In Memoriam: Dave Judd

Swim Ontario would like to express our condolences to the Judd family and Oakville Aquatic Club on the passing of coach Dave Judd this past weekend.  Dave was a long time coach with OAK and he was always a force to be reckoned with, coached with passion, compassion and incredible energy, believed in the potential of every individual, and had the ability to build self-confidence in swimmers of all ages to be the best that they could be. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation Information:
Smith Funeral Home - 1167 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 2S7
Monday October 15 - 3-5pm
Monday October 15 - 7-9pm

Service and Reception Information:
Smith Funeral Home - 1167 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 2S7
Tuesday October 16 - 10:30

Words from OAK Head Coach Sean Baker:

Dave Judd - Indelible 

Sunday October 7th, Coach Dave Judd died peacefully at the Carpenter House hospice in Burlington.

The Oakville Aquatic Club lost one of our long standing coaches whose tireless efforts and determined approach to everything he did made an indelible mark on the club.

That word, Indelible, perfectly describes Coach Dave, as it means  “making marks that cannot be removed” or “not able to be forgotten".

Dave had been with OAK for 17 years and was beginning his 18th season. He was an integral part of the OAK fabric, contributing to our evolution for almost 2 decades. 

He coached over 500 athletes, influencing lives and helping to develop young kids into young adults.  Teaching the sport of swimming was only part of his impact.

As a staff member, Dave always had multiple views on any subject; he would see the things most of us missed, he would provide the other side of the argument and identify potential problems that may arise from the decisions we made around the table.

He was a consummate team player. Dave was always there to do what needed to be done; he would step up to come in to cover for a coach, he built racks for Vasa trainers and he just recently worked feverishly on our new bunker.  Spending hours on demolition and strategizing ways to overcome some electrical challenges that posed potential hazards.  Dave always thought of those things.

Dave was what I called “salt of the earth”...no baloney, no PC padding, no frivolous talk. You knew where you stood, you knew what he was thinking and could count on him to give you an honest answer or opinion when you asked him.

Just recently, it has come to light how great coaches can have a lasting impact on young people and go on to influence their lives. Just looking at all the names on the GOFUNDME page for Dave’s family shows me how much of an impact he has had.

Coach Dave’s impact was undoubtedly indelible and we all are better people for having known him. Thanks Dave, you will be greatly missed.

Sean