VALE – Richard “Mick” Griffin OAM (4 May 1931 to 6 July 2026)

It is with much sadness we advise members that our esteemed life member Mick Griffin has passed away at the age of 95 on 6 July 2026. Mick joined the club in 1944/45 as a cadet, gaining his Bronze Medallion in 1947. Thereafter he maintained a close involvement with the club, both as a competitor and an administrator.

He enjoyed competition success in boats, R&R and March Past, winning Australian championships in both R&R and March Past and a Metropolitan championship in boats. He was instrumental in reviving the club’s March Past team in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, ultimately winning the Australian championship 7 times. His commitment as a competitor was matched by his dedication as an administrator at the club.

He was the club’s Treasurer for 21 years, General Committee member for 5 years, Race Secretary for 4 years and Club Handicapper for 5 years. He was also a founding member and long-time participant of the club’s House or Lords.

His service to the club was recognised in 1987 when he was awarded life membership. Along the way he was named Club Person of the Year in 1979 and 1980 and awarded the club Honour Blazer in 1984 and 2006. He was made a life member of Sydney Northern Beaches in 2008 and awarded an OAM for services to lifesaving in 2007.  He will be sadly missed.

Vale Mick

Please join the family in a celebration of Life for Mick this Saturday 11 July at 11 AM at Freshwater SLSC.

VALE – ALAN RICHARDSON (8 June 1931 – 3 July 2026)

Sadly Alan Richardson, the club’s longest standing life member, has passed away at the age of 95. Alan joined the club in the 1945-46 season, gaining his Qualification Certificate in 1945 and Bronze Medallion in 1947. He remained a continuous member since that time and was awarded his 80 year service award last year.

Alan was an active member of the club as both a competitor and administrator.  As a competitor he won numerous Branch, Metropolitan, State and Australian Championships in both R&R and March Past.  He won his first Australian gold as a member of the club’s Junior R&R team in 1949 and then, 40 years later, went on to win 5 Australian championships as a member of the club’s March Past team.

As an administrator he undertook many roles including Committee member (6 years), Branch Delegate (17 years), Race Secretary and Club Handicapper. His service to the club was recognised with his awarding of life membership in 1974. He will be sadly missed.

Alan’s Service and Ashes’s scattering will be on the Friday 31 July 11am at Freshwater SLSC.  Members and friends are welcome to join Alan’s family to celebrate Alan’s life.

Vale Alan