John Glezen Lindberg

John Lindberg died at home in Naples, Idaho April 1, 2011. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at the Becker Auditorium, Bonners Ferry Idaho. John was born on May 29, 1934 in Cortland, N.Y. to Philip & Marion Lindberg. He was raised in the small town of Homer, N.Y. and always wished to retire to the comfort and friendliness of small town living. John graduated from Homer High School where he was active in soccer, basketball and track but soccer became his main love. John went on to Brockport State College in pursuit of a teaching degree. There his true talent for soccer excelled and he was selected as an All American Soccer player in 1952, 1953,1954. John graduated from Brockport with both a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Education Administration. His first taught at Eden, N.Y followed by a return to Brockport College where John taught college students professional teaching skills with young children. John’s teaching career of 36 years took him from N.Y. to Nevada and finally California, where to taught for 26 years. There he met and married a fellow teacher, Shirley Smith who has been his life long loving partner for over forty years. Those many years in education brought him recognition in both athletic and service awards: Homer Central School Athletic Hall of Fame All American Soccer Player 1952, 1953, 1954 Eden Hall of Fame Award for Distinguished Service New York State University for Outstanding Service Dedication and Contribution for Establishing Soccer as New High School Sport 1992 Bonners Ferry Board of Education Service Award Idaho Intermountain League Coach of the Year Idaho High School Athletic League Distinguished Service Award Upon retiring to Bonners Ferry, John learned soccer was not included as a high school sport. True to his community spirit, he immediately went into action and got permission to voluntarily start a free youth club team at the fairgrounds. As it grew, finding and personally purchasing a suitable field to accommodate the growth led to more participants. Finally soccer was accepted as a school sport. John was instrumental in creating a high school soccer field and this has led to a positive Bonners Ferry soccer reputation over the years. John’s soccer philosophy “First and foremost sportsmanship followed closely by respect for the sport itself and help for fellow team mates”. John is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter & son-in-law Laurie & Michael Naumann, Brother Bill Lindberg, Daughter- in-law Jan Soloy, 5 grandchildren, 11 great - grandchildren & several nieces & nephews. Memorials suggested: Boundary County Education Foundation, Bonners Ferry High School Soccer Teams, or Pancreatic Cancer Research. Family and friends are invited to sign John’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.