Obituary of Bernie Grebinsky

Bernard Joseph Grebinsky June 20, 1932 - March 11, 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernie Grebinsky, our beloved father, brother, husband and grandfather. Bernie will be sadly missed by his loving partner, Marion Dingwall and her family, Karen (Harry) Finkel and their children Kirstie and Mark of Winnipeg. Also left to cherish Bernie's memory are his children and grandchildren; Bernie's daughter Cathy (Brett) Marklund and grandchildren Kelsey and Cale of Calgary, and his son Jeff (Donna) Grebinsky and grandchildren Katelyn and Michael of Red Deer. Also fondly remembering Bernie are his brothers Mike (Margaret) Grebinsky of Calgary, Paul (Mary) Grebinsky of Victoria, Vern (Bess) Grebinsky and sister Emily (Ken) LeValley of Regina, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. Bernie was predeceased by his parents Frank and Anastasia "Nellie" Grebinsky, sister Frances Stefanic and brothers Ed and Bill Grebinsky. Bernie was born in Foam Lake Saskatchewan in 1932, and in 1936 moved to Regina. It was in Regina that a long career in hockey began, as both a player and a coach. Bernie played 4 seasons with the Regina Pats beginning in 1947, making 2 Memorial Cup appearances. It was then on to the pros for Bernie, first with the Spokane Flyers followed by the Vancouver Canucks. In 1963 while working with O'Keefe Breweries he was transferred to Winnipeg and joined the Winnipeg Maroons. That season the team went on to win the Allan Cup then traveled overseas representing Canada as good will ambassadors playing hockey throughout Europe. This would be the first of 2 such trips the Maroons would make to Europe. In 1967 Bernie coached the Selkirk Steelers of the MJHL, during their inaugural season. He was transferred to Edmonton in 1970 followed a year later by a move to Calgary. 1n 1973 he returned to Winnipeg working in the home renovation industry and of course playing hockey, now with the "Oldtimers". Wanting to slow down some and already working in Selkirk with the Window Factory, he and Marion moved to Winnipeg Beach in 2002. There they bought a house that had been built in 1927 and preceded to renovate it turning the house into a cosy country home. Always one to be busy Bernie worked, golfed and enjoyed life right to the end. Bernie and his family would like to thank Christine in the St. Boniface Hospital Cancer Unit and the Interlake Regional Health Authority, Marie, Karen, and Dale with continuing care as well as Connie with Palliative care and all the staff at the Gimli Hospital for their caring, guidance and compassion during his brief illness. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 12 noon in the Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.