A man who seemingly knew everyone who ever wrapped their hands around an oar at Quidi Vidi Lake has passed away.

Mike Power, coxswain of the famed 1982 Outer Cove senior men’s team, spent his entire life around the pond.

For 80 years, a crew of fishermen from Outer Cove held the course record, 9:13, a record which many felt would never be broken. Then along came Smith Stockley, who rowed the course in 9:12 in 1982.

Outer Cove wasn’t going to take it lying down, though, and set a new standard the following year by smashing that 9:12.

Bert Hickey, oar number 5 in the boat, says Mike Power was instrumental as coxswain and coach.

He was a huge part of us rowing the course in 9:03 and getting the record back,” says Hickey.

Mike Power was 80 years old.