A Tribute to David Roberts (OKS 1963)

David Robert (OKS 1963) Tribute  

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of David Roberts (OKS 1963), the cherished former rowing coach at King’s School.

David was a student at King’s from 1955 to 1963, where he shone as the star oarsman in the early 1960s. He was inspired by Arnold Cooke and David Latham, both of whom rowed for Great Britain. He had the benefit of rowing alongside them in the 1st VIII when he was just 15 years old.

In his final year at King’s, he secured a place at St. Catherine’s Colllege, Cambridge to study English, and was both the Captain of Boats and Head Boy.

At Cambridge, David was a very successful oarsman both for his college and for the university. He reached the final of the Visitors Cup at Henley in his first year and in his second year, 1965, he won his blue and rowed for Cambridge in the boat race. That year he also won the Cambridge University Magdalene Pairs. In 1966 he was the Secretary of CUBC but did not retain his seat in the Blue Boat. It was to his great credit that he enthusiastically took on the role of Captain and leader of the Goldie crew that year.

After completing his studies, David went to Phillips Exeter Academy in the United States to teach English and to coach rowing. He allegedly led a hedonistic lifestyle, and was known for racing his E-type Jaguar along country roads against a fellow rowing blue and college friend in an Aston Martin DB6!

The next chapter of his life took him to New York, where he resided in Greenwich Village while working at American Express headquarters. He advanced his career by moving to Time Warner, where he held a number of very senior positions. Throughout his years in New York, David remained devoted to The King’s School Rowing Club, serving, when his high powered job permitted, as the Henley coach for King’s crews.

David was instrumental in organising the first trans-Atlantic visits of KSRC to the Head of the Charles in Boston. He secured sponsorship, accommodation, and rowing facilities, and this event has since become a highlight in the King’s Rowing calendar, all driven by David’s vision.

He and his wife and young family ultimately returned to London during the 1990s, where he continued with strategic assignments for Time Warner. After retiring, he initially moved to Henley and then to Chester, where he quickly became a valued member of the coaching team at KSRC, taking special responsibility for the 2nd VIII.

David was immensely popular among the crews he coached; they fondly recount stories about his humour, his ability to inspire, and the joy of rowing under his guidance. He dedicated his time and enthusiasm over the years, and it was not just about his exceptional coaching. He fostered a love for a challenging sport, instilling self-belief in boys and girls of all abilities to reach their potential. They all had a great time and left with treasured memories and stories that would last a lifetime.

He will be greatly missed by his friends, family, crewmates, and the many rowers fortunate enough to have known him. The whole King’s community extends heartfelt condolences to all who mourn him.