In Memoriam Geoffrey Wilbraham Longtime Westminster faculty member Geoffrey Wilbraham died Nov. 18 in Canton, Conn., at the age of 92. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, he graduated as head prefect from Longton High School where he was captain of both the cricket and rugby teams, two sports he continued playing as a college student at the University of Manchester. Following graduation from the university with a B.A. in French, he served two years in the British Army, attaining the rank of captain before being discharged in 1951. After coming to the United States in 1952, Geoffrey worked, as had his father, for Josiah Wedgwood and Sons. When he visited Westminster as a representative of the company, he so impressed Louise and Pete Keyes that Headmaster Keyes appointed him to the faculty in 1958. During his 36-year tenure at Westminster, Geoffrey, who Geoffrey Wilbraham earned an M.A. at Trinity College, served as director of studies, as a French teacher, as an advisor to the Chapel Program and as a coach, becoming renowned in New England as a soccer coach. best embodies the qualities of Geoffrey Wilbraham, who gave He began with a fledgling boys’ soccer program in the distinguished and loyal service to Westminster from 1958 to early 1960s and eventually led his teams to championships. He 1994: high personal standards, consistent respect for others, served on the Executive Board of the Western New England unswerving commitment to the common good, steady insistence Preparatory School Soccer Association for which he was elected on fair play and abiding human decency.” president in 1969. In 1981, he was chosen Coach of the Year by In his professional and private life, Geoffrey always stood the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association, and in 1991 and for high academic standards, sensitivity, diplomacy and patience. 1992, when his teams won a pair of back-to-back New England He led a life of love and loyalty and had no regrets. He was a Championships, he was elected New England Coach of the Year. wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. His son, Geoffrey enjoyed playing tennis and was interested in Charlie ’76, cherished the countless times they played tennis gardening and music, having sung with The Simsbury Light together. Opera Company. Geoffrey was predeceased in 2012 by Betsy, his wife of At the time of his retirement in 1994, former Headmaster 46 years; his brother, Arnold; and his sisters, Margaret and Donald Werner wrote in the spring 1994 Bulletin: “Westminster Kathleen. He leaves behind his son, Charlie; daughter-in-law, will miss Geoffrey, not only as a teacher, coach and advisor. He Yvette; and granddaughter, Katherine. has gently touched a lot of lives. The school will miss his example, especially when times become shrill and cantankerous. In both his personal and professional dealings, Geoffrey Wilbraham has always treated everyone the same way — with an intuitive, completely natural and unaffected kindness.” Geoffrey and his wife, Betsy, who had been involved in all aspects of school life at Westminster while Geoffrey served on the faculty, moved to Williamsburg, Va., when he retired from Westminster. They returned to Connecticut in 2006 in order to spend time with their granddaughter, Katherine. “Always, Betsy and Geoffrey Wilbraham were a wonderfully gracious presence on Williams Hill,” wrote Head of School Bill Philip in announcing Geoffrey’s death to the Westminster community. “The Wilbraham Bowl honors the family’s name. The award Geoffrey coaching in 1991. is given to a member of the Fifth Form who Spring 2021
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