THEOPHILE ALFRED DUBOIS

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THEOPHILE ALFRED DUBOIS Born May 19, 1911 Brussels, Belgium to Felix and Alice (Desauw) Died June 10, 2011. Classical Greeks ask when a man dies, Did he have passion? Son of a master carpenter from Walloon and a cake baking, dress making Flemish girl. Last of the Golden Age Scullers', the boy from Colony Street joined the Winnipeg Rowing Club in 1926, age 14 and continued until 2001, age 90. Theo's passion was thriving on challenges physical, mental and culinary. His sporting accomplishments are legendary - cycling, he won the annual Winnipeg-to-Winnipeg Beach race a record three times, 50 miles with 12 miles pavement and 38 miles gravel, setting a speed record of one hour thirty eight minutes; and in 1933 twice defeating American Cycling Champion Adolph Velthuysen in the Detroit Velodrome. Rowing, Theo won the Senior Single races at the Canadian and the American Championship Regattas in 1941, becoming North American Sculling Champion, winning the Lou Marsh Trophy' as Canada's Athlete of the Year' and being feted by the Lieutenant Governor at Government House. Theo won the Senior Singles race at the 1947 American Championship Regatta, edging Vesper Boat Club's Jack Kelly Jr., brother of Princess Grace Kelly, and recent winner of the Diamond Sculls, Henley Royal Regatta. Theo qualified for the 1940 and 1948 Olympics but was denied due to war, and being deemed too old' despite cleanly beating all opponents in the qualification race and setting a course record. The 1948 Olympic Gold Medal Singles time was slower than Theo's qualifying race time. Theo continued racing the local North West International Rowing Association (NWIRA) regattas until 1955, winning Gold every year from 1933 onwards except for 1942 to 1945. Theo trained for six years under the late-Selby Henderson learning the art and science of sculling a vast knowledge gratefully passed on to rowers for six decades. Sports do not build character. They reveal it . A gentleman filled with respect, integrity, kindness, generosity, courage and friendship as a crewmate, competitor, volunteer, coach, mentor and hero. His intense passion for self improvement included intellectual challenges by enrolling in University at the age 40, collecting stamps and studying world history; and he was the only guy who eats for recreation' famous for bread-on-bread sandwiches, chocolate and patronizing Greek restaurants. As a mental characteristic, I was and am still convinced that you never try to beat anybody because there is only one person you can beat and that is yourself . The Kid, the Boss inspired many with his quiet determination, perseverance and passion for self-improvement. University of Manitoba, Architecture graduate 1952, employed by the City of Winnipeg, retired 1976, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, 1981. Survived by wife Adele and cousins Joseph and Alfred Dubois of Victoria B.C. You've known me since I was born, and loved me since I was eighteen I was honoured to have been your wife the last 20 years of your life. Until the day I die, I will wear your love like an ornament, love Adele Wilcosh. His great golden heart stopped beating, and he slipped quietly away, profoundly impacting all around him just as he did when he lived. Theo's final wish, no service. Recognition given on June 22, 2011, 10:00 a.m., 20 Lyndale Drive.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2011