Don Farquharson

Don was the founder of Masters Athletics in Canada and served as the first World Masters President. He served on the Ontario Masters Board of Directors for many years. 

(Cover portrait) Brian Oxley notes … this must be an early shot of Don (as there aren’t many lapel pins!). The Aussie kangaroo pin must have been given to him by Wal Shepperd, who was over before the first World Championships in Toronto in 1975. Wal was with Don, John Young, Ralph Lang, and I when we laid out the fearsome cross country course in Sunnybrook Park. Wal left shaking his head!

Perhaps one of Don’s proudest moments – bearing the flag for Team Canada’s march at the opening ceremonies at the World Championships in Gateshead in 1999.

Don died on July 21st, 2000.

He was the founding President of the World Association of Veteran Athletes (World Masters Athletics).

Don also served on the Ontario Masters Board of Directors since it’s formation. He administered the Government grants (that we used to get for travel) for many years.

 

Don at the inaugeral World Masters Championships in Toronto in 1975

 

 

 

 

Don still holds the M70 CAN record in the Steeplechase with a fine 11:17.

Don received an award in 1999 for being one of the few athletes who had attended every World Championship. Presented by WMA President Torsten Carlius athe General Assembly in Gateshead.

 Cross Country Relay was renamed the Don Farquharson Harriers Relay in 2000

The trophy for the CAN/AM Challenge was named the Don Farquharson Cup in 2006

The 4Km cross country loop in Sunnybrook Park used by Don’s Relay and the Ontario Masters 8K Championships was named the Don Farquharson Loop.

A tree was planted at the start of the cross country course in Don’s memory.