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Obituaries
Alan Francis Brown AM (OW1963)
05/03/1946 – 01/03/2022
Alan led a life full of adventure from his formative years to the end. As a boarder at Wesley, he excelled at swimming, waterpolo, football and cricket. His Wesley relay swimming teammates including Jack Ayerbe, Rick Dungey, Frank Opray and Graeme Samuel, were unbeatable at APS events.
Further education led to a career in law which he intertwined with a very successful Masters swimming career, senior roles in the racing industry and his passion for golf.
His swimming record included:
- Three times World Masters Swimming Champion in 50M and 100M Freestyle across 11 years and two age groups
- Member of Tattersalls Gold medal winning relay team in the World Masters swimming in Montreal
- Five gold medals in the 2017 World Masters games
- 14 years ranked as FINA Top 10 swimmer across four different age groups
- 30 National records in 60-64 years and 70-74 years age groups across strokes and distances, and
- Two world record relays with the Tattersalls team.
Alan’s horse racing career started with his appointment to the Sydney Turf Club (STC) Committee and as part-owner of some successful horses. He served on the STC Board from 1983-2008. He was Treasurer from 1991 to 2003, Vice Chairman from 2003-2005 and Chairman from 2005-2008. Upon the merging of STC and the Australian Jockey Club to form the Australian Turf Club, Alan was appointed Chairman of Racing NSW in 2008, a role he held for three years, remaining a board member until 2014.
Other achievements included:
- Member of the Australian Racing Board 2008-2011
- Chairman of the Australian Pattern Committee 2009-2013
- Awarded an AM in 2019 for significant services to the thoroughbred racing industry
- Accepted NSW Government offer of Chief Commissioner of Greyhound Welfare – Integrity Commission.
Alan was a long-term member of Elanora Golf Club, transferring to The Australian Golf Club in 2006. He was later appointed to the Board of the Australian Golf Club.
With his sudden passing, he leaves wife Belinda, son Matthew, daughters Anthea, Alex and Camilla and their grandchildren, as well as sister Jan and brothers Ian (OW1962) and David.
Alan will be greatly missed.
Contributed by Ian Brown (OW1962)