By Hollie Harris
News of the shocking passing of local legend Garth Prowd has rocked the Noosa community.
Mr Prowd, who shaped the Noosa Triathlon into the world-class event it is today, was cycling in Barcelona, Spain, while on holidays with his family, and fell from his bike, critically injuring himself.
The 65-year-old never regained conciousness, and his life-support was turned off on Sunday, leaving behind his greatest love of all – his family – wife Robyn, daughters Sally, Megan, Katie and sons-in-law Matt and Ben.
His family released a statement on Tuesday.
“He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many, and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.
“While we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man, we will remember his incredible life and his contribution to Australian sport.”
Garth started the Noosa Triathlon back in the mid-1980s, and transformed it into one of the biggest athletics events in the world. Out of that grew his Noosa-based company, USM Events which he ran for over 30 years.
Moving on from USM around seven years ago, Garth remained committed to tri, iron man, and surf lifesaving, and was instrumental in the launching of the 2008 Noosa Festival of Surfing.
Mr Prowd was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, nominated for Australian of the Year in 2004 and received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005 for his services to Australian sport.
He was known throughout the Noosa community as an all-round great bloke and a great athlete with integrity, heart and commitment.
Garth will be sorely missed by our community as well as the wider sporting community.
