Our community is saddened to hear of the passing of former Rowing Australia Chief Executive Officer and prominent Western Australia rowing identity Robert ‘Bob’ Hemery (1932-2023).
Bob was heavily involved with the Swan River Rowing Club for many years from the late 1960s as a rower, then later in administration and as a referee, before moving to Melbourne in the 1980s.
Bob Hemery (front row, third from left) as part of the 1972 Olympic team.
He became the manager of the Australian Rowing Team at multiple Olympic Games and was also active within Commonwealth Games teams.
From 1992-94 he served as CEO of Rowing Australia and in 2000 was awarded an Australian Sports Medal for outstanding service as an official.
Later in life he was an active Masters rower and always retained his love and passion for the sport. His family said he passed away peacefully and retained his smile until nearly the end.
Rowing Australia passes on its gratitude for his years of service to the sport and condolences to his family. Some of his rowing highlights include (full bio can be found at Australian Rowing History):
1961-63 Secretary ARAWA; 1964 Co-founder of ARAWA Regatta Control Panel; 1964 Team manager WA rowing team; 1965-67 President ARAWA; 1965 Australian rowing umpire and later a FISA umpire; 1965-73 WA Councillor to Rowing Australia; 1968 Olympic Games, Rowing Section Manager; 1972 Olympic Games, Rowing Section Manager; 1992-94 CEO Rowing Australia; 2000 Australian Sports Medal for outstanding service as an official; 2001 Centenary Medal for long service to the community through sports administration and participation.