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Neil Gottfred

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NEIL BRIAN GOTTFRED

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March 20, 1957 - January 12, 2023

We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of our beloved Neil on January 12, 2023. Neil died at home after refereeing a basketball game, his favourite past time.

 

He was predeceased by his father Lorne, mother Therese and sister Diane. He leaves behind a son Adam Hildebrand and wife Kerri, a daughter Sara Hildebrand and husband Craig and grandson Jaxson. He is also survived by his brother Mike and wife Angie.

 

Neil grew up in River Heights and was an exceptional athlete in every sport. He was especially proficient in football and track and field. He led his football teams to provincial championships. As he got older, he became a curler and spent many years pursuing that passion. He curled at the highest levels and got the provincial finals twice. After he stopped playing organized sports, he became a basketball referee, which brought him great satisfaction and friendships. He enjoyed being a mentor and providing guidance to many aspiring officials.

 

Neil spent his last 20 years working at The Matrix Group and was still employed at the time of his passing. He leaves many great friends and colleagues there.

 

One of his favourite past times was golf, a love he inherited from his father. He enjoyed playing with his friends and looked forward to their Florida golf trip every spring which he gladly organized.

 

Neil had a charismatic personality that allowed him to turn strangers into lifelong friends on many occasions. Whether he was playing guitar or just leading the festivities, he made sure everyone had a good time. His list of close friends is too long to mention, but know that he had a special place in his heart for all of you.

 

We would like to thank everyone who reached out with kind messages after his passing.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 1st at the Fort Rouge Curling Club at 1:00pm. 750 Daly St S, Winnipeg

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Brandy McKay

March 23, 2023 at 1:42 PM

I first met Neil many years ago when I became a Basketball referee; we even reffed together on occasion. We remained connected in the Basketball community as he often officiated my senior women's games on Sundays. It was always a bright-spot in my day to walk up to our game court and see that Neil was our ref. We shared a lot of banter back and forth, both on and off the court. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing and would like to extend my condolences to Neil's family and friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace, Neil. ❤
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Trevor Schriver

March 2, 2023 at 11:56 AM

I was deeply saddened to learn of Neil’s untimely passing on January 12th.  My brief time in Winnipeg remains one of the best periods of my life thanks to people just like Neil.  Selfless, caring, friendly, happy….Neil was a joy to be around and I am privileged to have had him as my very good friend.  Basketball officiating brought Neil and I together.  His sunny disposition and positive character encouraged me to stay in touch. Neil visited Hamilton on occasion and when he did, it was a priority to connect.  I often thought he should have been a stand-up comedian based on the evenings he kept Meagan and I in stitches, laughing at his many routines….does anyone remember Kuby the Clown? Neil had a love for music and I remember him on many occasions breaking into song with lyrics he and Stan Kubiek had written for The Lonesome Rangers….. “Girl Across the Room”, “Cimarron Sky” and “Dixie Lake”.  Those songs raised feelings of nostalgia and sentimentality, encouraging me to reminisce and remember with fondness my own past relationships. Neil, I fill with happiness when I look back on our relationship.  You were loved by those who knew you, including me.  I will miss you my dear friend. May your loved ones take comfort in the knowledge you were cherished by so many people whose lives you had touched. Sincerely, Trevor Schriver
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Mike Pratt

February 6, 2023 at 12:13 PM

I only knew Neil through our phone conversations when he'd reach out with some advertising opportunities. Even though those conversations were brief, I always got a sense of Neil's friendliness, enthusiasm, and passion. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. 
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Adele Kapeluch & Wendy Martin

February 5, 2023 at 1:59 PM

So sad to hear of Neil's passing! He was our football coach on the St. Vital Lady Mustangs for several years. Lots of great memories of singing, laughing, fun drills and nicknames that have stuck for years! Our condolences to Neil's family!
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Timothy Cullen

February 5, 2023 at 1:22 PM

A tear came to my eye when I was told by a friend that Neil had passed away . We grew up together in river heights and I can't tell you how much fun we had as kids and young men ! All our lives were made better by knowing GOTT! Reading story on this page brought back so many memories from all of you that new Neil and how every adventure we had was better just because you all were there and Neil was leading the pack. Rest well my friend you will always be forever in our memories ! MY thoughts go out to all of you.  Tim Cullen
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Rory Jones

January 28, 2023 at 1:30 PM

Neil was a great friend and teammate On the Fort Garry lion’s Junior football club. He was the life of the party and we shared some great memories in Montreal at the Grey Cup as witnessed in the enclosed photo of us in 1979 outside the Olympic stadium with that “university of fun invisible marching band” first ever appearance! Very sad that I never got to spend more time with Neil in his later years. See you on the other side my friend. Cheers! 🍺
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sandra kirby

