Peter Copland 1934 – 2025

In Memoriam: Peter Copland (July 19, 1934 – May 3, 2025)
Lifelong Athlete, Visionary Builder, Tireless Supporter of Canadian Rowing

Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Copland, a dedicated supporter and builder of Canadian rowing. He died peacefully at his home in Victoria, BC on May 3, 2025, at the age of 90.

Peter’s impact on Canadian rowing—both at the grassroots and national levels—was profound. A chemical engineer by training and a successful entrepreneur by trade, Peter was best known to the rowing community for his unwavering belief in the power of sport to build character, create opportunity, and unite people.

Originally from Toronto, Peter found success in business with the founding of Chinook Chemicals. But it was in Victoria, BC—after relocating with his wife Marilyn—that he turned his energy and resources to rowing. Reigniting his own passion for the sport, he returned to competition in the 1980s in Masters rowing and won gold at the World Masters Games. Just as important, he began laying the groundwork for what would become a transformative era for rowing in Canada.

Beginning in the late 1980s, Peter became a cornerstone supporter of the Canadian National Team. He and Marilyn were regular fixtures at domestic training camps and international regattas—always cheering, always contributing. Whether it was funding performance nutrition through the “Feed the Athlete” program, flipping pancakes at breakfast in the Elk Lake boathouse, or showing up in Lucerne, Switzerland to support the team, Peter’s dedication was deeply felt by the athletes.

Four-time Olympian and three-time Olympic Medalist, Silken Laumann, shared: “A favourite memory of mine is Peter and his wife Marilyn carrying two huge pots of homemade stew up to the boat house that Peter spent hours preparing. Peter wanted us to have nutritious food after practice, and he continued to feed us midday for the rest of the season. His generosity knew no bounds—he showed up with his whole heart. The rowing world has lost a champion of rowing, a friend, and a one-of-a-kind human.”

Peter wasn’t content to only support the top of the sport—he wanted to grow it from the ground up. Through Foundation 2000 Plus (later called GO Rowing & Paddling Association), which he founded and funded, Peter helped establish and equip rowing and paddling clubs in communities across the country, including Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club, Gorge Narrows Rowing Club, and the Fairway Gorge Paddling Club. His vision was to expand access, create opportunity, and build a stronger pipeline for Canada’s Olympic programs.

Many National Team athletes from the late 1990s and early 2000s also found post-career opportunities through the foundation, working to develop new clubs and programs. Peter’s generosity wasn’t limited to funds—he created a community around rowing that helped athletes thrive during and after their competitive careers.

He later served as Vice President of Administration for RCA, where his leadership helped make space for the success of RCA’s high performance program—ultimately setting the stage for some of Canada’s most iconic Olympic performances.

In 2017, Peter was inducted into the Canadian Rowing Hall of Fame—an honour that reflects not only what he gave to the sport, but the way in which he gave it: with heart and an unwavering belief in the athletes and their dreams.

Peter’s legacy lives on in the clubs he helped build, in the generations of athletes he supported, and in the enduring culture of generosity and excellence he inspired.

RCA extends its heartfelt condolences to Peter’s family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.

Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/timescolonist/name/peter-copland-obituary?id=58362511