More than 400 members of Cambridge University Boat Club, together with family, friends and members of the wider rowing community, gathered on Friday 30 October 2026 to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Donald Legget (Goldie 1962, Blue Boat 1963 and 1964, CUBC Coach 1968-2026).
In a tribute befitting a man who devoted more than half a century to Cambridge rowing, attendees assembled at Goldie Boathouse before processing to Great St Mary’s, the University Church, for a Service of Thanksgiving. The procession reflected the generations of athletes whose journeys he helped shape.
The service was led by the Reverend Canon Jutta Brueck, Vicar of Great St Mary’s. Music was provided by a specially assembled choir, including former CUBC oarsmen coached by Donald over the decades. The choir was convened and directed by Matthew Holland (Blue Boat 2017, 2019).
Rousing, amusing and exceptionally heartfelt tributes were shared by:
- Patrick Delafield (Blue Boat 1966, 1967, 1968; President 1968)
- Edward Legget
- Angus McChesney
- Kyle Coveney (Goldie 2004, 2005, 2006)
- Steve Berger (Blue Boat 1983, 1984; President 1984)
Together, their reflections painted a picture of Donald as a glittering shadow: always there guiding, encouraging and supporting others, never seeking recognition for himself and always giving far more than he received.
Readings were delivered by Simon Hatcher (Blue Boat 2025, 2026; President 2027) and Stephen Peel (Blue Boat 1985, 1986, 1987; President 1987).
Following the service, guests gathered at the Cambridge Union for a reception, where a formal toast to Donald was led by Rob Baker, Chief Men’s Coach.
While Donald’s absence will be profoundly felt, his legacy lives on in the thousands of students he coached, inspired and supported.
αῦτά τέ μοι τελέσαι πῆξαί τ ̓ ἐπὶ τύμβῳ ἐρετμόν,
τῷ καὶ ζωὸς ἔρεσσον ἐὼν μετ ̓ ἐμοῖς ἑτάροισιν.…and plant upon my grave mound the oar
with which I rowed in life
among my crewmates.— Odyssey Book 11, 51–83
Images from the memorial are available to alumni and members of Donald’s family for their personal use. For commercial use of images, please contact photographer Nordin Catic at nordin@nordincatic.com.