January 27, 2023 at 7:47 AM

I worked with Neil over the last 7 years. Every phone call ended in laughter. When he came to Hamilton he shared my office and I had to tell him to stop singing so I could hear my clients.. He only got louder. He boosted moral in the office when he was here. It was sad when he had to go back to the Winnipeg office. I will miss our phone calls my friend. ❤
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Shannon

January 26, 2023 at 1:35 PM

I worked with Neil for nearly 20 years and in that time we laughed, we cried, we argued, and we made up. The office is quiet without his laugh and I miss listening to him flirt with clients on the phone. He could charm pretty much anyone! I miss overhearing copious amounts of basketball conversations, highlights from Brook Henderson's latest golf game (he was going to marry her, you know!), and I miss his silly dance moves that always came out of nowhere when he felt someone needed a reason to smile. We miss you Neil. 
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Dale Duguid

January 24, 2023 at 12:02 PM

My Brother. I know we have lost touch over the years. Those Fort Rouge days we spent together were some of the best in my life. So find H and Penrock, we'll get the old team back together soon.
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Dean Duguid

January 24, 2023 at 10:50 AM

Great memories on the curling tour with Neil. RIP buddy My condolences to his family.
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Wayne Elias

January 23, 2023 at 10:19 AM

Neil will be missed in the Southeast basketball community. He was a regular in the basketball clinics, and his great connection with people let new officials relax as they learned. Your legacy will live on in the basketball community. RIP brother. 
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Marc Montanti

January 23, 2023 at 9:55 AM

Goodbye Neil, you were by all definitions a true friend 
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Dean Favoni

January 22, 2023 at 5:26 PM

I always enjoyed a basketball game officiated by Neil. Easy to talk to and he had a desire to make the game enjoyable for all of the athletes. I will miss our pre and post-game chats and visits.
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Dan Hughes

January 22, 2023 at 1:14 PM

🎶  Day-O ! Day-O ! Daylight come and we want go home Day, is a day, is a day, is a day, is a day, is a day-o Daylight come and we want go home Work all night on a drink of rum  Daylight come and we want go home  🎶 In 1975, the 🏈Fort Garry Lions Juniors would often come into the dressing room after practice at Moffat Field and suddenly out of nowhere a low gravelly voice would sing out.. "Day-O !" It was #32. It was Neil. That would be the beginning of a rousing version of Harry Belafonte's classic hit song with Neil as lead vocal. Many of his team mates would join in.. but it was obvious only Neil knew all the lyrics. Great times. Great memories. Keep singing Neil.. And be sure Craig "Hurl" Holding and Harry B. will join in. 🎶
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Paul Finnbogason

January 22, 2023 at 11:29 AM

I'm sorry to hear of Neil's passing. I worked on a survey crew with Neil back in the 70s with UMA engineering. It was my first day on the job and Neil was the crew chief. If memory serves correct Neil drove an Olds convertible at the time. I show up at the field office and Neil with a big smile on his face says "jump in, we have some grades to set" next thing I know he's throwing an 8 track in the player and "Freebird by Lynard Skynard" is playing and Neil is playing air guitar.  Had so much fun that summer working with Neil. It was like it wasn't even a job to go to work.  Never saw or heard from Neil after that project but I can tell you I think of him often when Freebird is playing. My condolences to his family.  
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Tom Criddle

January 22, 2023 at 11:09 AM

Saddened to hear of your passing. Have many great memories of our time on the ice. You will be missed.
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Mike Nazar

January 21, 2023 at 6:36 PM

There are no words to fill the hole in my heart for this man. Like a big older brother to me, we had many chats about everything on our way to many rounds of golf together. A passionate man with a huge heart. See you later buddy. RIP, gone but not forgotten! The next technical foul is for you!
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Curt Bauer

January 21, 2023 at 2:17 PM

So sorry to hear the sad news.  Neil was a special guy.  Fun-loving and very personable.  I met Neil 15 years ago through basketball and developed a friendship.  Always had fun coaching when he reffed.  Always enjoyed our pre-game and post-game conversations especially about golf.  Neil will be missed by the basketball community.
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Norma Carswell

January 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM

So sad to hear of Neil's passing.  I knew Neil from when he was so very young through my dear brother Craig or "H"  as you knew him by. You, "H", and so many others were all such good friends throughout school. sports, and many other shenanigans. My deepest sympathies to Neil's family and friends at this sad time.
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Eric Pele

