Umpire

Max McDonald - 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee

Max McDonald
Induction Year: 2022
Category: Builder

Row Ontario’s first ever President, Max McDonald, started his involvement in rowing in 1955 as a member of the Leander Boat Club. Soon after he started, he moved to London and joined the London Rowing Club where he would become a pillar of the local rowing scene and serve in many important roles throughout the Ontario rowing community.

“I’m honoured and proud to receive this unexpected award,” said McDonald. “It was always my pleasure to be involved in the sport of rowing at all levels. I’m very humbled to be acknowledged in this way and know that my efforts were part of the improvement of the sport and its worldwide accomplishments. However, I was not alone in the development and elevation of rowing, I must also thank Joe Lyttle and the late Claude Saunders for their support and involvement as well. I have always liked to offer my assistance in the field of rowing whenever possible.”

After rowing at the LRC for several years, McDonald took on a leadership role at the club, becoming head coach as well as joining the executive committee. This was the first of many volunteer positions for McDonald in the Ontario rowing community throughout the 1960’s which led to him being named the Ontario Rowing Association’s first President in 1970 (now Row Ontario). Despite initial hesitations from some clubs, the ORA was formed in large part due to McDonald acting as a conduit between the clubs, the government, and the regional associations. He was also instrumental in obtaining government funding for the first ever Ontario Rowing Championships, which preceded the formation of the ORA, and was a big step in bringing the Ontario rowing community together for an annual championship event.

McDonald served two terms (four years) as ORA President until 1974. During his time as President, the numbers of rowing clubs in Ontario grew by over 50% from the initial nine in in 1970 to 14 in 1974. While he no longer had an official role with the ORA, McDonald remained involved in rowing for almost 50 more years thanks to volunteer positions with CORA, and the CSSRA. With CORA, McDonald served as the London Rowing Club rep, as well as the Secretary from 1963-90, and the Treasurer from 1963-2013. His roles at the CSSRA included being a Director and Club Representative, as well as Vice President in 1966 and President in 1970-71. He was also a Director with Sport Ontario for four years from 1969-73.

At the national level, McDonald was the team manager for the 1968 Olympic Team and spent time on the RCA Board as the Grants Chairman. In addition to all his administrative roles, McDonald was also an accomplished umpire, first obtaining his umpiring license in the 1960’s and umpiring at local, regional, provincial, national and international events for many years. The highlight of his umpiring came in 1970 when he umpired at the World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines and served as a member of the Control Commission.

Career Highlights

  • First President of Ontario Rowing Association (1970), was instrumental in forming ORA, acted as conduit between clubs, government and regional associations
  • Helped organize and obtained funding for first ever Ontario Rowing Championships (1968)
  • Served two terms as ORA President until 1974, the number of rowing clubs In Ontario grew from 9 to 14 during his terms
  • Volunteered in many other roles in rowing including:
    • London Rowing Club Rep with CORA, also served as CORA Secretary (1963-90) and Treasurer (1963 – 2013)
    • Director and Club Rep with CSSRA, also served as Vice President (1966) and President (1970-71)
    • Head coach and member of Executive Committee at London Rowing Club for many years
    • Team Manager of 1968 Olympic rowing team
    • Grants Chairman on RCA Board of Directors