Killcare loses another old time member

Killcare Surf Life Saving Club has farewelled another old time club member, with the recent death of Mr Alan Cameron.

Club president Mr Peter Bagnall reflected on the life of Mr Cameron and his contribution to Killcare SLSC over the years.

"Alan was a former old time member, boat captain, sweep and rower of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s when Killcare was a real force in branch and NSW surf boat competition.

"As the Cameron family in the early days were involved in fishing, it was no wonder boat rowing was selected for competition as surf carnivals in lieu of beach sprinting," Mr Bagnall said.

"After the war, a fishing boat was donated to the club and altered to suit four rowers and was christened Blue Bottle.

"Killcare had great success in branch carnivals, with Alan spending plenty of time on the podium.

"The early 1950s saw Killcare purchase a secondhand double-ended boat from a Sydney club, Blue Bottle II.

"Alan Cameron was one of the sweeps and rowers of this team which always placed and proved a real threat in major competition.

"Killcare had some wonderful rowers and they proved their ability by winning a major event at Terrigal, including boats from Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney at the Australian titles even with a capsize in one of the heats.

"In early 1960s, a new tuck-stern boat was built for Killcare and named Blue Bottle III, and once again Alan was the sweep.

"Over that period many races were won and the crew was very well respected.

"Over the years, Alan kept a keen interest in Killcare SLSC, especially if we had boat crews.

"Even up until two years ago Alan would come down to the club most afternoons, just for a chat."

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 17 Aug 2018

Peter Bagnall, Killcare SLSC