Club Founder Dies
Fellow rowers and friends,
It is with great sadness and respect that I wanted to let you know that the founder and first president of the Des Moines Rowing Club, Jamie Wade, passed away Monday, September 26, 2005. Jamie founded the club in 1983, together with fellow rower Jeff Dodge and the help of Councilman Ric Jorgensen. Jamie was president for several years, then moved out of state, returning recently to Des Moines with his wife Marti and their two daughters.
Our friend and fellow rower, Susan Aden, had the honor of being with Jamie when he passed away. In the hours preceding, she was able to tell him of the great regatta day we all experienced on Saturday and to share the news that the board had voted to name a boat after him at our last board meeting. And like any good oarsman, Jamie was able to acknowledge her comments with a strong and sure grip. Jamie had often told Marti that he felt starting the Des Moines Rowing Club was one of his greatest life accomplishments. We all share in the benefit of his energy and vision.
In addition to the gift Jamie gave us in starting the club, he and his family have also requested that memorial contributions be made to Central Presbyterian Church or the Des Moines Rowing Club. Click on this link for Jamie’s obituary from the Des Moines Register.
The visitation is 5-7pm Thursday at Dunn’s Funeral Home (2121 Grand). The funeral is 11am Friday at Central Presbyterian Church (3829 Grand). I am planning to attend and will wear my club racing tank with black pants, so Marti will know the club is there in a show of support. I hope some of you may be able to attend as well.
If you cannot make it, please take a moment some time when you’re on the river over the next few weeks to acknowledge Jamie and the great gift he gave all of us. Jamie Wade was 57. When he died, he was wearing a Des Moines regatta T-shirt.
Yours in oars,
Julia Martinusen