Glenn Arthur Hibbert (Shack)

It is with deep sadness the family of Shack Hibbert share that he has left us after a short battle with health issues and a long life of love. He is survived by the “love of his life”, his “bride” of 65 years Aggie; son Bill (Jeannette); daughter Leanne (Michael); grandchildren Bryna (Micheal), Alicia (Alden), Everette, Ren (Katelyn); and his beloved “greats” Easton (Amy) and Riley; along with his many in-laws, nieces and nephews. His heart kept going long after his body failed him, which was no surprise.

Having lost his parents at a young age and being an only child, family became the centre of Dad’s life. Caring and providing for Aggie, Bill and Leanne was important to him. This shone through in the years of working hard to rise up through the ranks of the mill from a Machinist to Millwright to Master Mechanic and Mechanical Superintendent. Managing a crew of good, hardworking men was a highlight of his life.

So was sharing his passion for the great game of hockey. He tied hundreds of skates and taught more kids to skate than any of us could ever count. “Shack” was a name that echoed through the halls of the Pine Falls Arena as coach, referee, and power skating teacher. He coached Bill and the boys to many championships. He cheered on Leanne for figure skating and was so proud when she helped teach crosscuts for power skating. When he became a grandfather, he was determined that each of his grandchildren would be up and on skates as soon and as often as possible. We all spent endless hours skating at the Pine Falls rink—Grandpa had keys! Everette and Ren also fondly recall hours skating hand in hand with Papa at the outdoor rink at Crescentwood and along the long river trail at The Forks in Winnipeg.

It wasn’t just ice skates. Roller blades were another of Dad’s favourites, which the grands also enjoyed along with him. Fortunately, none of them were with him on the memorable, death-defying skate down the steepest hill in Whitecourt! While he survived that adventure, mom just about killed him for it!

Visits to Whitecourt to visit Bill and family were a frequent pilgrimage for mom and dad for many years. Alicia and Bryna remember roller wheeling and playing soccer in the yard in Whitecourt with grandpa where he was almost as well-known as in Pine Falls! He was always a proud and positive presence in the stands during their figure skating lessons and competitions. Bryna remembers grandpa always telling her what great boys she raised—he was always her biggest cheerleader. Alicia loved that he asked her every time he saw her: "Are you Premier of Alberta yet?"

Ren and Everette also recall grandpa being the loudest and proudest in the audience during their musical performances and sports events. If he was ever absent, their choir and bandmates would ask, “Where’s your grandpa?”

He introduced his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to everyone he met. Family meant everything to him.

So did golf and hockey! The Pine Falls Golf Club was one of Dad’s favourite places. All his grandchildren did their first driving lessons on grandpa’s golf cart!

Playing for the Pine Falls Paper Kings and later, the Ol’ Kings was another part of Shack’s legacy. Never letting his size be a deterrent, he was a scrappy player, earning him the beloved (Eddy) Shack nickname. The Ol’ Kings years took him and Aggie and their many friends to places near and far, where the laughter and spirit of the team and wives took over many arenas and hotel rooms.

While his father died young, he instilled in Glenn the importance of being a community leader and volunteer. Dad was president of the Pine Falls Recreation Association and had many roles with the Pine Falls Golf Club, the town of Pine Falls, Knights of Columbus, and more. When help was needed, Shack always showed up. He also served with the volunteer fire department for many years.

Dad was always famous for his lists. As dementia began to take hold, his list-making increased; his way of remembering all those “important things”.

Words cannot capture the massive contribution Shack made to his community and the people he loved. We will miss him and hold him in our hearts forever.

Our sincerest thanks to staff and friends at Sunnywood Manor who took such loving care of Dad and us during the last few months and days. There are too many of you to name, but you know who you are.

A graveside service is planned for Sunday, September 28 at 1:00 pm at the Notre Dame Du Laus Roman Catholic Cemetery (Broadlands). Celebration of Life to follow, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Pine Falls Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sunnywood Manor.

Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure
Resting now in God’s care

The list
By Leanne Fournier

The old man meticulously tapes his list
to the piece of plywood on his lap.

Hands shake slightly.
Working man’s hands that fixed
broken machines, broken places
in a small mill town.

That work done, he sits now,
pen poised, scribbling details
no one else can interpret.
No one else is meant to.

The “important things”, he says.
Hockey stats, baseball scores, the weather,
phone numbers he will never call.

He checks these notes umpteen times,
hoping to scratch something off,
to be busy and useful again.

No matter how good the record,
those “important things”
are deserting him one by one.

Demons banished, the love
demonstrated in that act alone
gives those hands, that man
a new kind of grace.

So there he sits hands
fastidiously writing
and scotch taping time,
lest it too slip away.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com