Obituary of Gordon Probetts

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, just short of his 93rd birthday. Gordon was a loving husband to wife Verna, who he lost in 2019, as well as an adoring grandfather and great grandfather to Justine, Nigel, Olivia, Renee, and the relatively new members of our family - Beckett and Emmie. He remained close to his only brother, Stan for 9 decades. He is survived by his daughter Debbie (Ernie); son Daryl (Susan); his 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Gordon was born in Winnipeg and grew up on a farm in Balmoral where the highlight was their horses Babe, Dolly and Silver. He lived on the farm until his father departed to fight for freedom in World War II. Gordon, his mother and two siblings, then moved to an apartment on Redwood and Main where Gordie was known to sneak away to the movies, westerns of course, or to go diving off the Redwood Bridge. Gordon met Verna while playing baseball, and after a short courtship were married. They spent 67 years together working very hard, raising a family and building lasting friendships. Gordon will be forever remembered for his loving care of Verna in the final 5 years of her life following her stroke in 2014. Gordon and Verna’s house was always the place of family gatherings, which included family members from near and far. While Verna was famous for her Ukrainian specialties and desserts, Gordon was the master of the bar. His infamous Caesar will long be remembered by all who visited. That and his generous pours. Gordon and Verna’s life included lots of travel to Sheho to visit Verna’s family, to Toronto and Niagara to visit Debbie and her family, and to Denver to visit Daryl and his family. Recent travel included a 2021 trip, at the age of 92 and by himself, to Niagara to meet his great grandchildren. Gordon loved playing cribbage. He eagerly taught anyone who was interested and right up until the end of his life could count the points in a hand within seconds. Gordon also was the king of home improvements - being a DIYer long before it became popular. He lived in his home, drove his car, and tended his garden right until the end of his life. Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots and dill were always staples in his garden. He was also proud of the nasturtium flowers that thrived along the side of the garage. Gordon was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer on July 19th and his race to join Verna was rapid. A shock to all who had just talked or visited with him in the last month. Daryl and Debbie were in Winnipeg in those last 2.5 weeks until Gordon passed in his sleep in the early hours of August 4th. Gordon has been cremated and his life will be celebrated privately by his son and daughter and their families. He is forever loved and will be greatly missed by both family and friends alike. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.