Vincent Sigmund Berbeck

Vince Berbeck, born April 18, 1936 in Garland Manitoba passed away peacefully January 5th 2025. He is survived by his children, Richard (Shirley) Berbeck, Julie (Alan) Gordon, and Leslie (Scott) Bell. He has five granddaughters, Courtney (Taylor) Matthews, Samantha Berbeck (Emmanual Palomaria), Kelsey Gordon, Nicole Gordon (Eric Button), and Sydney Bell. Vince also has five great grandchildren, Carson, Charlie, and Myla Matthews, and Gabriel, and Kieren Palomaria. He was predeceased by his parents, Nicolas and Marie Berbec, his wife, Marjorie Elizabeth Berbeck (Duffield) and all of his siblings (Pauline, Fabian, Elizabeth, Louis, Regina, Adam, Alan, and Edith).

Vince grew up on the family farm in Garland Manitoba where he learned several languages, completed grade eight and left home at thirteen. By 1951 Vince had moved to Toronto where he met his wife, Marjorie (Marj) and on June 1, 1957 they were married.

Ten years and three children later, Vince and Marj decided to leave Toronto and in June of 1967 Kamloops became home. Vince worked at the City of Kamloops. Despite his lack of education he was proud to attended UBC to become a certified Water and Wastewater Technician. He retired from the city after twenty-three years.

Vince Berbeck had a passion for Hockey. He was present when his team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, won their last Stanley Cup in 1967. In the 1970’s Vince was heavily involved in Kamloops Minor Hockey and later on with the Blazer’s Booster Club, as well as security at the Blazer games. He was always around for any tournament (KIBIHT especially) or Blazer’s spring training. He carried a small notebook full of stats and his opinions on every player. That notebook was coveted by coaches and scouts alike. He continued to enjoy hockey until the last year of his life. While in long term care he wore his coveted Blazer jersey every chance he had. Vince’s name is engraved on his seat at the Sandman Center, always ready for the next game (Section T Row 15 – the seat under the stairs).

Vince was a large man with a large heart, our Gentle Giant. He was a caregiver to his wife, Marj, when she was ill with Dementia only to be diagnosed himself two years after Marj’s passing. It’s with the greatest of gratitude that we thank all those that helped care for Vince. Vicki, Bev, Jan, and Jill were our Angels when Dad was still at home. The staff at Gemstone (Garnet East), Dr Howie and Dr Kip showed their compassion, care and dedication daily. Thank you with all our hearts. Please remember Vince with a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

The family is having a small private gathering to celebrate Vince’s life.