more times on my trips to GB and Europe throughout the years. Unfortunately I had not learned of her illness in time to talk to her before she passed-for this I am eternally saddened. Sally holds a special place in my heart and my tears flow freely for her…God bless and rest in peace.
Thank you, Rick, for this lovely note. We share your sadness.