Long-time week 7 Coach Passes Away

Some sad news to share. Longtime Olympia week 7 volleyball coach Ed Millard passed away last week. I first saw the word of his death from the "Godfather of Week 7" Rod McHugh. Rod sent me the link to Sudbury.com where I read the obituary. Never having met the man, I was amazed at the journey of this world-class athlete who just happened to be a weekly coach at Olympia Sports Camp for many years. As with most heroes, Ed seems to have taken that champion pedigree to helping others strive to reach their goals. 

Dave Grace always took great pride in getting the best of the best to coach at Olympia and in Ed Millard he sure accomplished that goal. I spoke to other week 7 veterans and they called Ed " A Gentle giant" who was loved by the campers. A coach who had an infectious laugh and a passion for volleyball that inspired other coaches and campers alike.

To Ed's family and all members of his week 7 family who knew Ed well, all Olympians share in you loss. May the memories be a blessing. With thanks to Sudbury.com I felt it was important to share the obituary to show the quality of person who graced the land at Interlaken for the good of others. May he rest in peace and reap the rewards of a life well-lived.


Peacefully at home, in Orillia, with family by his side, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, in his 79th year. Edward, beloved husband of Yvonne (nee Thompson). Loving father of Lindsay Millard of Toronto, Andrew (Lara) Millard and grandson Maxwell of Charleston, S.C., and Meghan (Kevin) Millard of Busan, Korea. Dear brother of Linda (Nick predeceased) Schori of Stratford, Don (Anne) Millard of Barrie, Peter (Tehri) Millard of Sudbury, John (Diane) Millard of Cookstown, Tim (Elizabeth) Millard of Schomberg and will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and their families. Ed attended King City Secondary School and went to the University of Guelph to study kinesiology. Ed loved sports of every variety and played most of them well, but he was an exceptional wrestler. He was the Canadian Heavyweight Champion multiple times, the Pan American Games gold medalist in Argentina, the British Commonwealth Games gold medalist in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Bronze Medalist in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. A high school Phys-Ed and computer science teacher like few others, he took his students white water rafting, canoeing the French and Spanish rivers from end to end, volleyball tournaments in Cuba, and coached teams to Canadian championships even after he retired. He gave a whole new meaning to the words "extra curricular" when it came to high school sports. Ed won most of his matches but his bout with cancer was a match he just could not win despite a valiant fight.


Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your favourite Olympian?

Upcoming Book Event

Mistletoe Market 

Date:  Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time:  9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location:  St. John the Baptist Church, 2016 Blairholm Ave., Burlington, Ontario 

Books Also Available at: 

 - Amazon and Indigo.ca

-  Indigo, Burlington Brant Street location.

- The Different Drummer Book Store on Locust Street in Burlington\

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- Etransfer me $30 and I'll drive it to your house ! 

- available online at aherosjourney.ca

- audiobook version is available at Audible, Amazon, and iTunes 

If you would like us to come to your town for a book event or get copies into your favourite bookstore , email me at coachdools71@gmail.com. We travel well.

Comments

  1. Greg RogersOctober 22, 2024 at 3:46 AM

    Olympia is grateful for the dedication and commitment that Ed provided with his outstanding coaching over the years.

    ReplyDelete

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