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GARRY GRUBERT
Born: Oct 11, 1942
Date of Passing: May 05, 2021
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GARRY GRUBERT
Garry was born in Poland on October 11, 1942. His family settled in Germany for four years and were then sponsored to come to Canada in 1950 where he and his family settled in Winnipeg. Garry grew up in the inner city of Winnipeg. He attended the University of Winnipeg and received his Bachelor of Science and subsequently received his Education Degree from the University of Manitoba. Garry travelled Europe before starting his teaching career. Garry and Lydia met at Grand Beach in 1967 and were married September 27, 1968 so as not to interfere with hunting season, and on a Friday so nobody's weekend would be ruined.
Garry lived his life passionately. Garry loved with his whole heart, his family, his friends, his students, and his fellow educators. With Garry, it was all or nothing, when he committed to something, he was all in. He was strong, both physically and mentally. Garry once rescued his brother in-law, who had walked 20 miles in the wrong direction through thick bush. Garry found him after a cold overnight, surrounded by wolves. His wilderness and canoeing trips to Bloodvein and Berens River with friends and his son Marty were survival tests. Garry excelled at everything he did which included many sports, volleyball, baseball, football, soccer, shotput, golf, and his lifelong passion, basketball. Garry won numerous awards for his athleticism. Garry took pride in coaching and spoke very fondly of his time as Sisler High School where he led his basketball team to two provincial championships. That team was later inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame. Garry also coached his son Marty's soccer and hockey teams for over 10 years and if you were ever following Garry to a game, you were in for an adventure.
After retirement in 1999, Garry and Lydia built a home at Twin Lakes Beach on Lake Manitoba where they had a long-time family cabin. Garry loved the lake and spent many hours on it and in it. Garry also enjoyed many hours at Manipogo Golf Course and always enjoyed the many get-togethers with the "Twinos".
Unfortunately, the last few years of Garry's life, he lived his worst nightmare, losing control of his thoughts, memories, and motor skills due to Vascular Dementia. Along with immense grief comes a certain amount of relief for his family, knowing that he is whole again and reunited with many friends and family that went before him.
Garry is survived by his wife Lydia, his son Marty (Pam), his daughter Laura (Mark), and his grandchildren, Austin, Emily and Hannah.
Garry is also survived by his sister Erika Peemoeller (Horst), Meta Pohl (Art), Lilli Schneider and Ursula Grubert, as well as numerous extended family members.
In lieu of sending flowers, please plant a little something in your own yard or neighbourhood in memory of Garry.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2021
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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Grubert Family; I am so sorry to hear this news. Garry was so full of the love of life, it is hard to believe. Please accept my sincere condolences. - Posted by: Marcie Waugh (Acquaintance) on: Nov 21, 2021
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I knew Garry as an administrator at both St. John's and Grant Park. He was kind, thoughtful and always genuine. He also had a subtle sense of humour that I really appreciated. I had the upmost respect for him as a teacher, coach and leader. I have so many fond memories of Garry at both St John's and Grant Park that it would be unfair to choose one, but throughout it all, I saw him as a mentor and the type of leader I always wanted to be, a real class act. I just hope that I was able to reflect a small part of how great he was as a mentor and coach, an impossible task at best. I was really sad when he announced his retirement from Grant Park in 1999 since I knew he was a hard act to follow. He was definitely the best! One in a million, for sure. My deepest condolences to your family and close friends. You will be truly missed. - Posted by: Lucy St Lawrence (Teacher) on: Sep 16, 2021
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My deepest condolences go out to Mrs. Grubert on the passing of my former principal. I remember when, on Tuesday, March 5, 1996 when I had an early dismissal, I went to the McDonald's on Nathaniel St. with my respite worker who waited for me in the front hall at Grant Park High School, I noticed something. I was waiting in line behind Mr. Grubert and asked him if he had a penny. He thanked me for pointing it out because he would otherwise have a pocketful of change! - Posted by: Philip Bialk (Former student) on: Sep 12, 2021
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Dear Lydia and Family We are very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was Mark's Principal in Sr. Johns High school. Hi was also in Germania soccer with my late husband. You are in our Prayers - Posted by: Trudy Matz and Mark Matz (Mark was his Student in St. Johns High School) on: May 13, 2021
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I worked with Garry during the years he was principal of Grant Park. Garry was the sort of person you immediately liked when you met him. He was always up front with people. What you saw is what you got. He was very supportive to the staff. I will never forget him. - Posted by: Richard Dooley (Teacher) on: May 13, 2021
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It was my pleasure and privilege to be a player on one of Garry’s basketball teams at Sisler. Being a Spartan was one of the most significant events of my adolescence. Garry built a program that helped a lot of kids grow into young men. His expectations were always high and we worked as hard as we could to meet them. I proudly include many players from that era as my best friends. I could never thank Garry enough for what he gave to me. To Lydia, Marty and Laura, I hope the sorrow you feel on Garry’s passing is lightened by the knowledge of the never ending respect so many have for him. Brent Corrigan, proud Spartan 1973-75 - Posted by: Brent Corrigan (Player and student) on: May 11, 2021
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We will always remember Uncle Garry as a greatly respected athlete, teacher, principal and leader/coach. Garry was also such a kind and thoughtful man and one of our Dad’s best friends. We each have warm memories of Garry, the fondest of which were when we and other cousins were ‘tag alongs’ with Garry and other Uncles on numerous hunting and fishing trips and also many great Happy Hours with Garry and Lydia at Twin Beaches.... Lydia, Marty, Laura and families, during this difficult time, we wish you much love & comfort in the spiritual embrace of family and friends, and strength in the months ahead.....to the wonderful, full life you all shared with your father, rich in family, rich in support and rich in love .......our deepest condolences to you all. Richard and Michelle and family, Ruby & Darrell and family and Rita and Robin. - Posted by: Naujoks, Grymonpre, Henderson (Nieces and Nephews) on: May 10, 2021
