For this year’s Head of the Cuyahoga (HOTC) T-shirt theme, the Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) Board and the HOTC Committee selected a painting done by Bill Denihan, who passed away this year at the age of 85. It was selected not just for its Cleveland theme, but because of who Bill was as a person.
CRF is a non-profit organization run and managed by two full-time employees, but its success is also due to the many dedicated coaches and volunteers who generously give of their time and energy each year because they see the value that rowing brings to the rowers themselves, as well as to the community at large.
Bill was just this kind of person. He had a passion for public service, exemplified by a career that spanned more than 40 years. Throughout his career, Bill directed large, consequential government agencies at the state, county, and local levels. But he also gave generously of his time. He was quite active in non-profit organizations across Cleveland, volunteering and serving in his ‘free’ time, where there was a need.
Dr. Roland V. Anglin, dean, and professor at the Cleveland State Levin College of Urban Affairs, said, “Enough cannot be said about Bill as a person. He was a clear example of the best of humanity: humble and giving, as well as tough and resolute, yet always kind and caring.”
Armond Budish, current serving as Cuyahoga County’s Executive said, “He demonstrated his respect for people and service each day.”
Bill’s wife Mary said that Bill “loved making a meaningful difference in peoples’ lives.”
While his dedication to public service was well known, a lesser-known piece of Bill’s legacy was his passion for painting. CRF is honored to be able to share one of his works with the rowing community in honor of his memory and his commitment to community and service.
Head of the Cuyahoga 