Mr Derek Rickard – President of WEARA

A message from Bob Board, Honorary Secretary of the West of England Amateur Rowing Association (WEARA). 

‘It is with great sorrow I have to report the very sad death of our President Mr Derek Rickard.

Derek died as a result of an incident on the River Plym on Friday morning. His upturned scull was first sighted by a member of the public and an air and sea search instigated with tragic consequences.

Derek, a keen and popular sculler, was well known to all and a long standing member
of Plymouth Amateur Rowing Club. Further details are expected from the Plymouth club in due time. Meantime a news item has been posted on the BBC Devon website.

The association offers sincere condolences to Derek’s family, friends and club members. As a mark of respect, Dave Woods the Exeter Regatta Secretary, called for a minutes silence at the Exeter Regatta on Saturday 2nd August.’

Di Ellis, ARA Chairman, wished to add the sincere condolences of the ARA to WEARA on the loss of their President, and to Derek’s family.