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Lydia, Marty, Laura and family, Words, no matter how kind, can't mend your heartache. However, we wish you Lydia and family comfort and prayers at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Mary Dudek & family (Friend) on: May 10, 2021
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Going from grade 6 (Shaughnessy) to grade 7 (Sisler) was a big event for this 13 year-old north-ender. Although I don't remember which classes I had, I found Mr. Grubert to be stern and honest, yet caring and thoughtful. - Posted by: Rob Plouffe (Grade 7 and 8 Student (1974-76) Sisler High School) on: May 08, 2021
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Gary and I met at Isbister School when he first immigrated to Winnipeg. Later we played basket ball at Daniel Mac on the Freshmen and Varsity teams. Those were some memorable times! He was always a special friend of mine. My condolences to all of the family. Rest in Peace Gary! Ron Staniul - Posted by: Ron Staniul (Life long Friend) on: May 08, 2021
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Please accept my deepest condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he was a very well respected man the time he was my principal at St. John's high school. I had nothing but respect for him, he was the best, always took the time to talk with me, made sure things were going well. You will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved you, rest easy Mr G - Posted by: Pam (Former student) on: May 08, 2021
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I will always be grateful to Gary as he gave me the opportunity to teach Graphic Arts. That lead me to get my degree - which I never thought I’d pursue. And now I’m retired for over 5 years after teaching for 34 years. If it wasn’t for Gary I really don’t know what I would of done for work. My deepest sympathy! Know your husband and father was loved by many. So glad I dropped by your cottage to say hi - back a few years ago. - Posted by: Irene Yarema Whitwell (Former teacher at RB) on: May 08, 2021
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What a wonderful obituary for an amazing man. Mr. Grubert was my coach in hockey and soccer from the age of 5 to 16. We were not the most skilled teams, but we succeeded and won many city and provincial championships because we had the best coach. He taught us how to play hard, to respect the game and most of all to have fun. The memories of traveling all throughout Canada and the US with the whole team following Mr. Grubert's suburban will never be forgotten. Thanks for your guidance, your patience, your knowledge and most of all the friendship and countless memories. Rest easy Mr. Grubert and Thank You! - Posted by: Chris Light (Friend) on: May 08, 2021
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My condolences to the Grubert family. Mr Grubert was more of a coach or teacher. He was a mentor and I am deeply thankful for how he enriched my life. - Posted by: Peter Blanchard (Student) on: May 08, 2021
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My deepest sympathies to the family on your loss. Gary was undoubtedly a giant in Winnipeg education. For me and so many others he was our teacher, our coach, and one of my first and truly great mentors who enriched the lives of all. Gary guided and shaped so many of us preparing us by instilling values, ethics, and goals. His legacy is immeasurable but lives on in those he touched and their sharing his lessons with others. Were it possible to join in a celebration of Gary’s life, any venue would be full to the rafters! - Posted by: Gordon Rybuck (Student ) on: May 08, 2021
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Everytime I think or speak of high school, Mr. Grubert was definitely 1 of the first educator that came to mind. I'm sadden to know that I will never have the chance to personally thank him for positively contributing during my Juvenile years. I will forever be grateful to have had you as one of my educator in St. John's High School. - Posted by: Cristina de Leon (Old student) on: May 08, 2021
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Barb (Schultz) Worobey - Please accept my sincere regrets at the passing of an exceptional man. Wayne and I will never forget him or you. We may not have been in touch for half a lifetime but the memories have not faded. I can still see that tall figure of a man with eyes that were full of mischief. When Garry was in your presence you knew things were going to be shaken. I cant imagine your grief as I know how much you adored and loved him. Lydia, our doors are open to you should you ever feel the need to step back and get away. You are always welcome to our home for as long as you should need. Again, so very sorry for your loss. Gary will always be fondly held in our memories. Wayne ... I will never forget Garry. His physical and mental strength I always admired. When in his presence, I felt a degree of excitement knowing he would make things happen. The time I spent with him playing volleyball and hunting are amongst my most cherished memories. I regret the manner in which life's journey was caused us the drift apart ... but that happens I guess. Right now, like Barbara, my thoughts are with you. Please accept my personal condolences on his passing. You are now in another difficult part your life. As Barb has offered ... should you wish to step back and get away, our home will always be open to you to visit for ever long as you would like. Wayne & Barb Worobey - Posted by: barbara and wayne worobey (friends) on: May 08, 2021
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I was so privileged to have Garry Grubert as my teacher at Sisler High School. He was my phys-ed teacher and it was pure joy having him lead us. He really helped us maintain great physical conditioning with his training for us. He was a good man and was a caring person. RIP - Posted by: Allan Kropelnicki (Student of Garry Grubert) on: May 08, 2021
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Lydia and family, We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you at this most difficult time. - Posted by: Bill and Karen Shanski (Friends) on: May 08, 2021
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As I read this my heart breaks. To think that just a year ago the 3 amigos were still with us, Gary, Bob and Earl. What a wonderful long (40 years) they had. I feel your pain and also understand your relief, for to see your loved one suffer is so very hard. I like to think that Gary has joined his pals in the boat doing what they were passionate about, fishing. Your in my thoughts Lydia, Marty and Laura. Cathy - Posted by: Cathy allen (Friend) on: May 08, 2021
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