‘Coach’ Glenn P. Armstrong
October 3, 2023
In Loving Memory
‘Coach’ Glenn P. Armstrong
On October 3, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Coach Armstrong made his final touchdown.
Glenn was born in Windsor, ON in February 1950 to parents Jim and Margaret Armstrong. The family came to BC in 1952. Glenn enjoyed team sports from an early age and while in high school playing with the Surrey Rams, football became his passion.
Glenn earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Language Arts in 1976 at Simon Fraser University and began teaching at Barriere Elementary and then Dallas Elementary while coaching the Sahali Rams and Dallas Cowboys in minor football. Moving on to the next quarter, he tackled Valleyview which was, at the time, a Junior High school full of challenging teens.
In 1980, Glenn met widowed Judy Buckley and her two children, Jason, and Melanie. They married in 1985 and the family settled in the Dallas area. Glenn expanded his career with a Coaching Certification and coached football for many successful years at NorKam and then at Valleyview for the remainder of his career. During this time, he also earned his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Victoria.
Sidelined after knee surgery, Glenn retired from teaching in 2007 but continued to coach the Kamloops Broncos running backs for the 2008 season. He was honored to be awarded The Coaches Association of BC – Coach of the Year in 2007, and Coach of the Year as well as Community Coach of Excellence in 2008. He instructed many coaching courses and seminars throughout BC before fully retiring in 2014.
Glenn and Judy spent many happy years on their acreage in Del Oro, enjoying their dogs, goats, chickens and gardens. They frequently went on month-long camping adventures, taking their little trailer all over the province. Their love of camping and the outdoors continued until Glenn’s illness in 2016.
Glenn was predeceased by both his parents. Left behind and missing him are his wife, Judy; her children Jason (Tracy) Buckley and Melanie Buckley; step-grandchildren Simon and Sabrina; as well as numerous friends and associates in the SD73 and junior football communities.
Thanks to the amazing staff at Kamloops Hospice for their wonderfully supportive care of Glenn during his last days. Thanks to Drs Ewart and MacDonald and staff at RIH Cancer Clinic and Dr. Raul and staff at KGH Cancer Clinic.
Dr. Paul Dickinson; you are an absolute gem of a human being. We are so grateful for your care and support of both Glenn and Judy over the past several years. Thank you from the whole family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kamloops Hospice in Glenn’s memory.
No service will be held but a family get-together is planned.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 6
Judy, my heart is absolutely shattered at this news.
Glenn completely changed my life when he truly introduced me to what football really was.
He was so incredibly full of compassion, patience, intelligence and had an unfathomable ability to bring the best out of his players and coaches.
He put me on a path when he had no reason too, other than his impeachable character and his incredible heart.
I can guarantee I am not alone when I say that to this day, aside from my father, Glenn Armstrong was the most influential man in my life.
Thank you Judy for sharing this one of a kind soul with so many players, whose lives he altered for the better with nothing more than his words.
Thank you Glenn
In my 80+ years, I’ve met many interesting people. Glen was among the most interesting. His coaching method was to never yell at or berate a player for a mistake. He would simply ask what didn’t work.
Glen was a kind, knowledgeable gentleman. I was honored to be an assistant coach for a couple of years. It truly was an honor.
You will be truly missed by anyone who ever met you.
Goodbye, Glen.
My sincere condolences and thoughts to Judy the Armstrong family. Met Glenn many years ago when taking my NCCP certification course which he was an instructor for. Found him to be very supportive and knowledgeable which I’m very grateful and thankful. I’m sure the kamloops sports community feels the same. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sincerely, Claudio klarich
Coach Armstrong was my teacher and coach at Norkam during the 90’s. He was an amazing coach and very patient teacher. He will be missed .
I NEW GLEN ‘MR ARMSTRONG” AS A STUDENT IN MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS IN BARRIERE B.C
OUR P.E TEACHER,,I DO CREDIT HIM FOR PULLING ME OUT OF MY SHELL AND HAD THE PRIVILAGE
OF TELLING HIM AT A CHANCE MEETING ON A BUS TOUR OUT OF KAMLOOPS SEVERAL YEARS AGO
I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER THAT CHAT WITH HIM AND HIS WIFE IN THE HOT SPRINGS ,,
THANKS “MR ARMSTRONG”
MY CONDOLANCES TO THE FAMILY
Judy how sad we are to read this news, receiving the Christmas card just from you caused us concern so we got on the internet not expecting to find this very sad news so quickly. Wish we had known sooner our condolences go out to you and the family. Please let us know if you receive this e-mail. Love Nicki & Brian xx