News

Phil Cheeseman

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of club member and friend, Phil Cheeseman. We have lost a remarkable person who was an integral part of our rowing community.

Phil and his wife, Gill, came to the Gloucester area more than 20 years ago to be closer to their family. From the moment he joined Gloucester Rowing Club, he was determined to be involved in whatever needed doing both on and off the water. He was an active oarsman and always ready to lend a hand whether as impromptu groundsman or in organising events.

Stephen Rose, trustee of GBL and long time club member writes:

"As I look back on the first set of minutes after I rejoined the committee in 2003, I see that Phil was already a committee member. At that very meeting, he was presented with the President’s Award for his outstanding work around the clubhouse. This was just the beginning of his many years of dedicated service to our Club."

"Phil remained a committee member for four or five more years, during which time he and Brian Nelson were always available to help around the old boathouse, along the canal, and later, on the new site. His tireless efforts and commitment to our Club did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Phil was made a life member in 2018/19. The Club also named a boat after him, a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to our community."

Phil was not just a committed member of Gloucester Rowing Club; he was also a competent oarsman and an asset to crews he rowed with. He approached his sport with the same dedication and passion that he showed in everything else he did.

We will miss Phil's infectious enthusiasm, his kindness and his dedication to the Club. But his memory will be with us, reminding us of the tremendous impact that one person can have on a community.


Phil Cheeseman (left) with fellow club members at Zagreb FISA Masters Regatta 2006 

Rest in peace, Phil. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.