Builder

Peter King - 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee

Peter King
Induction Year: 2025 
Category: Builder

Peter King got his start in rowing as an athlete while attending Western University where he rowed under legendary coach Doc Fitz-James. Following his graduation, he moved to Ottawa where he would begin a 50+ year association with the Ottawa Rowing Club. From his home in Ottawa, he held numerous volunteer leadership positions and roles over the years, contributing to the growth of rowing at regional, provincial, and national levels.

“I am honoured to be inducted into the Row Ontario Hall of Fame and stand with so many outstanding individuals who have contributed to this great sport,” said King “I owe a great deal to the people with whom I have worked, including  Doc Fitz-James, Rick Fearn, Wes Kuran, and the coaches and builders in the ORA (as it then was) member clubs. I can look back with joy at over 50 years of adventure that included many wonderful events; coaching and watching athletes succeed in their endeavours, experiencing the physical exhilaration of competition, and forming lifelong friendships. I hope others will have similar rewarding experiences.”

Throughout his involvement in rowing King demonstrated the capacity to lead and to work with others at local, provincial, national, and international levels, developing new systems, regattas, and events. He served on many amateur sport committees from 1969-2001, including 21 years on the Board of Row Ontario (including President from 1993-96), three stints as President of the Ottawa Rowing Club, Vice President of RCA (1971-74) and Vice President of the Sport Alliance of Ontario (1997-2001). Under his leadership, the Ottawa Rowing Club, which was struggling to survive, turned the corner and launched a period of sustained growth and success. When the future of the then CAAO (now RCA) faced insolvency following the 1967 Centennial Regatta, King was able to provide a solution.

Similarly, when the ORA was faced with funding cuts and discussed dissolution, he was instrumental in persuading the members not to lose faith in its future. He also initiated the Head of the Rideau Regatta in 1974 which continues to be run today and in 1977 welcomed Queen Elizabeth II to the regatta as a spectator.

King was an accomplished writer and publisher of rowing articles and periodicals as well. For decades, he was the editor of Catch Magazine, a national magazine that was considered the voice of rowing in Canada. Catch Magazine noted Canadian international and club achievements, reported on results from regattas across Canada and published coaching material and other pertinent interests of the day. In 1987, the Canada Sports Federation voted Catch Magazine as the best amateur sports magazine in Canada. Additionally, he wrote the first commercially published history of rowing in 1980 and, also in 1980, he spearheaded an initiative for Canada Post to issue a commemorative stamp featuring rowing. In 1994, he co-authored a second history on rowing in Canada.

In addition to his accomplishments as a builder, King was a successful athlete, coach and umpire. He earned Henley gold medals in 1968 and 1970, and qualified for the 1971 Pan Am team trials. He also coached from 1971 to 1993 and helped lead the crews he coached to many regional, provincial, CSSRA and Henley podiums. In addition to his athletic and coaching pursuits, he umpired at many international events, including five World Championships and the 1987 Pan American Games.

Career Highlights

  • Succeeded in countless volunteer roles at the local, provincial, national and international levels throughout his 50+ year involvement in rowing, including: 21 years on the Row Ontario Board of Directors (President 1993-96), Three stints as President of the Ottawa Rowing Club, Vice President of RCA (1971-74), Vice President of Sport Alliance of Ontario (1997-2001)
  • An accomplished writer and publisher of rowing articles and periodicals:For decades was the editor and publisher of Catch Magazine, which was voted the best amateur sports magazine by Canada Sports Federation in 1987, Wrote the first commercially published history of rowing in 1980 and a second in 1994, Spearheaded an initiative in 1980 for Canada Post to issue a commemorative stamp featuring rowing
  • Initiated the Head of the Rideau Regatta in 1974 and in 1977 welcomed Queen Elizabeth II to the regatta as a spectator
  • In addition to his accomplishments as builder, Peter was a successful athlete, coach and umpire: Earned Henley Gold medals in 1968 and 1970, Coached from 1971 – 1993 at the Ottawa Rowing Club, Umpired at many international events including five World Rowing Championships and the 1987 Pan Am Games