GERALD FREDERICK PROBERT

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GERALD FREDERICK PROBERT Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on October 9, 1929 the youngest of five children to William and Elsie Probert (nee Tomlinson), Gerry passed away at Deer Lodge Center in Winnipeg on February 4, 2016. He will be missed by his children Dave Sargent, Jeff Sargent (Terry), Steve Probert (Christa), Ryan Probert and Kelly Kovach; his grandchildren Chelsea Bohemier (Chris), Chris Sargent (Eric), Andrew Probert (Liz), Curtis Probert, Lindsay Probert (Jeremy), Talia Sargent, Max Kovach and Laurel Kovach; great-grandchildren Alex and Hayden Bohemier. Gerry spent his life following his dreams and doing what he loved. Coaching hockey in the winter, golfing and baseball in the summer, and his horses all year round. In the early 1970s Gerry was with the Charleswood Hawks of the MMJHL and also served as league Secretary/Manager. Half way through the 1974-75 season Gerry took over as coach of the Fort Garry Blues. They barely qualified for the playoffs, finishing 6th in the regular season, and won the league championship. He would go on to coach at River Heights Community Centre for the rest of the 1970s and the St. Vital Victorias AA for six seasons in the 1980s. He was an avid golfer and we were all continually amazed at how he could hit the ball so far with such an old and small wooden driver. Playing in the Pappy Vickery golf tournament at Sandy Hook was a much enjoyed yearly event. Throughout the years Gerry's booming voice could be heard on the hockey rinks and the ball diamonds as he umpired baseball. His true love was horses and Standardbred racing. Over the years Gerry owned race horses, operated a tack shop (King Horse Ltd), served as a judge and race secretary. It was at the race track that he met a kindred spirit in Polly O'Dare and followed his love to Saskatoon, living there for 15 years. They bred, raised, trained and raced the horses together until they could no longer do so. In 2014 Gerry moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family. The family would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Centre for their ongoing care and compassion throughout his stay. To celebrate and remember his life, the family would like to invite all of Gerry's friends to a "Come and Go" evening on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Wheeler Funeral Home, 1800 Day St., Winnipeg. Donations may be made in Gerry's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2016