It is with sadness that the Department of Kinesiology announces the passing of Neil Widmeyer, professor emeritus and a pioneer in the world of sport psychology. Widmeyer died Friday.
“Doc Wid", as he was affectionately known, taught for more than 30 years at Waterloo, inspiring and mentoring countless students. He served as the chair of the Department of Kinesiology from 1974 to 1975.
An expert in team cohesion and in aggression and violence in sports, Widmeyer worked with both amateur and professional athletes in several sports and served as sports psychologist to the Guelph Storm hockey organization for two decades.
Widmeyer was inducted into the University of Waterloo Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995 in recognition of his role in developing the track and field program and for his innovative athlete recruitment and training methods. He retired from Waterloo in 1996.
He is survived by wife Lynn, children Kim, Kelly, and Greg, and grandchildren Zachary, Megan, Madeline, and Emily. Family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, December 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener. The funeral service will take place Friday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m.