It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of Kevin Hannington, FCC Life Member, fabulous paddler, past club president and good friend to all he met. To comply with Kevin's wishes, a private cremation is being held for family members.
A memorial for Kevin will be held at Noojee on Saturday 1 February from 2pm, for all paddling mates and friends of Kevin. Details above.
Kevin with Father Christmas at an FCC Christmas celebration
Kevin starred in "Grey Paddle Power" - a short film produced by Lofty back in 2005 showcasing how age was no barrier for paddling at FCC.
From Jonathan Mayne, paddling partner of Kevin since 1970:
Earlier in 2024 Fairfield Canoe Club paddler and life member, Kevin Hannington received bad news. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, stage 4. The symptoms of this cancer are often not detected until it reaches stage 4 and then it is really too late.
Kevin had a short bout of chemotherapy to which he did not react at all well and since it was unlikely to extend his life he informed his doctors, “No more, I’ll take what ever life serves up.”
All those who knew him will recall a cheerful soul and despite the advancing cancer he remained cheerful. I would visit him or phone regularly as we had a very close bond, we had paddled together for over 50 years.
I was with him on the Thursday before his passing and he was he was bright and very talkative. We reminisced about all sorts of events we had paddled and the battles we had fought together.
His phone did not answer on Friday or when I phoned again on Saturday morning. As I was about to call, his daughter, Christine she called me to say. “Kevin had passed away over night.” His nurses were unable to rouse him.
With no pain he had slipped way peacefully in his sleep. What a great way to go. Kevin had a strong Christian faith and thus, no fear of death. He was confidant that, as the Bible tells us. "God says I have a place prepared for you. In my house there are many mansions.”
Throughout the cancer as it advanced he sometimes felt sick but never complained. This brings to an end a wonderful partnership that included gold medals in events like the 400 km Murray Marathon, the 100 mile races on the Goulburn and a string of long distance events run by Red Cross, Canoe Vic and the Australian Masters Games.
Kevin (stern) and Jonathan (bow) paddling the original Toro canoe
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Fairfield Canoe Club owns its own clubhouse on private land. With boat storage at the club, fully equipped change rooms, a huge meeting area and direct access to the Yarra River, all your paddling needs are taken care of at the Fairfield Canoe Club.
