Legendary Harvard rowing coach Harry L. Parker and his daughter, Abigail, were lucky to share some bonding time during the 48th Annual Head of the Charles Regatta on Oct. 20. Both participated in a parent-child doubles race in the late afternoon during one of Massachusetts’ warmer fall days. Parker, who’s served 50 years as head coach of the men’s heavyweight crew team, and his daughter didn’t finish first, but no matter — they’ll always have the memories.
Harry Parker passed away on June 25, 2013. To share your reflections, visit Campus and Community.
Spectators watch the Head of the Charles Regatta from the Newell Boat House dock. Harvard competed in a majority of the races on both days of the event, with participation by students, parents, alumni, and staff. Winsor School student Abigail Parker and her father, Harry Parker, head coach of the Harvard men’s heavyweight crew, bring their boat out of Newell Boat House. The duo participated in a Directors’ Challenge doubles race composed of parent-child teams. Harry Parker and daughter Abigail (back left) prepare to launch their boat. Kerry Herman pushes the two off into the Charles River. Father and daughter (right boat) make their way to the starting line before the race. The pair rows in unison under the Anderson Memorial Bridge. They give it the old heave-ho, racing past spectators sprawled along the Charles on a springlike October day. After the race, they row back to the Newell Boat House. The pair placed 21st overall. Parker’s wife, Kathryn Keeler, arrives with the duo’s biggest supporter yet — the family pet. Kathryn Keeler assists daughter Abigail with loading the boat back into the boathouse. They grow up so fast, don’t they?
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