Hall of Fame

1993 Hall of Fame Inductees

Gerald "Gerry" Lewis (Stroke Oar)
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There are few, if any, oarsmen who, in the 165 year history of the St John's Annual Regatta, can equal `Gerry' Lewis's lengthy service of participation in that historic event.

Fewer still, who can match his consistently stellar performance as one of the foremost oarsmen at the stroke position. His inspiring leadership in giving direction and purpose to the members of his crews is reflected in his personal accomplishment, in having stroked to victory seven Championship crews in the seven annual St John's Regattas extending from 1958 to 1964. That proud and meritorious achievement was made possible for Gerry and his mates by the encouraging sponsorship rule played by the Trucking firm of William Summers Junior.

The public's concept of a performing stroke oarsman is an individual of imposing stature, a muscled giant of a man, born not only to lead but dominate his crew. Gerry Lewis certainly doesn't conform to that description. In fact he is the direct antithesis of the common acceptance of the ideal stroke oar. Gerry Lewis is small in stature. His physical make-up belies the compact energy stored in such a small frame. However, in a race boat he was energy and ability personified. A quiet unassuming individual his leadership as stoke oar was made manifest by the example he himself showed through personal effort expended during a race. Wholehearted co-operation by his crew with crowning victories became the inevitable reward.

Gerald `Gerry' Lewis was born at Salmonier, St. Mary's Bay, April lst. 1928. He was enrolled at Mount Cashel Orphanage at an early age. From the very outset he became interested in sports and showed particular aptitude for athletics. He became a member of both the Baseball and Softball teams representing Mount Cashel in local leagues. On leaving mount Cashel he found employment with several St John's firms associated with the Trucking industry to eventually join the trucking firm of William Summers Junior. His rowing career began in 1953. In the St John's Regatta that year he stroked to victory, in the Mercantile race, a crew sponsored by Lawlor's, an auspicious beginning of a career that would span participation in sixteen St John's Annual Regattas and climax by his stroking the William Summers Jr crew to seven Regatta championships.

Following his retirement, as an active oarsman, Gerry Lewis was featured in a Flashback article which appeared in the Evening Telegram. Queried as to the underlying reason for for the overall success of the Summer's' crew, he is quoted as having said: "The secret of our success as a crew was timing. All crew members had to get their oars in and out of the water at exactly the same time. Of course (he continued) you can add to that a little pride and determination to your effort - that helps".

The accompanying performance sheets reflecting Gerry Lewis's's impressive record, provide far more compellingly, and certainly more effectively than this written submission, the reason why Gerry Lewis is deservedly qualified for acceptance and induction in the St John's Regatta Hall of Fame. The proposer respectfully commands it to the attention of the Committee.