Vale Alex Hatch

Vale Alex Hatch

Rowing WA is saddened to acknowledge the passing of Alex Hatch, a respected member of Old Scotch Collegians Boat Club and a valued contributor to the Western Australian rowing community.

Alex’s connection with rowing began at Scotch College, where he quickly showed natural ability and commitment to the sport. In 1985, he was part of Scotch College’s Head of the River victory on the old Narrows Bridge course, achieved in a record time that still stands today.

That schoolboy success marked the start of a long involvement in rowing. Alex went on to compete in the WA club season in 1986 and represented Western Australia as a lightweight rower at the national championships at Lake Barrington, Tasmania, in 1987. He raced in both the under 23 lightweight four and the open lightweight eight, and again represented WA in those events in 1988.

In 1989, Alex was due to compete at the national championships held at Wellington Dam near Collie, before severe weather forced the cancellation of many events, including his. He remained connected to the sport in the years that followed through club rowing and coaching.

From approximately 1988 to 1992, Alex coached at Wesley College, where his crews benefited from his technical knowledge, calm guidance and ability to bring out the best in the rowers he supported. His influence became known among those crews as “The Hatch Factor”.

Alex joined Old Scotch Collegians Boat Club in 2020 and quickly became an important part of its masters rowing community. He brought experience, discipline and versatility to the club’s racing crews, while continuing to share his coaching insight with those around him.

Between 2020 and 2026, Alex competed in more than 60 races for Old Scotch Collegians Boat Club, winning 18 gold medals and forming strong bonds with his crewmates. He raced across a wide range of events, from 500 metre sprints to 16 kilometre head races, including the Head of the Yarra in Melbourne.

He also became, alongside Julian Mathias, one of the first people to row a coastal pair in the Perth to Fremantle race. He competed in multiple Guildford to Garret Road head races and represented Old Scotch Collegians in masters events across pairs, fours, coxed and coxless boats, men’s eights and mixed eights.

As a bow-side rower, Alex was often found in the bow seat, where his technical understanding, race awareness and steady presence were highly valued. His crewmates remember him for his quick catch, his thoughtful coaching notes and the way he helped others improve without losing the humour and perspective that made him so well liked.

Beyond his racing record, Alex made a meaningful contribution to the culture and administration of Old Scotch Collegians Boat Club. He was an important link between the club’s masters and veteran rowing groups, and a generous club member who gave his time, knowledge and support to others.

Those who rowed with Alex will remember his dry sense of humour, his steady approach, his love of a post-row coffee and conversation, and the warmth he brought to the rowing shed. His invitation after training, “Who’s up for a time waster?”, will remain a fond memory for many who shared time with him on and off the water.

Rowing WA extends its sincere condolences to Alex’s family, friends, crewmates and the Old Scotch Collegians Boat Club community.

Alex is survived by his daughter Sarah and wife Jeanette.

Alex will be laid to rest on Friday 8 August at 11:00am. The funeral is being live streamed and for those wishing to take part, they can join via this link.

Easy Oar Alex.