In Memoriam: Julius Butkus

Julius Butkus, the Operations Manager at Royal Docks Watersports, sadly passed away on Friday 6 March 2026.

Julius was a huge presence at the docks and someone the London Otters came to know very well over the years. If you rowed at the docks for any length of time, chances are you heard Julius’ voice; reminding you about the wind would affect your session, the buoys or occasionally why you shouldn’t be on the water in the first place - helping keep us safe. 

Quite a few Otters first got to know Julius while being plucked out of the dock after an untimely capsize. He would always come to our rescue with a knowing look and a quiet ‘I thought it was a bit too windy’. He helped us operate safely on the water, from giving advice on launches and safety procedures to making sure we treated the dock and the equipment with respect.

Behind the no-nonsense exterior was someone who quietly supported the club in countless ways. Julius let us use the workshop to repaint blades, lent tools when we were stuck, helped with launches and was there when things went wrong on the water. Those acts of support helped the club grow and establish itself over the years.

It always made us smile when we saw him around the docks proudly wearing his London Otters hoodie and cap. It felt like a small but meaningful sign that we had earned his respect.

The docks won’t be the same without him. Julius supported the London Otters - in his trademark direct style - always with good intentions. He played a real part in helping the club become what it is today. We will miss him greatly and will remember him with enormous fondness.

Our thoughts are with his former partner Diana, his son Matas, the team at the centre and all those who knew and loved him.