It is with heavy hearts that Basketball Manitoba, the Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials and the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association share the news of the passing of Neil Gottfred, an active and respected basketball referee in Winnipeg.
Neil was an extremely active member of the basketball community as an on-court official, clinician, evaluator, assignor and administrator. Neil was a staple of the basketball community for over 25 years and, with his larger-than-life personality, had an absolute passion for the game. Neil's genuine interest in the sport was to work with new and up-and-coming referees to give them the tools and resources they needed to be successful.
Neil served on the Basketball Manitoba Board of Directors for 2 terms in the early 2000s and had been President of the Metropolitan Basketball Officials Association. He had worked closely with Reid Kenyon as a co-assignor with the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association for over 15 years.
Neil's contributions to the basketball community will not be forgotten. He positively impacted many players, coaches, and referees and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Neil's family and friends and ask that you keep them in your thoughts.
Rest in peace, Neil. You will always be remembered as a great friend of the basketball community.
UPDATED FEBRUARY 6, 2023: Neil’s Celebration of Life will take place at the Fort Rouge Curling Club, 750 Daly Street South in Winnipeg, on Wednesday, March 1, at 1:00 pm. Due to limited spacing, the family has asked that people show their respects and allow for others to do the same.