Rowing Tasmania is saddened to learn of the passing of David Rattray.

David (McVilly Pearce Pin #184) was inducted as a Life Member of Rowing Tasmania in 1990 in recognition of his many years of involvement with rowing as a champion coxswain, coach, administrator, umpire and tireless supporter of rowing in Tasmania and at national and international levels.

Ratty, as he was affectionately known, passed away in Hobart on January 13, 2026. He was 88.

David had a long involvement with the Buckingham Rowing Club and was a Life Member of the club. He began his active rowing involvement as a student at The Friends’ School, coxing their first and second fours.

He was also a life member of the Tasmanian Olympic Council.

Rowing Australia has published an obituary about David and his involvment in rowing on its website here.

An extensive profile of David’s involvement and contribution to rowing has been co-ordinated by Rowing Australia historian Andrew Guerin and published on the Australian Rowing History website. You can read the profile here.

Rowing Tasmania extends our sympathy to David’s family and friends. He will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Ratty.

• David’s funeral will be on Tuesday 27^th January, 1pm at Millingtons Funeral Home, 151 Main Rd, Moonah. Light refreshments at Millingtons after the funeral will be followed by a wake at New Town Bay Rowing Centre, Marine Esplanade, New Town.

David 'Ratty' Rattray coxing Buckingham Rowing Club's 1970 coxed four. The crew was Tasmanian and Australian Champions and Australian representatives at the World Championships in St Catherine, Canada. From the bow: Vic Gibson, Reg Free, Tim McKay, Roger Manton (s) and David Rattray (c). Picture supplied by Buckingham Rowing Club.

David Rattray with the Buckingham Rowing Club crew that won the 2021 Tasmanian State Championships Senior Men's  Coxed Eight. Back, from left: Jock Mure (coach), Luke Haas, Tom Messer, Joseph Wilson, Lucas Wigston, Hamish Johnston, Jarrod Connolly, Christie Crow (coach). Front: Daisy Pilkington (cox), Jacob Crow, David Rattray, Alec Patterson. Picture supplied by BRC