JOHN GOTTLI

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• When I was 16 John asked me to join St Stephens Hungaria. It was a huge honour as it was senior men’s soccer and I was just a kid. I had much to learn playing with such older guys but John was so very kind and always believed in me. I have never forgotten him all these years later and so sorry to learn he passed away. He was always so positive and friendly and just loved the game of soccer. He was just a really good guy with a big heart. - Posted by: John tait (Soccer player) on: Mar 21, 2020

• Very sad to hear of Johns passing. I knew him from my court sport days. A man of humour and quick to laugh. Rest well my friend. stu eckert - Posted by: Stuart Eckert (friend) on: Oct 25, 2015

• I only knew John from his days in La Salle. He was a gentle man who always had a smile and always asked about my family. I will miss him. - Posted by: John Rabson (Customer/friend) on: Dec 06, 2014

• I always made a point of having a first coffee with John when he opened in the early hours in La Salle. On Monday, the 24th November, John said he still had to get some fresh cinnamin buns at Jenny's, but had to wait till she opened. We both loved dogs and often discussed his dogs. He talked at length about his stem-cell transplants, and few setbacks. He was a person to live life to the fullest. I will miss my friend. - Posted by: Don Wiebe (friend) on: Dec 05, 2014

• I remember John from Court Sports where I played both soccer and racquetball. John was a tireless organizer who put his heart and soul into that complex. It was a pleasure to know him and play soccer both with and against him. And to be refereed by him. - Posted by: Trevor Smith (Friend and client) on: Dec 01, 2014

• I remember John from the days he was practising as a lawyer as we both had offices in the Somerset Building. I was thinking of him just a few days ago because I was talking about the total solar eclipse in Winnipeg in 1979. John kindly invited some of us to view the eclipse from his office as he had a south facing window. Since it was February the chance to watch the eclipse indoors was very welcome. We lost touch after I moved out of the Somerset building but I'm not surprised to read he got involved with indoor soccer because I remember how much he loved the game. Rest in peace, John. - Posted by: Wendy Barker (Acquaintance ) on: Nov 30, 2014

• John made time to talk to people. He always had a kind word and a good story. He had a knack of seeing what could be and didn't let "what was" stop him from working towards something better. Determined, strong, kind, compassionate, caring, smart, friend. - Posted by: Tony (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2014

• John will be greatly missed in the community. He was a very hard working man that never seemed to run out of things to do, yet always had time to stop and talk to everyone. One of the nicest people I've ever met. I miss our daily chats. Rest in Peace John. - Posted by: Ray Whalley (friend) on: Nov 29, 2014

• John was a good friend - Posted by: jake hildebrand (friend ) on: Nov 29, 2014

• I am so sorry to read of John's passing. John provided many of us an opportunity to play soccer at Margaret Park Community Centre. He coached us then and later brought all of us with him to play at St. Stephens Hungaria Club. None of us wanted to play for anyone else but John. He was a kind and generous man, none better. Rest in Peace John. - Posted by: Gerard (Former teammate) on: Nov 29, 2014

• John was a first class citizen of the game and one of those rare individuals who had the ability to touch everyone around him, his family should be proud in the fact that he was one of the few who made a difference in our community by giving back to the game he loved so much and not just taking away for his own personal glory. John was first in bringing indoor soccer to Winnipeg at Duncan arena. John , you will be sorely missed but your legacy will live on in the spirit of all the people you touched.You will always be in our hearts, we will miss you and never forget you. My deepest condolences to the Gottli family. Rest now and watch over us. Eduardo Badescu Winnipeg World Soccer Academy-President - Posted by: Eduardo BADESCU (Colleague-Acquaintance) on: Nov 28, 2014

• John was a unique character he will missed in the LaSalle community and was was caring and helpful to all of his customers always had time to talk with everyone - Posted by: Colleen and Terry (friend) on: Nov 28, 2014

• Whether or not you agreed with John's way of doing things, he did a lot of good for the soccer community here. Running St Stephens Hungaria club, opening the Duncan street warehouse to operate the first indoor soccer league with boards and then Court sports were all great accomplishments and dedication by John. Many of us will remember him. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Richard (Former teammate ) on: Nov 28, 2014