Timothy Harold Proke, born July 26th, 1960, in Kamloops, BC, beloved son of Sylvia Proke (nee Burbridge) and Larry Proke, passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2020, in Richmond, BC.
Just before turning 1, the family moved to Penticton, BC, which would forever remain his favorite place to visit throughout his life. He started playing "Peach Buds" hockey at age 3, attended kindergarten and started Grade 1 there.
At age 6, the family moved to Surrey, where he attended Hjorth Road Elementary, Old Yale Elementary and West Whalley Junior High. During this time, he continued playing hockey and was one of the players to complete the Canadian Figure Skating Associations CanSkate program, all in his hockey skates, which helped him become a proficient skater. He also developed into an excellent baseball player, in which he participated through Jr. High.
As a young boy, summers were spent in Watrous and Manitou Beach, SK, with his Nana and Popa and his Great-grandmother, MacNana (Isabel McIntosh). A highlight was always hanging out at the Massey Ferguson shop and riding on a combine with Popa in the July 1st parade. Then onto Sifton, MB., to visit his Baba and Dido; spending time at the lake; delivering mail with his Uncle Andy and Aunt Olga; hanging out with cousins and, of course, eating Baba's perogies!!
After moving to Langley, BC, he attended H.D. Stafford to complete Jr. High, then Langley S.S. for part of his Sr. High, graduating grade 12 from McRoberts Secondary in Richmond. During his teens he took up tennis, downhill skiing and discovered golf.
He started his hospitality career at the Keg in the Country, Langley, as a dishwasher/busboy at age 16. He moved through the roles to become a bartender. Simultaneously, he took flying lessons and earned his pilot's license. From there he spent many years at the Richmond Golf & Country Club, bartending and assisting with food services.
In 1993, sponsored by his Mom, he took a course on "The Pursuit of Excellence" which gave him the confidence to make a career change and to follow his passion, the love of golf.
Many customers will remember Tim from his years at Riverside Golf. He won a "Taylor Made" sponsored trip to the Toronto area to golf with Canadian golf pro, Mike Weir.
He later transitioned to the golf department at Sport Chek and was at the Tsawwassen Mills store at the time of his passing.
Tim was predeceased by Nana and Popa - Jean and Harold Burbridge; Baba and Dido - Jessie and Nick Proke; Stepmother - Terry Proke; and other aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his Mom, Sylvia (Don Vinblad); Dad, Larry (Louise); Sister, Shauna (Dan Jamison); Niece and Nephew, Sara and Benjamin Vos; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private family gathering and interment will take place at a later date in Penticton, BC.
Tim suffered from the effects of Crohn's Disease for the majority of his life. His love of pets was evident from childhood. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Crohn's and Colitis Canada or BC SPCA - Donor Relations Team
Arrangements entrusted to Delta Funeral Home
Online Condolences and Messages to the family can be left at; www.deltafuneral.ca
Left too soon - Forever in our hearts. We Love You Tim.
Delta Funeral Home