Edmonton Masters Swim Club

With great sadness, I announce that one of our respected elder members, Mr. Bob McRory, passed away on August 3, 2016.

Bob was one of the people who built the foundation of the Edmonton Masters Swim Club. We are known and respected wherever swim meets are held, and we have every reason to be proud of the team and thankful for the people who started it.  Bob was one of those people.

Terry Dewhurst, now the last remaining member of the “Druid Drinking Team” (pictured: Larry Judge, Terry Dewhurst , Bob McRory, and Jack Boddington), has fond memories of Bob.  He recalls that Bob proudly wore the ring that he received over twenty years ago at the City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony for representing the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Masters Swim Club.

The “Druid Drinking Team” (pictured: Jack Boddington, Bob McRory, Larry Judge, and Terry Dewhurst) achieved fame for competing as a 320+ relay team.  However, when Bob’s name was misspelled in the FINA World Top Ten results, he sent me the following note, aptly demonstrating his dry sense of humor:  As you know, I came out of retirement to fill in the 320+ relay team. I thought if I did that (which I did), my name would appear on the results, so people would know I’m still alive. Unfortunately, that didn’t work too well. Some guy named Bob MacQuarrie took my place.

Here is the notice from today’s Edmonton Journal:

Bob McRory, 1926-2016, Robert Erle “Bob” McRory, A.O.E., ex-RCNVR, passed away on August 3, aged 90. Beloved husband of Joyce; father of Bob Jr. (Maureen), Tim (Susan) and Steven (Christi); grandfather and great-grandfather. Greatly loved, he will be greatly missed. Funeral service 2 p.m., Monday, August 8 at St. Andrew’s United Church, 9915-148 Street, Edmonton. Donations to the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers.

BODDINGTON, Jack 
After a life well lived, full of love and accomplishments, Jack Boddington passed away peacefully on April 19, 2016, in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 89. His gentle voice, sense of humour and kindness will be deeply missed by his children: Janice (Howard) Pruden, and John (Barbara Code); grandchildren Jake (Shelly) Pruden and Maggie (Mike) Dunkley and much loved great-granddaughters Makena, Ella, Lily and Kit, his brother Harry, nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his wife Joan, his “main squeeze” of 49 years in 1998.
Jack was born on October 11, 1926, in Oldham, England where he served in Her Majesty’s Forces. He and Joan immigrated to Canada in 1956. Jack commenced a long career with the City of Edmonton rising to the Parks and Recreation General Manager followed by Bylaw Services. During this time, Jack was involved with the Commonwealth and Universiade Games. Jack mentored and inspired many people which is a testament to his generosity and patience. Jack and Joan retired to Naramata, BC in 1981 but returned to Edmonton to be with family and friends in 1996.
Jack’s many accomplishments include Life Governor of the Royal Canadian Humane Association, Honorary Officer of the Royal Life Saving Society, Knight of the Venerable Order of St. John, Member of the Canadian Order of the Red Cross, 50 year member of Toast Masters, City of Edmonton Award of Excellence in the Sports Hall of Fame and founding the Military Collectors Club of Canada, President of the Canadian Water Polo Association during the 1976 Olympic Games; and most importantly teaching his granddaughters how to turn cartwheels.
Jack had a lifelong love of swimming and was an accomplished member of the Edmonton Masters Swim club, competing in provincial, national and World Masters Games in Australia and Italy where he won numerous silver and gold medals. He was still swimming his favoured backstroke up until a week before he passed.
Above all, Jack was a gentleman, dignified in his kindness and gentle humour he touched everyone who knew him. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Jack’s special friends Mary Mirlin, Rudy and Steph Berghuys, Karen Burgess, Ed Cook, Bob and Donna Clarke, Linda Cochrane, Wayne Logus, Penny and Mary Lou Coates and many more.
Thank you to all the staff at Whitemud Lifestyle, The Glenrose Hospital (especially Katie for the weekly swims) and Dr. Strilchuk for Jack’s care.
At Jack’s request there will be no service. The family invites you to make a donation in his name to the Royal Canadian Humane Association at 11143 – 70 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5B 1S8, royalcha@telus.net
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nationalpost/obituary.aspx?pid=179716999#sthash.CcCD8oVW.dpuf