Clive Steenson - Te Awamutu Rowing Club Tribute
Clive Steenson
7 June 1946–28 May 2021
A member of Te Awamutu Rowing Club since 1966, Clive laid the foundations of today’s club, quite literally, as he was the driving force in constructing the present-day clubhouse. As president and captain, he built the club into a rowing force that punched well above its weight nationally, and he kept the club running through the 1990s when members were few on the ground.
Clive had a successful career as a Club rower during the 70s and 80s, and added to those achievements as the coach of many School, Club and Masters crews. For those aspiring to wear black – Graham Oberlin-Brown, Hannah Osborne and Luka Ellery – he dedicated countless hours on and off the water. Hannah Osborne remembers Clive as the life blood of Te Awamutu Rowing Club. "He was such a passionate man who had given his life to the sport. He spent countless hours coaching or spending time tuning a boat just right. He gave 100% to every person that he coached in his time, effort and care. His club was his family which he loved so very much. Clive has been a huge part of my life, instilled values and the passion for rowing, and almost told me his top secret rowing tricks".
But there was so much more to Clive than rowing. A hard-working businessman, he established Clive Steenson Plumbing and Te Awamutu Bin Hire. His other passions included rugby and anything mechanical, especially motor cycles, and he was always interested in the latest developments in science and technology.
While the rowing community claims Clive as family, we could only come second to Clive’s partner, Sue, his daughters, Marsha and Yvette, and his five grandchildren to whom he was totally dedicated.
Graham Oberlin-Brown recalls Clive’s passion for whatever he did: "Whether it was rowing, plumbing, time with family, trips away in the caravan, or the thrill of home baking to feed his sweet tooth, when you are engaged and enjoy what you do, you will be balanced and work doesn’t feel like work". There is no better way to sum up Clive’s legacy to Te Awamutu Rowing Club, the wider rowing community and all who knew him.