BOB GOTTFRIED

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• Toots, my best friend for many years - and along with Tootsie came Bob and vice versa. "you and Bob stood up for Ed and I when we were married" We slowly drifted apart but I have never forgotten! I am so sorry to hear about Bob. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Take care and when the time is right I would love to be in touch. - Posted by: Trenna Kanski (Friend) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Because Bob sold the most "World's Finest Chocolate" at St. Anne's catholic elementary in 1957, I sold the most in 1958 and nudged out his repeat effort. It only happened because he was one of my hero's in those early St. James years. MY childhood memories have lasted a life time. From all athletics, to tenting in the back yards, to eating his mom's baking, to raiding crap apple trees, to Saturday prayers..he was and remained inspirational. We were lucky to have grown up across the street from the Gottfrieds at 333 Marjorie. May you rest in peace, knowing you were never forgotten and your influence on others started at a young age. Ian MacIver- Newmarket/Aurora ~ Ian MacIver, Aurora, Ontario | Contact Me - Posted by: ian mac iver (childhood buddy) on: Jan 31, 2016

• Bob was my best childhood friend. We lived across the street from one another, played every day, went to the same school [St. Anne's 1-8] and then on to St. Paul's High School downtown. Along with my brother Ian, Ken Trout and Ken Crump were part of our neighborhood bicycle patrol. We lived in an era where the phone was on a wall, you contacted an operator to place a call and there were party lines. The stay at home moms were the first Neighborhood Watch and they were vigilant. The doors were always open at the Gottfrieds. I fondly remember his mom`s German potato pancakes. I still have our 1st Communion group photo. We shared common interests in comic books and we both had a crush on Sonny Stevens sister, Marlene. Not much of a contest there; Bob looked like a Greek god and I looked like an old Greek. Bob epitomized E.R. Burroughs description of Tarzan. He was my boyhood hero. He was fearless on the football field. Quit was not in his vocabulary. Often he had concussions and wound up sitting on the opposing teams bench. My brother Doug had CTE. I often wondered what effects the injuries would have on Bob. To my regret we drifted apart after my family moved to Windsor Park from St. James for the start of Gr 9. After high school he went into the Airforce, received his education and became an officer and a gentleman. I went to U of M and he went to Cold Lake. I live on the wet coast now. Ken Trout also lives out here. Ian came out for a visit, invited Ken for lunch at Granville Island - memories of Bob, stories of snowball fights, raiding the neighbors gardens for carrots and rhubarb, and jumping on to bumpers of passing cars in the winter for a free ride down the icy street. How does 4 hours pass so quickly. Until recently, I was unaware that Bob was seriously ill. I always thought him to be indestructible. I spoke with Warren this morning to pass on my condolences to the family. Bob was a guy`s guy. I am grateful that Bob was in my life and that I was able to share a wonderful childhood with a true friend. Marlene, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. God Bless. - Posted by: Sandy MacIver (childhood friend) on: Jan 07, 2016

• We met Bob and Marlene on a holiday in Portugal quite a few years ago. We had a lot of fun with them and two other couples. We kept in touch, and entertained one another for a while, but that drifted away. Marlene, we know exactly how ALS devastates lives -- Margaret's sister was five years dying from it and it was absolutely awful. You know what it is like, we're sure. Hope you can survive the sorrow. We'll be thinking of you. Margaret & Dave. - Posted by: Dave & Margaret Burton (Friends) on: Jan 05, 2016

• Flew quite a bit with Bob over the years in the Air Force especially on Northern resupply missions. He was always the consummate pilot and aircraft commander and was a joy to fly with. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: George Sykes (Fellow RCAF friend) on: Jan 02, 2016

• I'm so saddened to hear if Bob's passing, never have I met a friendlier man and gentle soul, I will miss him dearly! - Posted by: Chris jackson (neighbor and friend ) on: Jan 02, 2016

• Bob's big smiles and laughter will always remain in my heart. - Posted by: Elaine Hepburn (Friend) on: Jan 02, 2016