In 2006, I painted this portrait of Donald Legget at our home at Radley College, his alma mater. For many years he coached and mentored alongside my husband to forge the dream team which oversaw the golden years of Radley rowing from 1997-2004. Donald was instrumental in involving the legendary Harry Mahon at RCBC too.
We recognised Donald was a genius and a legend back then, as did many, hence immortalising him on canvas was important. Our family have remained close friends with him since, until he died last week.
Sadly he was not treated well by his alma mater and his contribution never acknowledged by the management of the school, although the boys he coached remained loyal to the end.
We forged an even stronger bond when we too left the school some years later.
However Radley’s loss was another’s gain and Donald took his genius elsewhere to SPS, assisting Bobby to build the school’s own golden period which continues to this day.
Donald is dressed in CUBC kit in this portrait with only a hint of Radley at the top left corner. CUBC was his true alma mater and loyal to the end.
A memorial is being planned to give this great man the send off he truly deserves. We are devastated to have lost such a loyal kind friend, a maverick, eccentric man who can never be replaced, but how much richer we all are to have known him.
4 months agobowsider5
One of his superb attributes was his courtesy. He came and apologized for inadvertently washing down a crew of novices trying to boat at Putney.
4 months agorobinbailey0812
Great portrait, great man. Thank you, Annabel. I remember being down at the RCBC boathouse years ago, watching and listening as DFL was coaching a very young novice sculler. I was in awe. I last saw him on Henley Wednesday in Leander. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't immediately recognise the skeletal figure in a Mariners tie, lying in a wheelchair. He will not be forgotten, for he gave so much to so many people who will always remember.
4 months agohill.glen
Oh no. I had no idea he had passed away. Brilliant coach that spanned generations. RIP 💜
4 months agofildesbamford
What a nice legacy and great portrait. I remember those years so fondly. Being coached by Angus and Donald was a privilege and certainly changed my life. He was an incredible coach but taught so many lessons beyond rowing. As you say Radley loss was St Paul's gain... again and again and again..
4 months agodeborahhenley
❤️Great painting and a great account of a great man. I also remember how he was an excellent voice of reason and support on the support vessel for Angus’ Channel swim. Farewell to the man who spelled his name like the drink; “two Gs and one T”! 😂
4 months agooutdoordavegb
I met him via my job at RPRL and always liked our conversations mostly not about rowing which I know little about. It was a pleasure to have made his acquaintance
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