Vale Mary Davis: Rainbow paddlers honour a life of generosity and grit
Around 60 dragon boaters gathered yesterday for a solemn paddle out, honouring coach and mentor Mary Davis with oars raised and native flowers scattered on calm water.
Members of the Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club, joined by paddlers from neighbouring clubs, formed a quiet flotilla to farewell a woman many called the heart of the club.
Mary died on October 20 after a long battle with cancer. She was 72.
The ceremony included the paddle out on Lake Ainsworth where the club began, an “oars in the air” salute, a special song written for Mary, and a shared morning tea.
Her son Michael attended, alongside friends and teammates who described the farewell as deeply moving and fitting for a life lived in service to others.
Mary joined the Rainbows more than a decade ago and quickly became a steady leader, known for her calm authority and high standards.
She served as vice president from 2011 to 2013, then as president for four years, guiding the club through growth and change.
Coaching became her calling from 2013, drawing on her background as an adult educator and her relentless curiosity.
She progressed through national coaching accreditation, later facilitating courses herself and mentoring a new generation of coaches.
In 2018, Mary became head coach, a role she carried with energy and care, even while managing her health.
Mary (in the white cap) doing what she loved – steering the team forward
Club members say her greatest gift was making everyone feel welcome and capable, regardless of experience or age.
She pushed crews to improve, celebrated effort, and reminded paddlers they were “elite athletes” long before they believed it themselves.
Under her guidance, the Rainbows strengthened their culture of inclusion, teamwork and resilience.
That legacy helped see the club named Dragon Boat NSW Club of the Year last year.
Mary also contributed beyond the club, supporting state and national programs and helping organise Rainbow Region regattas.
A club boat now bears her name, the Mary D, a permanent reminder of her influence.
Mary is survived by her husband Derrin, children Amy, Penny and Michael, and six grandchildren.
As paddles dipped and oars rose skyward, her dragon boat family sent her off in the way she loved most.
Still together. Still moving forward.
Lovely report on the special and well deserved tribute to Mary Davis, Rod. Well done !
A lovely article and a beautiful tribute to Mary.
What a beautiful emotional tribute, her family must be very proud, it restores one’s faith in humanity ❤️ Margaret Smith ⚘️