Bill Tooker

Inducted into the Brockville and Area Sports Hall of Fame: June 15th, 2001

Bill Tooker grew up in Brockville and attended local schools. Played all minor sports, baseball, hockey and at B.C.I., football and basketball. Bill began rowing in 1945 and in 1947, rowed at the Canadian Henley. Served on the executive for 12 years, president 1968, 69 and 71. It was during his presidency that the B.R.C. became incorporated.

Bill was a chartered member of the B.R.C. “Old Boys Association” 1960. He became a licensed Canadian Referee in 1967 and a licensed International Judge in 1970. Bill would represent Canada as a judge at 5 world rowing championships, 1 Olympics, 1 Pan-American Games and 1 Northwest International Regatta. He also officiated at 14 Canadian Henleys, 8 Canadian and 8 Ontario Championships.

He trained and licensed Canadian Referees for 5 years. In 1980, he received the “Centennial Medal” in honour of the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Association of Amateur Oarsmen, now called Rowing Canada. In 1994, Bill Tooker received a 50-year pin.