WILBERT SOPHER

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

• Our deepest sympathy to Pat and family. We have known Willie for many years and have played ball against his team and sometimes with him. He was a very skilled shortstop and I wished I had a dollar for every time I tested his arm and he threw me out at home! We will miss the opportunity to meet with Willie on our way to the lake - at Walkers. I would always ask Debbie to call her dad when we stopped by for that very special Walkerburger and Fries and Willie would always come out and visit for a while. We had a final chance meeting at Steinbach Cancer Care where Bev is undergoing treatment as well. I am glad we had that final visit, talk, and hug before we left for Az. It was a pleasure, no, a privilege to know such a wonderful man. - Posted by: Bev and Ray Newman (Softball team Sports) on: Dec 17, 2013

• It was around 15 years ago that I got to know Willie. We were trying out for a Word Championship Slo Pitch Team and for some strange reason we became pretty close friends. We played against each other mostly, and with each other occasionally, but we always crossed paths and talked and joked. Willie always seemed more concerned about my health than about his own. He was always so upbeat even until just recently when things weren't going that well. We had lots of fun together, either poking fun at each other's baseball skills or just carrying on an everyday conversation. I am sure it won't ease the pain of losing Willie, but I am sure you realize that everyone who knew him thought the world of him and you must be pretty proud of him My deepest condolences Pat to you and your family - Posted by: Ray Hoskins (Good friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

• Dear Debbie Both Connie and I were sad to hear of your father's passing. We remember strongly his enthusiastic and kind and friendly manner. We liked Willie almost instantly as we did all members of your family and are thinking of all of you in this time of loss. God Bless. Dennis & Connie Olivier - Posted by: Dennis & Connie Olivier (Friend) on: Dec 13, 2013

• It was close to 20 years ago that Willie and I initially crossed paths. It was tryouts for one of the World Championship Teams We seemed to really hit it off together and a friendship was formed. We saw quite a bit of each other during the summer mostly playing against each other and and occasionally together on all star teams. Willie was always so upbeat, even when I talked to him during his recent struggles, he always seemed more concerned how I was during than his own struggles.. I really feel fortunate to have crossed paths and become good friends with him. I know nothing that I say will ease the pain of losing Willie but I am sure you realize that everyone that knew him admired him and his positive attitude I am thinking of you and my prayers are with you Pat for your loss - Posted by: Ray Hoskins (Good Friend) on: Dec 13, 2013

• Our deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Jim and Helen Gersch (Cousin to Marquise) on: Dec 12, 2013

• Pat and Family, I was very saddened to hear of Willie's passing. It brought back so many memories of our time working together. As hard as we worked we also had a lot of fun. He had a great sense of humour and could make a bad day better. He was also a true friend who would do anything for you if you needed a helping hand. I will miss him greatly. - Posted by: Bob Roberts (Friend & Co-Worker) on: Dec 12, 2013

• What can I say... I can't believe he's gone. Willie was like a father to me. He was so much like my own dad-- passionate about hockey, baseball (sports in general) and that work ethic! We had so many great conversations and he was always a "straight shooter". He never minded giving me advice and I always wanted to hear it... well maybe not always, but he did it out of concern for the "team" and myself. I found that I never wanted to disappoint Willie, he made me strive to be a better manager and person. He was always respectful, kind and so generous with his time. He had a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and life experience that he shared and will be greatly missed. I am so glad that I had the privilege of getting to know Willie. He will live on in all who knew him. He was a blessing to us all at "Fourth". Thank you for sharing him with us. - Posted by: Barbara Plett (co-worker/home manager) on: Dec 12, 2013

• Sorry for you loss, I will miss him so much. He was awesome to work with and was there when I was going through tough times and always took your shifts if you couldn't. I worked with him for 2 years, he was like a grandpa to me - Posted by: jocelyne friesen (co-worker) on: Dec 10, 2013

• Fond memories of the 60's and 70's playing hockey and mostly fastball in Selkirk. It was great getting together with you and your family - Posted by: clifford and elizabeth waytiuk (friend) on: Dec 10, 2013

• My Sympathies to you, Pat and family. Willie was a great man. He had lots of spunk and kept the men he supported, waiting for him to return the next shift. He was always eager to help out where ever and when ever needed... he was a great asset to our team and he will be sadly missed. R.I.P Willie... I'm sure it won't be long before you are heading up the baseball league on the other side. - Posted by: Shirley Lorette (Manager/Co-worker) on: Dec 09, 2013

• We are so glad we got to have some visits with Willie this past summer on our way out to the trailer. He always had a welcoming smile and hello! He will truly be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you walk out this journey of loss. - Posted by: Jenn Allison and Family (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2013

• My deepest condolences on the passing of Willie. He was a wonderful co worker. My fondest memories was playing baseball with him in the field on the Publishers Baseball team. Many chats on midnight shifts. He will be missed. - Posted by: John Podworniak (Co worker) on: Dec 08, 2013

• With caring sympathy to Auntie Pat, Debbie and family and Uncle Wilbert's siblings. Have many fond and special memories of spending time with Uncle Wilbert as a child I loved it when Uncle Wilbert would often come down to Selkirk and visit. Many visits were with Amma Gilla at our house and I loved that Uncle Wilbert would always bring donuts and there would always be plenty of laughs. You will also be missed at the annual family gatherings in Gimli during the Icelandic Celebration parade day. May the many fond memories of the wonderful times you all have shared with Uncle Wilbert help you through this difficult time of loss and sadness. - Posted by: Jona Helgason Kondrat (Niece ) on: Dec 08, 2013

• So sorry for your loss, sad to hear about uncle Wilbert. Take care auntie Pat and Debbie and all my aunts and uncles. Love Mark and Colleen - Posted by: mark and colleen sopher (Nephew ) on: Dec 07, 2013

• Debbie and Family, sorry to hear about Willie...we didn't know him for long but he was a very nice man, we had some fun nights with him at Walkers this past summer. Always made us laugh:) our thoughts are with you all, take care. R.I.P. Willie - Posted by: Darlene (friend) on: Dec 07, 2013

• Always willing to listen. That is how we will remember him. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Darlene and Glen Hargreaves (friends) on: Dec 07, 2013

• Uncle Bo was a special man. He always made you feel loved and welcomed whenever you were in his company. He had a keen sense of humour and watch out if you were on his list for a fun joke to be played on you. He had the warmest hugs and I will miss hearing him call me sweetie. I have such wonderful memories of uncle Bo. I will always have those early morning visits with him when he picked up mom and we shared stories. Our visit this past August where he shared his narratives of how his life was changing. We laughed, but we were all sad at the same time. I will miss his stories about Claude, dad and my family before I was born. Aunty Pat, I am so sorry that you have lost your wonderful husband. I am glad that he had you by his side, taking care of him. Debbie, I wish I could take away your sadness about losing your dad. I hope that knowing how much he was loved and that he has a place in many hearts where we will all keep him and cherish him, will give you and your family a little bit of peace during this very hard time. - Posted by: Jerri-Lynn (His favourite niece) on: Dec 07, 2013

• So sorry to hear of your brother`s passings. Two loved ones to go within a month's time must be very difficult. Prayers and thoughts are with you all. Gail - Posted by: Gail Kotowich (High School Classmate of Colleen's) on: Dec 07, 2013

• Debbie, Just wanted to send my condolences. When we stopped by the store and saw your dad, and how upbeat and funny he was, it warmed my heart. He will be forever in your hearts and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. - Posted by: Susan Bosecke (friend) on: Dec 07, 2013