Photo by Mark Hicks/Westside Photo

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Bob Probert passed away on July 5 at the age of 45.  He is remembered as one of the toughest players in NHL history and as a “special guy who played the game in a special way.”

Probert remembered as a ‘special guy who

embodied the spirit of Detroit’

During his 16-year NHL career Bob Probert was always there for his teammates. At Probert's funeral on July 9 they were there for him.

Dozens of teammates, former opponents and NHL officials gathered in Windsor to celebrate Probert's 45-year life following his death July 5 of an apparent heart attack while boating with his family.

"He gave back," said Stu Grimson, who had more fights with Probert than any other player. "That was a big part of his relationship with people. Regardless of what your walk in life was, he was a friend to all.

"That's what made it such a special relationship between him and the people that loved to watch him play."
While several other of his fellow NHL enforcers were in attendance, such as Tie Domi, Darren McCarty and Joey Kocur, Probert was also highly respected by the game's stars of the era.

Steve Yzerman was one of the speakers during the funeral service while Doug Gilmour was a pall bearer.
Among the many NHL personalities in attendance were Wings' owners Mike and Marian Ilitch, Detroit GM Ken Holland, assistant coach Brad McCrimmon, Kris Draper, Mike Krushelnyski, Phil Myre, Kyle Calder, John Ogrodnik, Gerard Gallant and Wings' TV play-by-play man Ken Daniels.

With many of the Wings scattered around the world, Detroit captain Nick Lidstrom arranged for a wreath to be delivered to the church from the current players and each player will also make a donation to charity in Probert's name.

"Bob was a highly respected player amongst his peers in the National Hockey League," Yzerman said. "I recall the all-star game in St. Louis in 1989 walking into the locker-room with all the great players - Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier - all the top players in the game.

"We walked into that room and all they wanted to do is meet Probie. I remember them coming over to me and asking, 'Can you introduce me to the big fellow.'

"They were in awe of him not just because he was a tough player, but because he was a great player. He was so much more than just a tough guy."

Former Detroit teammate Dino Ciccarelli said Probert made it easier for guys such as himself and Yzerman to do their jobs. He acknowledged he was often the little stick stirring up trouble knowing he had the back-up of No. 24.

"He knows his teammates appreciated him for what he did," Ciccarelli said. "It's not an easy job being an enforcer and having to fight all the time.

"I was a goalscorer. I started a lot of stuff and I needed guys like Bob to come in and help me out. I certainly respected him."

Beloved in Detroit

Former NHL star and current Red Wings TV color commentator Mickey Redmond said Probert's legend never seems to fade.

He remains as popular today as ever with Probert jersey's still sprinkling the Joe Louis Arena stands at Wings games.

"I think he embodied the spirit of Detroit," Redmond said. "That's why he's still so beloved in Detroit.

"The memories he left will never be equaled. He was a very special guy who played the game in a special way.
"It doesn't surprise me that people love this man the way they do. The other night his mom expressed amazement at just how much the people of Detroit have reached out to the family in a difficult time and how much they loved her son.

"She's very, very happy about that."

All who knew Probert emphasized his love of life and the ability to laugh at himself even during his battle with alcohol and drugs.

NHL vice president Colin Campbell, who also spoke during the service, was an assistant coach with the Wings during that era and was assigned to watch over Probert.

"I had a nickname too," Campbell said. "Every time I saw Bob he'd say, 'How you doing you big dummy.' I think a lot of guys had that nickname."

Campbell recalled the challenges of those days, but acknowledged something unexpected happened to him as a result of his close contact with the hulking winger.

"My time with Bob on and off the ice was special for me," Campbell said. "I thought I was helping Bob, but in the end he taught me life lessons.

"He made all our lives better and brighter through that glow of life he brought into each day we were around him."

A father and husband

Belle River, Ontario native Tie Domi, who carved out his own niche as one of the NHL's best enforcers, makes no secret that as a young player he wanted to be the next Bob Probert. However, after engaging in a series of memorable fights with his idol, it's not the fisticuffs he remembers Probert by any longer.

"Everyone obviously wants to know about the battles we had, but I got to know the guy as a father and husband," Domi said. "That's what I admire about Bob Probert.

"He stands out as just a great guy. A funny guy. A big lovable teddy bear."

Domi got to really know Probert after insisting to CBC he'd do the highly successful Battle of the Blades pairs figure skating show only if the former Wing was involved.

"I took them (participants in the Battle of Blades) to a U2 concert," Domi said.
"We were all down front row and Bob had his cellphone in the air the whole concert so his wife and kids could listen. That's what Bob Probert was all about."

While much of day was focused on reminiscing, Wings forward Kris Draper struggled to come to grips with the death of a peer and how his family will move forward.

Probert leaves behind his wife Dani and four children.

"I was thinking of his kids," said Draper when asked what crossed his mind during the service. "His two oldest daughters went up and spoke and that was amazing what they did. I know Probie would be just smiling down knowing how proud he is off those girls up there talking.

"You keep thinking of the kids and not being able to live that full life you want to. He's going to miss so many things and that's exactly what his daughters' touched on and that's sad."