Kabbeke, Gustaf Blair

Blair passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side, at the Redvers Health Centre, on Monday, August 22, 2022 at the age of 54 years.  Blair was born, March 7, 1968, in Virden, Manitoba to parents, Gustaf and Evelyn Kabbeke (nee Smith).

Blair’s early years were spent on the farm in Sinclair, Manitoba where he enjoyed helping his dad on the farm, spending hours with his horses and playing baseball.  Blair attended elementary and junior high school in Sinclair and Reston, MB until his family moved to Weyburn, Saskatchewan where he attended the Weyburn Comprehensive School.  During his school years, Blair excelled at many sports.  His family is told he still holds a track record or two at the Fort La Bosse School Division.  Blair had a special love for baseball and was a star pitcher and over the years, he was picked up by many local teams.  A highlight of his baseball career was being scouted to a Cincinnati Reds prospects camp where he had the privilege of meeting Pete Rose.

Blair spent most of his career working in the oilfield and the tire business where he was fortunate to work with and work for terrific colleagues and employers.  He shared lots of laughs and fun with his co-workers and his family has enjoyed hearing about the antics that went on when they worked with Blair.  Blair was a hard worker and put his best effort into his job even when the work became physically challenging due to his MS.

Blair will be remembered for his friendly, kind, and generous nature.  He befriended everyone he met and could easily make conversation with a perfect stranger.  He had a way of making people feel important, included, and special and always inquired about their children or family.  It wasn’t just small talk; he truly was interested.

Blair was predeceased by his dad, Gustaf Kabbeke, his sister, Sylvia Murray (nee Kabbeke); his uncles Albert Kabbeke, and Robert Smith; his aunts Mary Mispelon (nee Kabbeke) and Andy, Beth Davis (nee Smith) and Bill; his cousins, Tony Kabbeke, Kevin Kabbeke, Judy Vieira (nee Jezowski), and Bruce Rekken.

Blair is survived by his best friend and partner of nearly 18 years, Tracy Kay.  He also leaves to mourn his passing, his children, Amanda Zaki (Shiraz Zaki), Kelsey Kabbeke (Nathan Deck), Ryan Kabbeke; Blair’s step-children, Taylor Frecon (Drayden Kowalchuk), and Brooklyn Frecon (Jordan Seafoot); his mom, Evelyn and Brent Stirling; his step-mom, Linda Redshaw and step-brother, Kyle (Edda) Redshaw; Blair’s parent in-laws, Gerry and Val Stuckey; bothers-in-law, Ward and Jodi (nephews Hugh and Riley) Kay, and Warren and Jane (nephew Matthew) Kay; his aunt Anna and Alfred Kohl as well as numerous cousins, in-laws and friends.  Blair loved you all!

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Sinclair Community Hall, Sinclair, Manitoba.  A private family interment will take place at the Tilston Cemetery at a later date.

In memory of Blair, donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada or to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 7T1.