London Free Press - Reader to Reader
Written By:  Brian and Kerry Cloney

Last weekend we lost one of the greatest soccer personalities in London, Harry "Mr. Soccer" Gauss, who was owner, coach and general manager of the London Soccer Club.

I tried out for the club in 1993 as the first Special Olympian to do so. I got cut in the last round of the tryouts, going against more experienced players.

However, my effort did not go unnoticed. Harry complimented me on my work ethic and offered me a team manager job since it was vacant. I was honoured and took the position. I was able to participate in the practices throughout the season to help me with my Special Olympic soccer. Since being involved I won a lot of championships in Special Olympic soccer.

In the second year, in one of the away games against North York, Harry handed me a soccer uniform and told me I would be playing sometime during the game and I did play.

After the game, Harry, my favourite player Luan Jonuzi and the rest of the team gave me a London City soccer track suit. I was very humbled at this moment.

What I learned about Harry is that he had a big heart, made no judgments, gave everyone an equal chance and rewarded those who did their jobs.

Whether you liked him or not, he spoke his mind, the truth and the fact remains he made soccer bigger than ever here in London.

Thanks for everything you've done for all of us, Harry. You can't be replaced. Rest in peace, my friend. My sympathies to the Gauss family.