News

Posted: 11 February, 2022

George Warnock

Scottish Rowing was sorry to hear of the recent passing of Glasgow Rowing Club's George Warnock. George will be known to many across the rowing community as a hugely talented and committed coach who has worked with some of Scotland's leading athletes and crews over many years.

The funeral has been arranged for Monday 14th February at 2pm at the Linn Crematorium in Glasgow. All are welcome. Family flowers only please however donations can be made to the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.

The following tribute has been written by Sandy Walker.

George came to Glasgow University from Shrewsbury in 1963 and was in a successful Scottish eight in 1964. This was followed by an exceptional sporting career at Glasgow University with success for GUBC in Senior Eights at Ostend regatta (the first ever Scottish continental win in eights), winning the Scottish Amateur Heavyweight boxing championship, full blues in rowing and boxing, and a half blue in rugby and Glasgow University Athlete of the year in 1967. On graduating he was in the Glasgow Argonauts eight which won the eights race for Scotland at the Home International Regatta in Wales.

In the 1970s, having started in a teaching career, he moved into a coaching role. He would coach any club member who asked for his help and was particularly focused on those seeking performance at a high level with his athletes achieving success at Junior and Senior World events, the Commonwealth Regatta, as well as the Home International Regatta and Henley. Polly Swann was one of the last in a long line of international athletes who were coached by George.

George was a founder member of Glasgow Rowing Club, playing a full part in club activities be it competing in a veteran four or fitting out the new clubhouse and all the while lending his coaching expertise to club members. 

He will be missed by GRC members. Sympathy to Laura and the family.