IN MEMORIAM remembering Larry Cabot
Alan Day
Larry Cabot grew up just up the street from the Cambridge Boat Club and was a part of rowing on the Charles River for most of his 74 years . He rowed at the Belmont Hill School , at Harvard , and at the Cambridge Boat Club . For more than 40 years he coached the crew at the Buckingham , Browne & Nichols School . His death this past year left a big hole in the Charles River rowing family .
Larry was the best of the sport of rowing , the Head Of The Charles , and the city of Cambridge . His quiet confidence , dedication to success , and easy compassion made everyone around him the better for knowing him . At Cambridge Boat Club events , he was always at the bar , ensuring everyone was happy and safe . He led nearly every committee at the club at one time or another . It was the same at the Head Of The Charles : he rowed , coached , and helped in countless ways in running the regatta over the years .
At BB & N , he taught as well as coached , and inspired his students to learn and to live life well and fully . Speaking at Larry ’ s memorial , a former student told of how Larry was a source of both inspiration and support in the French class they had together , and how that teacher-student relationship flowered into a deep friendship in the years they shared as fellow club members and oarsmen .
At Larry ’ s memorial I sat between two of his childhood friends who recounted boyhood exploits and pranks with a mixture of laughter and tears at having had the fortune of such a good lifetime buddy . Larry had a rare ability to make and keep friends for a lifetime , friends who loved his gift for loving life , and respected Larry ’ s ability to live with honor and dedication .
Away from the water , Larry loved going to the opera , and filled his life playing the classical guitar and creating model boats . He was a proud and loving father to his daughters , Heloise and Eleonore . And he had a lifetime love affair with his wife Joelle . For those of us who knew them , it was like watching a romantic movie , so sweet and kind was their relationship .
Larry was a huge contributor to the Head Of The Charles since its earliest years . He served us as a Trustee and dedicated volunteer every year without fail . The Regatta is the success it is today because of the dedication and abilities of people like Larry . We are the better for knowing him as a friend . We are grateful for having had him amongst us . We miss him .
Alan Day is the senior co-race director of the 2010 head of the charles regatta .
2010 Head Of The Charles 39