When invited to say a few words about the early days of the Saratoga Springs Rowing Club, Wayne “Pinky” Butler pulled out all the stops! In addition to the laugh lines the SSRC founding father and 20-year US Rowing Referee veteran wove into the keynote address he delivered to pioneering members of the SSRC earlier this year, Butler -- who earned the nickname “Pinky” after returning from a regatta sunburned four decades ago – adlibbed additional passages. Among the quips that generated waves of chuckles and giggles described a beloved charter member this way: “Elmer had only one direction. Forward. And one speed: Fast.” As a show that Simply Saratoga admires Elmer Robinson’s rowing repertoire, we urge you to now follow one direction when reading the full context of Butler’s speech: Down. And one speed: Leisurely

The now late Kathy Butler took this photo of husband Wayne relaxing on their Brant Lake porch with posters commemorating the 10^th and 20^th anniversaries of Head of the Fish regattas in the background.

SSRC charter member Wayne Butler giving his keynote address before fellow founding fathers and other early members and supporters of the organization at the Artisanal Brew Works in Saratoga Springs. Owner Kurt Borchard, who is a current SSRC member, graciously hosted the February 2024 celebration.

This winning group photo was taken following the 1986 Head of the Mohawk regatta. From right to left are: Wayne Butler, Ralph Pascucci, coxswain Tara Nichols, Bob Tarrant and Ageo Frizzera. At far left are Schenectady County officials and the race’s chairwoman.

Portrait of Ralph Butler.