Boston University, as well as hundreds of people throughout the rowing community, is mourning the loss of former head rowing coach and Olympic gold medalist Hugh Foley, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 72.
 
Foley was at the helm of the Terriers' men's rowing program from 1970–78. During that time he was also involved in the selection process and training for the United States 1972 Olympic boats and other various international races in 1974 and 1976.
 
Raised in Martin City, Montana, Hugh attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Calif., where he tried out for crew. The coach saw his potential and strongly suggested he needed to be at Philadelphia's Vesper Rowing Club. Hugh transferred to La Salle University in Philadelphia and started rowing at Vesper in 1963. He eventually qualified for their eight, which went to the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and won a gold medal for the United States.
 
Hugh passed away peacefully on Nov. 9 due to complications resulting from a 10-year battle with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He is survived by his wife, two sons and their families.

See Hugh Foley's full obituary here: www.qeepr.com/profile/HughFoley1/
 

Thomas Bohrer, Boston University head men's rowing coach

"I was very sorry to hear the passing of former Head Coach Hugh Foley. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Hugh in person, I felt I got to know him through the athletes that he coached based on how fondly they spoke of him. His character left a lasting impression on how he shaped their lives both on and off the water. To this day his former athletes attribute the success in their lives to what they learned from Hugh, and that is very powerful."
 
"Hugh was also a Gold medalist at the 1964 Olympics. He trained out of Vesper Boat Club in Philadelphia. When I was training for the Olympics myself in Philly, I got to know many of Hugh's teammates who still lived in the area. I was left with the impression that this group was hard working, loyal, and trusted each other. They were out to prove that they were not only the best crew in the US, but also in the world. It was very inspiring to me as a young athlete coming up in the ranks. I can see how he inspired those he coached at Boston University".