Remembering Referee Lloyd McDonald

We are deeply saddened to hear that Lloyd McDonald passed away Friday, March 5, in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was 67.

"We lost an incredible member of our Referee Corps," said Jules Zane, Director of Member Service and Referee Programs. "As USRowing staff, we got to work closely with Lloyd at many of our championships. Had the pandemic not canceled last year's national championships, Lloyd would have been our chief referee for that event. He brought knowledge and kindness to complicated events, and it was always a joy to work with him. His loss is one we will notice and feel for a very long time and is one that has profoundly saddened our team. We will miss him."

An active referee for over 20 years and recipient of the Julian Wolf Award in 2012, McDonald contributed to the corps, the sport, and the success of so many of our events. To commemorate his work, a couple of fellow referees have shared memories of McDonald:

"I met Lloyd about 20 years ago working up at Lake Quinsigamond. I don't recall the exact event, but what stood out that day was working with Lloyd. Working with him always made you better. You had to perform. He expected everyone to perform, including himself. He always was looking to help others be better, while always working to be better himself. I'll miss my good friend, his booming voice, his laugh, how he would needle me about whatever was going on at the time. He will be missed by all, but we have some wonderful memories of the time we spent together, and we are all the better for knowing Lloyd." - John MusialLloyd McDonald

"When I think of Lloyd, I remember a person that was always kind and never seemed to lose his cool. He was a person that was happy just being at the regatta site and accepted any assignment and was a great mentor to so many of our current referees. When it was decided that mega trials was going to be combined with nationals for the first time, the referee committee asked Lloyd to be the chief referee of nationals. We knew that he could manage all aspects of a complicated regatta with style and grace." - Lyn Wylder

McDonald will be missed by all of us at USRowing.

For McDonald's obituary, click here.