In Memoriam: Lea Bredschneider

It is with deep sadness for the Ontario Swimming community to announce the passing of Lea Bredschneider, former Executive Director of Swim Ontario and long-time volunteer, coach, mentor and friend.

Lea was inducted to the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2006 in the Builder category, here is a summary taken from the OAHOF ceremony of her swimming journey:

In the fall of 1967, Lea and her eldest son, Bernie, started their travels through the swimming world. Beginning with the Scarborough Swim Club, they moved to the North York Aquatic Club in 1970, and ended up at the Etobicoke Swim Club in 1973. During the early years, Lea learned how to officiate at many levels; became the editor and publisher of club newsletters; tracked meet times for the coaches; and learned many of the other volunteer things that are common when one hangs around the halls of the swimming pool for too long. Years later, Lea was in the Etobicoke Olympium in the background volunteering however did not see Bernie qualify for the 1980 Olympic team.

In 1972, Lea worked at the Canadian Amateur Swimming Association – Ontario Section office as the Technical Assistant. This experience helped greatly when she was hired as the club secretary of the Etobicoke Swim Club in 1975. Through the 1970’s, Lea was asked to manage and chaperone club trips to provincial and national level meets. In 1978, Lea was asked to chaperone Canada’s Pan-Am team to Puerto Rico and in 1979 another international event in Heidelberg, West Germany.

In 1981 she was a full time assistant coach at the Markham Aquatic Club. By 1982, Lea coached 99 swimmers in 5 different groups.

Lea continued to coach full time until 1989, while doing some part time work for Swim Ontario. At the same time, she undertook a new challenge by coaching the adults of the Markham Masters.

In 1989 she became the Technical Director of Swim Ontario. Despite this new commitment, she continued to pursue her first love: coaching novice swimmers regularly until June of 1994.

In 1996, she was appointed as the Executive Director in addition to her Technical Director role. After retiring from Swim Ontario she continued coaching at the Pickering Swim Club.

Each year, the Lea Bredschneider Volunteer coach of the year is awarded at the Swim Ontario Awards ceremony. Lea championed the integration of Paralympic swimming early on assisting many.

A private celebration of life will be held for family only. Please send donations to Covenant House or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers.