George Grinter

2003 Honouree – Builder, Swimming

George’s association with the Brantford Aquatic Club began in 1960 when, at one of his daughter’s first swim meets, a stop watch was thrust into his hand and he was informed, “Here, you’re Chief Timer!”

Having thus wet his feet, George became a member at large on the Board of Directors and continued to serve on various capacities and executive positions for the next 25 years. He was Brantford’s representative to the Ontario section of the Canadian Amateur Swimming Association (CASA) and an executive member of that group. For years George acted as a Meet Manager for meets ranging from novice to National level. As one of Ontario’s most respected Master Officials, he travelled the province officiating and conducting clinics.

George’s foremost love in the sport was working with the swimmers. For a decade when the Club’s home was the Brantford “Y”, he volunteered variously as Head Coach of the Prep program and as Junior and Senior Head Coach. He coached the Canamer Games team and the Brantford Collegiate Institute (BCI) swim team for many years.

George was an instrumental member of the Natatorium Committee and the City’s Steering Committee which oversaw the drive for funding, planning and construction of the Wayne Gretzky pool.

Through his outstanding people skills during thousands of volunteer hours, George helped to shape the lives of hundreds of adults and children. His wife, Louise, established the perpetual scholarship in recognition of the high esteem which he accorded to the swimmers and parents of the Brantford Aquatic Club.