Zemanek, Guenther

Peacefully, at St. Joseph's Health Centre, Guelph, on Thursday, December 10, 2009 in his 90th year.

Deeply devoted husband and best friend of Hannelore for 63 years.

Loving father of Timm Guenther Zemanek and his wife Eileen MacKinnon of Toronto.

In his native Austria, Guenther studied to become a physical education teacher, played for the Austrian national soccer team.

In 1953, Guenther and his family emigrated to Canada where he became a successful business man while playing for the National Soccer League in Toronto.

In 1969 Guenther and Hannelore moved to Sault Ste. Marie where he became an Ontario Soccer Associations staff coach, being among the first in Canada to achieve his national "B" licence.

Guenther ran coaching clinics and organized teams in many communities across Northern Ontario.

In 1982 they moved to Guelph where Guenther became a dedicated member of the Guelph Youth Soccer Club, donating countless hours to work with players and coaches, for which he was awarded a lifetime membership by the Guelph Soccer Club to honour his tremendous contribution.

Professionally, Guenther also became assistant coach to the men's soccer team at the University of Guelph.

In 1986 he became the head coach of the women's soccer team until he retired in 1990.

Guenther was honoured with the "John T. Powell" award by the University of Guelph.

Even in retirement he continued to assist the men's and women's teams at the University of Guelph, recruiting, assessing players and mentor-coaching.

In 2001 Guenther received a lifetime achievement from the Ontario Soccer Association.

While he possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of soccer, Guenther will be warmly remembered by those he coached and mentored for his generosity, leadership and encouragement.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph on Sunday, December 13, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Monday, December 14, 2009 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 1 p.m. Cremation has taken place.

As expressions of sympathy donations to the Guelph Youth Soccer Club, (c/o Guelph Soccer, 375 College Ave. W., Guelph, ON N1G 0C3) would be appreciated by the family (cards are available at the funeral home, 519-821-5077) or send condolences to www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com