In Memoriam: Herb de Bray

Swim Ontario is sad to inform the swimming community of the passing of coach Herb de Bray. Herb was a long time coach and mentor in Ontario, coaching from the grassroots level all the way to Olympic and Paralympic medalists. He is also a member of the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame, and will be greatly missed.

Obituary from Darte Funeral Home

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Herbert Ferdinand de Bray on September 16th 2023. Devoted husband of 53 years to, Mary de Bray (nee Wrigley); loving father to: Holly (Shawn) Benard, Benjamin (Denise) de Bray and Megan (Brad) Dawson; wonderful Papa/Grandpa to Jocelyn, Jasmine, Arthur, Abigail, Aidan and Edward.

Herb retired from Brock University where he spent 30 years as Varsity swim coach and Athletic Facilities Manager. During his time there, he had the privilege of representing Canada as a coach at multiple international swimming events and was honoured to help guide hundreds of athletes over the years to being the best that they could be, both as athletes and as individuals.

He was an avid runner/marathoner and always supported his children’s sports. Later in life, Herb shared his knowledge and love of swimming by coaching the Ancaster Alligators swim team and his love of football by assisting with the St. Catharines Collegiate football team.

Lover of skiing, car racing, poetry and all the small joys of life. Herb loved the outdoors, especially in Parry Sound, where he lived and went to school as a boy, spending summers on Huckleberry Island. He loved to travel, with Montreal having a special place in his heart, where he met his love, Mary Wrigley.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. Cremation has taken place and the family welcomes friends and guests for a Celebration of Life with refreshments in the Kristen French Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 24th from 12:00 - 2:30PM. If desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Herb.

-Farewell Coach