EARL WINSTON FROEBE

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EARL WINSTON FROEBE It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Earl Froebe on July 1, 2015 at his farm residence in Homewood, MB. at the age of 73. Earl is survived by his wife Lal (of 51 years); two sons, Bruce (Jackie), Murray (Victoria), and two grandsons, Nathan and Quinn; sisters-in-law Tena Froebe, Shirley Zacharias (Dave), Harolyn (Cliff), brother-in-law Rodney (Terry), numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Earl grew up on the family farm just north of Homewood and his passion for farming began early in life. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1963 with a Diploma in Agriculture. In that same year, he married the love of his life, Lal Crampton of Manitou and continued farming with his father, David, a veteran certified seed grower. It was here where he got involved serving on the executive of many farm organizations such as: Manitoba Sugar Beet Growers Assoc., Manitoba Seed Growers Assoc. (President for two years), Manitoba Pool Elevators (local), Homewood Co-op, and Manitoba Alfalfa Seed Producers. He was the recipient of the U of M "Certificate of Merit" in recognition of outstanding contribution to the agriculture industry and the provision of outstanding leadership in the home community and farm organizations of Manitoba (1992) and the "Robertson Associate Award" in recognition of services to the Canadian Seed Growers Assoc. and contribution to Canadian agriculture (1993). He was recently recognized for 50 years of service by the Manitoba Seed Growers Assoc. He also served as Chairperson for six years on the Carman Larger Pastoral Charge and an Elder on the Carman United Church for eight years. Earl was proud to be a farmer, displaying a strong work ethic and taking great satisfaction in clean fields and good crops. His attention to detail and passion for certified seed production lead him to establish Agassiz Seed Farm Ltd. in 1978. He enjoyed the seed business and meeting many customers in the Carman area, introducing new genetics to their farms. In the weeks before his passing, he was actively preparing details for the upcoming Froebe Farm Centennial in 2017. Farming kept him busy but he always managed to find time to attend his children and grandchildren's activities, especially hockey. His grandsons were the apple of his eye. He was an avid reader, had a keen interest in aviation, enjoyed fishing trips with his sons, slipping away for movies, and a love for dark chocolate. He also enjoyed a number of ag-related trips to many different parts of the world, accompanied by his beloved wife, Lal. They had rich traveling experiences together, most often with farming as the focus. Mention the words "agriculture, seed, or soybeans" and Earl's interest was there. He was a quiet man and loyal friend, sharing his home and his time with many people over the years. In Earl's quiet, hospitable way, he offered friendship, leadership and support to all those around him. It is upon his passing we now realize how many lives he touched. Earl's legacy will be his strong faith in God, his love of family, his enjoyment of his grandchildren, a great love of the land and the beauty that surrounded him. He will be missed. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Carman United Church. Lunch will follow at the Carman Community Hall. Interment will take place prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Carman United Church Restoration Fund, Canada Food Grains Bank, or to the Carman Area Foundation. Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2015