Wilfred L. Anderson (1920-1971)

Affectionately known as "Whiff" by his friends. 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 which he continued to develop during his undergraduate years at Acadia University through coaching and participating in semi-professional baseball in Kentville and Middleton, and hockey with Kentville Wildcats and Sydney Millionaires. He completed his career his B.Sc. degree in 1942 and joined the Royal Canadian Artillery. Upon his discharge, he registered in McGill University's Physical Education and obtained his B.sc. (P.E.) degree in 1948. In the fall of 1948, he began his career at Granby Composite High School (Grade 1 through 11) as a teacher of Physical Education and Industrial Arts. He directed the school Cadets Corps, instructing in drill, map reading, riflery and gymnastics. He imparted his knowledge and passion for sports to young athletes as a coach a volleyball team, track and field and basketball. Under his tutelage, G.H.S. senior teams competed throughout Quebec and beyond and were often in contention for Q.A.S.A. championships in girls basketball and hockey. Teams under his direction won the coveted MacLeod Trophy for the girls' basketball in 1955 and 1961 and the Provincial School Hockey Championship in 1967. He continued to served as a physical education teacher at G.H.S. 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 the Parkview Elementary School in his honor. He continued to enjoy sports as both participant and coach into middle age, playing hockey, golf and curling long before 'old-timers' sports became fashionable. All who knew him were saddened when November 25, 1971, he succumbed to cancer. However, his great love of sport was passed on to his students, many of whom have continued to make it an important part of their lives. He was married to Dorothy Keddy of Halifax and had two sons, Donald and William, both of whom developed into athletes of note under his direction. The Anderson Basketball Trophy for small schools boys teams was created in his honor by the students at G.H.S. with the support of Q.A.S.A. in recognition of his life long efforts to help in the physical education of youth. His name will continue to  live on with the participation and the promotion of sport in small high schools across the province.

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