Anderson-Bailly 2019

Wilfred L. Anderson

Wilfred Anderson was born in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, on April 16, 1920. While a student at Aylesford and Kentville High School, he discovered a love of sport. Through coaching and participating in semi-professional baseball in Kentville and Middleton, he continued to develop his passion during his undergraduate years at Acadia University and through hockey with the Kentville Wildcats and Sydney Millionaires.

He completed his BSc degree in 1942 and joined the Royal Canadian Artillery. Upon his discharge, he registered in McGill University’s School of Physical Education and obtained his BSc (P.E.) degree in 1948. In the fall of 1948, he began his career at Granby Composite High School (Grades 1 through 11) as a teacher of physical education and industrial arts. He directed the school cadet corps, instructing in drill, map reading, riflery and gymnastics. He imparted his knowledge and passion for the sport to young athletes as a coach of volleyball, track and field and basketball. Under his tutelage, GHS senior teams competed throughout Quebec and beyond and were often in contention for QASA championships in girls basketball and hockey. Teams under his direction won the coveted MacLeod Trophy for girls basketball in 1955 and 1961, and Provincial School Hockey Championship in 1967. He continued to serve as a physical education teacher at GHS until school regionalization led to Granby’s closure in 1969. His contributions over 21 years to the school and community were recognized by naming the Wilfred Langley Anderson Gymnasium of Parkview Elementary School in his honour. He continued to enjoy sports as both a participant and coach into middle age, playing hockey, golf and curling long before old- timers sports became fashionable.

Mr. Anderson's great love of sport was passed on to his students, many of whom have continued to make it an important part of their lives, and some of whom have devoted their own life’s work to it as physical educators and coaches.

The Anderson Basketball Trophy for small schools boys teams was created in his honour by students at GHS with the support of QASA in recognition of his lifelong efforts to help in the physical education of youth. His name will continue to live on with the participation and promotion of sport in small high schools across the province.

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