Rowing Canada Aviron sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Toronto Star Olympic sport reporter Randy Starkman. Randy passed away today after a brief illness.
Randy was a great friend of rowing. He always took the time to find out what our athletes and coaches were doing on the world stage, and in their communities.
"Randy was so good to the rowers and always tried to paint a picture of a personal nature rather than just a generic athlete," said two-time Olympian Darcy Marquardt. "We will miss him greatly."
Not only was Randy a fixture in every Olympic rowing mixed zone, but he often visited the training centres, spending time getting to know the coaches, athletes and even staff.
"Randy Starkman was not only the best amateur sports reporter in Canada, he was also a great guy and friend," said Olympic gold medalist Brian Price. "While visiting the team in Victoria prior to the 2008 games in Beijing he brought me a copy of the book 'Chrysanthemum,' knowing that I had a young daughter. It was one the books that he used to read to his daughter (Ella) when she was young. Just so thoughtful... I'll be reading that story to both my daughters tonight to honour him."
More on Randy Starkman?s life can be found on the Toronto Star web site.