Peter Spurrier, the indisputable father of modern rowing photography, passed away on April 18 at the age of 77, with his longtime partner Karon by his side.

Pete had a long and storied career as the dean of rowing photographers, starting in 1982 after having rowed in school and at British clubs. Pete's photographs have been published in countless newspaper, magazines, books, and websites; he was given an exhibit at the River & Rowing Museum in 2011, given a Sports Journalists Association Award in 2015, and published one of the first (and few) coffee table books of rowing photography. If I have the math right, Spurrier photographed at least nine Olympics.

Peter took countless rowing photographers under his wing, sharing with them with tricks of the trade, teaching how to read the 'room' at the start line, finish line, and medals stand, and bringing his hard working but calming presence into play.

After a World Championships week with Spurrier, you knew what to do, where to be, who to trust - and what not to do, where not to be, and who not to trust. Peter had the situation wired, and held none of it back from young photographers who could use and appreciate the master's touch.

A superb storyteller, Peter told serious, hilarious, historical, and even ribald stories along the banks of racecourses worldwide; never a bore, a session alongside Spurrier was a don't-miss opportunity at Henley, the Charles, Worlds, the Olympics, and anywhere he was working.

Spurrier was also a consummate pro, never getting caught up in politics, rivalries, or petty arguments; he got the job done beautifully and with humor - his sly, sometimes nearly silent laugh was legion, and the perfect play and antidote for a long day on the starting pontoons.

Even in the most intense situations in photo scrums at the Olympics and elsewhere, Peter kept his head and humor in ways that most of us could only aspire to, and be forced to admire without matching.

Peter and his partner Karon Phillips have been fixtures at international events for years, Peter behind the lens and Karon working with WorldRowing and in other capacities. At the end of each day they met in the media center before leaving the venue for the day, and sent the lot of us off with warm banter and warmer feelings until the next morning of racing.

Peter was a mentor and friend to truly every row2k photographer and writer who has spent time with him on the international racing circuit; row2k takes a lot of photos obviously, and Peter's tutelage and friendship is embedded in every one of them. Talk about the one guy you will miss spending time with on the racing circuit, Peter is that guy.