But, according to Goulet, he was forced to resign in July for the second time in 2017 after the school’s principal and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district administrators acted on complaints from one or more players’ parents.

Goulet, 70, said the past two years — which included his diagnosis with kidney disease and a stroke — have been the most challenging for the Marauders, with more uncommitted players and attitude problems than ever.

Goulet said he retired from teaching at the school in the spring. In April, he said, Pitt Meadows Secondary principal Mike Keenan told him parents had complained.

He said he was then asked how much longer he hoped to coach — another year or two — and it was implied that he should instead resign. So he did.

But after a public meeting where players’ parents voiced their disappointment about the resignation, Goulet was asked to return, he said. Meanwhile, the school district had launched an investigation into his conduct.

Goulet went on to coach about 150 spring games. Then when the investigation concluded in July, he was told to tender his resignation again, he said.

He went to the final game of the season, wished his players good luck, and that was the end of his 39-year career.

Goulet has been left bitter by the complaint process, which he believes was a cowardly move by the complaining parents. In previous seasons, parents have always spoken with him directly to resolve issues, he said.