January 21, 2023 at 1:27 PM

Neil it is so sad to hear of your passing. You were a great guy to be around, always game to take on some charade with a mischievous twinkle in your eye. Whether it was dressing up in full Punch Imlach fedora, skinny tie and sport coat to coach our beer league hockey team or taking on any challengers to apartment hallway squash, you did it with gusto and conviction. I was unaware of your involvement with Basketball Manitoba and the many contributions you made to the sport. Their recognition of you is testimony to your character and your love and commitment to sport in general Neil may you rest in peace friend. Memories of you will stay with us forever.
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Joe Egan

January 21, 2023 at 12:51 PM

I am a good friend of his brother Mike. My memories of Neil goes back many years when my buds and I would venture over to Brebeuf School from St Ignatius to play some BB or VB only to have our butts kicked by Rick Lum and Neil….the two of them could have beat us alone they were that good . We ran with our tails between our legs on more than one occasion and we aware decent athletes 
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Rob macdonald

January 21, 2023 at 12:45 PM

sorry sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. Condolences Mike, and family. I hope “H” was there to greet him with a big hug and a beer. I remember playing baseball with him. You had to be ready for a throw from him because it was a frozen rope. I swear his throws hissed. 
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Ceci Kaufman

January 21, 2023 at 12:18 PM

I’m so very sorry to hear of Neil’s sudden passing.  I was a friend of his from Grant Park High. I remember him as a kind, generous, fun loving classmate.  In later years our paths crossed when my son played recreational basketball and Neil was the ref at many of the games.  It was always a pleasure to see him. He was as kind and as fun loving as ever.  My heart goes out to his loved ones.  I know this is a very big loss.  Sincerely, Ceci Kaufman 
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Mike Babb

January 21, 2023 at 11:46 AM

Saddened to hear about Neil’s passing. Had the honour of playing football and basketball with him and connecting with him through coaching basketball in games that he reffed. Both the players and I enjoyed his encouraging attitude and good advice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends. 
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John Meiklejohn

January 21, 2023 at 11:36 AM

So sad to hear of Neil’s passing. Have many fond and crazy memories with him and Saskatoon will never be the same since our Football trip together!! Be at Peace and rest well my old Friend🏈
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Trevor Westwood

January 21, 2023 at 11:03 AM

You you you could not have  known Neil Gottfred well without bringing back some of the craziest, most fun times of your life. Neil, you will be missed! 
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Ormy

January 21, 2023 at 10:59 AM

My old friend. We played hard, fast, and reckless. We shaped ourselves in the teenage years to the men we would become.  You were not a choirboy but you had a great heart. You surrounded yourself with a carefree decency that we all found contagious.  Many fond memories my old friend.  Find H and save me a seat. 
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Brian (Hacker)MacDonald

January 21, 2023 at 10:48 AM

It’s wits with shock and sadness to hear of Neil’s passing. From the football field to the curling rink, baseball diamond, ski hill, air guitar in his basement, and best man at our wedding, you were always a larger than life character. Thank you for the memories buddy. Say hi to H
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Brent Mackie

January 21, 2023 at 10:17 AM

So very sad to read of the passing of a great friend , who I have known since Junior High School. Many great memories of time spent at numerous activities over the years. Never a dull moment when you were around. You were a friend to all. My sympathy and condolences go out to his family (especially Mike and family) and friends. Rest In Peace big fella....Warm hugs to all as well.
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Marty Johannesson

January 21, 2023 at 9:10 AM

So sad and unbelievable to hear of your passing. I will always have many memories of you through curling and just hanging out. Will miss you buddy ❤
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Rick Varnes

January 21, 2023 at 8:27 AM

So sad to hear of your passing Go. The memories of our times curling, playing ball, or sponge hockey will last my lifetime. Our Grey Cup misadventures are legendary and you were leading the way at all times.We will get together again on the other side. RIP my friend.
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Jeff Hurtig

January 21, 2023 at 7:28 AM

will miss you pal❤
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Craig White

January 21, 2023 at 7:27 AM

I can’t begin to explain how saddened I have felt since hearing of my friends passing . The many days we spent together from the time we were small boys are too numerous to list . However the camping trips , baseball tournaments , bonspiels  and just hanging out in the basement on Brock street will be with me forever.  Be in peace my friend 
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Brian Saiko

January 20, 2023 at 5:06 PM

❤Sad to find this news out today. Working with him at matrix…or as a bb referee…i will miss you Neil. And respect you - for being the human being you were-forever 😥❤️
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DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019
EMPLOYEE AREA

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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