The passing of Tony Bushell

Dear Dragon Boaters,

It is with great sadness that the BDA reports the passing of Tony Bushell, on the 25 September 2017, from a rare form of cancer that he had fought for the past 18 months.  Tony was  one of the first people to join the BDA after he helped to form the Winchester  Dragons and some time later Notts Anaconda.

Tony was that rare person who always brought humour into even the most trying of situations. He served on the BDA Executive and as well as Helming many different crews over the years, he also took a turn at being a Race Official, Coach, Event Organiser and of course the life and soul of the party on more than one occasion. 

Tony was a true Dragon Boater who brought enthusiasm, drive and determination to the sport and its development. Apart from Dragon Boating, his sporting love was Golf - one of his former homes in Winchester backed on to his golf club so for him it was out of bed and straight onto the fairway - how's that for a hole in one!

Tony's legacy in Dragon Boating continues through his son, Mike Bushell, another stalwart of Dragon Boating, who prior to is Father's death played back to Tony some of the races Mike had videod at the Nationals this last weekend, so that Tony could hear the sound of the drums  and spirit of the sport he helped to grow. I am sure that it would have brought  a smile to Tony's face of shared memories past.

It is to Mike, his brother and sister and to Tony's wife that our thoughts and deep condolences now go and to know that through Dragon Boating, Tony will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who knew him and for me those memories will always bring a smile to my face and a feeling of privilege for having known Tony for so many good, fulfilling and  entertaining years.

Mike MacKeddie-Haslam

BDA Acting Chairman

Founder & President