We are very sad to learn of the death of Richard Norton, who passed away peacefully last weekend after battling with Parkinson’s disease for a number of years.

Richard was one of the best oarsman Hertford has ever produced, winning the Silver Goblets at HRR in 1959 with pairs’ partner Hugh Scurfield. The duo went on to represent Great Britain at the European Championships that same year, where they placed 4th.

The booklet Richard wrote on their experience in the pair, ‘In search of the Goblets’, is a fascinating read and the pair racing at Henley was described by the HRR archivist as follows:

RB Norton and HH Scurfield of Hertford College Oxford won the Goblets, their races being noted for their exceptionally high rating, starting at around 45, rarely dropping below 38 and finishing at over 40.

Richard became a stalwart of the Boat Club Society over many, many years, including a stint as Chariman. In this role he was instrumental in getting a new boathouse built for Hertford at Long Bridges. He also became an evangelist for Thames traditional boats, participating in the Vogalonga in Venice on multiple occasions and championing the creation of City Barge in Oxford.

He will be sadly missed by HCBC and the Society. There will be a private funeral on 5th August. The family invite donations to be made in his memory to Parkinson’s UK.