Condolence From: Dave Schlei
Condolence: Many remember Wid from his days as a pioneer and one of the founders of the Kin program at Waterloo. I remember him as a dashing young phys.ed. teacher at KCI in the 60's who took an interest in an awkward, shy 15 year old and started him on an educational journey that continues today and will continue long in to the future because of Neil. It was Wid who made me believe "I could" when all I ever thought of was "I can't". When he left KCI to go to Santa Barbara and later on to Waterloo he pulled some strings to get me admitted even though my marks would only be accepted at WLU. At Waterloo, Wid became my mentor in more ways than just academics and athletics. He was a role model in every facet of his life. I was a babysitter for him and Lynn and decided to become a teacher because of him. There are now dozens of teachers who have entered the profession because Neil Widmeyer cared about one shy kid. His legacy will be eternal. God Bless you Wid.
Tuesday January 05, 2016
Condolence From: John Loy
Condolence: A great lost of a dear friend, a former fellow faculty member, coauthor, occasional tennis partner, conference travel companion, and the most "positive" person that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Saturday December 19, 2015
Condolence From: Gerry Kenyon
Condolence: Fond memories of working with an absolute great guy back in the 70's at HKLS.
Friday December 18, 2015
Condolence From: Dave Northey
Condolence: I know a lot of people know Neil as Doc Wid but to me and others from the late 60's, who he coached on the University of Waterloo track and cross country teams he will forever be 'Coach' Wid. His philosophy was not of the idea that only the 'best' were welcome to come out for the team but anyone who wanted could come out, be coached, train and race. I remember fondly our post race meals at the Ali Baba Steak House where Neil was a club member.
I would bump into him every now and then and would reminisce about the old days.
Coach, your memories and philosophy of treating all as equals will live on.
An old 'Warrior'.
Dave Northey
Thursday December 17, 2015
Condolence From: Diane Mack
Condolence: Few individuals leave an indelible mark on the world. Neil was one such man. His smile touched everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. His mark on the field of sport psychology permanent.
Thursday December 17, 2015
Condolence From: Mike MacPherson
Condolence: For the past 8 years, I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know Doc Wid here at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic in Guelph. He was so good to the young Storm players as he mentored them on Mondays for lunch. His commitment to their character and who they were as young men, was a gift to the Guelph Storm, the OHL and so many NHL teams that have players from Guelph, who Doc taught and mentored. What a gift. I am so thankful I had the chance to share coffee and a cinamon raisin bagel with Doc on Labour day weekend. Heaven has an All Star in Doc. God Bless you my friend.
Thursday December 17, 2015
Condolence From: Jan & Bob Etherington
Condolence: It is with fond memories that we remember Neil. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss. Neil always displayed a great sense of humor and a hearty laugh. He always remembered his Aunt Eva, my mother, and made her feel special.
Wednesday December 16, 2015
Condolence From: Jean Goldsworthy
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear of Neil''s passing. We have so many fond memories of Neil and you Lynn, Kelly,Kim and Greg when we all lived on Shakespeare Drive. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
Tuesday December 15, 2015
Condolence From: Pat Bishop
Condolence: Neil, Dr. Wid., was a colleague and a friend. He was a pioneer in developing the field and discipline of Kinesiology and it was my privilege to work along side of him on our academic journey. I am sure that if there is hockey in heaven, Neil and E.J. (his former graduate student) are planning on sitting with Fred Shero and discussing the issue of violence in the HHL (Heavenly Hockey League).
Neil made so many of those around him better people just because they knew him. Thanks so much to Lynn and his family for sharing Neil with all of us.
Monday December 14, 2015
Condolence From: Cindy Dickson
Condolence: My condolences for your family on the loss of Neil. My Mother was Eva (Widmeyer)Dickson and I remember meeting Neil quite often while visiting Aunt Ruth and Uncle Lorne or through past Widmeyer reunions. He was always very positive and I remember his smile could light up a room. He will be truly missed.
Yours sincerely,
Cousin - Cindy Dickson
Monday December 14, 2015
