Throughout our swimming and coaching careers Deryk was always a strong supporter of ours. From the early 1970’s coaching us, to creating a coaching position at the University of Calgary, to supporting our move to Australia and later back to PacificSport in Victoria, Deryk gave us the confidence to take on new challenges throughout our coaching and management careers.

Despite the many weeks and months of being away from home every year, Deryk and Laura’s marriage stayed strong. In later years, we enjoyed a few visits to Nanoose Bay to see them.

As youngsters, we used to giggle when Laura called Deryk “love”. I still smile and reflect fondly on them, when Lynn calls me the same. Your Mom was always so kind and gracious and the perfect hostess.

We know how much you miss your Mom and Dad, and send much love from our family to yours.

Love Jim and Lynn Fowlie and family

Dear Peter, Paul, Leslie and your families.

I have such fond memories of your Mom and Dad and the entire Snelling Family. I was nine years old when you arrived in Vancouver in 1968. There was so much excitement in the Bengtson household, that this famous coach Deryk Snelling was coming from England with his wife Laura and their children, to coach the Canadian Dolphins. I vividly remember the first time Deryk was on pool deck for practice. After saying hello to the swimmers, he said to "get in your costumes and get in the bath." I had no idea what he said, but just followed my team mates into the water.

We were thrilled that the Snelling family moved in, only a few blocks away from us, in Glenmore (West Van). The Bengtson kids and Snelling kids went to school together, played together, swam together, grew up together. Some of my favourite memories included spending countless hours carpooling to the pool in the baby-blue Mustang; fishing with Paul at English Bay on Saturday mornings after swim practice; tobogganing at the golf course, when schools and roads closed due to snow; playing water volleyball at the Pickell's; and just spending time at each other's houses for family and swimming gatherings.

In later years when Jim and I move to the Calgary to coach, your parent's welcomed us, and we really enjoyed spending time with them at UofC. Over the years, we enjoyed crossing paths with Deryk on pool deck at international events around the globe. He always took the time for a chat.

We are forever grateful for your friendship, and the support we received from your Mom and Dad, both on a personal and professional level.

Sending our thoughts and love to you all.

Lynn Fowlie nee: Bengtson