1946 -
Rea was first introduced to squash at the University of Western Ontario by a good friend and great ambassador for the sport, Barry Grant, in 1965. To continue playing, Rea joined the Carleton Club in '71 and had wonderful years at Toronto Squash, the Granite Club, the Cambridge Club and the Toronto Racquet Club.
In 1980 Rea was recruited to the Squash Ontario Board by Hall of Fame Member Peter Frost. As a Chartered Accountant, Rea served as Treasurer and was elected President in 1982/1983. In 1983 he was elected to the Board of Canadian Squash Racquets Association (now Squash Canada) serving as Treasurer before becoming President in 1985/1986. During Rea’s term, three major squash tournaments were held: the Canadian Men’s Softball Open, Canadian Women’s Softball Open and the World’s Masters Games in Toronto.
As a member of the Jesters Club of Ontario beginning in 1986, Rea was an active Board Member and played a major role with the Jesters Foundation benefiting junior and University Squash. Notably, Rea introduced the Urban Squash Toronto program to his Alma Mater, Huron College at the University of Western Ontario and the College now provides full and partial scholarships to Urban Squash graduates from the Jane/Finch area of Toronto.
Over the years Rea generously provided counsel to several squash clubs experiencing financial challenges. Godbold left a legacy of strong financial structure in his wake and continues to assist community squash clubs through financial hardships and restructuring.
As a player, Rea was always active but didn’t reach the podium until age 70, winning the Century Doubles with Jamie Nicholls, the Ontario Men’s Vet’s 70+ with Mike Manley; the Smitty 70+ with Jay Umans, the Ontario Vet’s 75+ twice with Molson Robertson and the Canadian Vet’s 75+ again with Molson.
Lastly, Rea was a long-time member of the Canadian Team in the Lapham Grant matches serving as co-captain in 2022 & 2023.
