Obituary of GERALD CLAYTON FRYFOGLE

GERALD CLAYTON FRYFOGLE 1936-2013 It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gerald Fryfogle at Concordia Hospital due to heart failure on March 4, 2013 at the age of 76 years. Gerry was a devoted husband to his wife Elizabeth for 52.5 years. Gerry is lovingly remembered by his wife Liz; sons Tod (Laurie) and Gordon (Cathy), and daughter Monica; grandchildren Chase, Kyle and Peyton; granddog Norman; sisters-in-law Pat Fryfogle, Elsie Zasitko, Lovey Toonstra and Iris Peterson; brother-in-law Peter Zasitko; mother-in-law Mary Kucy; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Clayton and Shirley Mae Fryfogle; brother Barry Fryfogle; sister Constance Mae Foxton; brother-in-law John Toonstra; and father-in-law William Kucy. Gerry was born in Wingham, Ontario and at an early age honed his athletic skills in baseball and hockey. As a hardball pitcher in Wingham, Gerry was scouted by three major league baseball teams (Brooklyn Dodgers, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Braves), signing with the Detroit Tigers in 1954. Gerry played minor league ball in Georgia and in 1955 attended Detroit Tigers spring training in Lakewood, Florida before being traded to the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 (earning the nickname "The Fireballin' Right Hander"). Gerry retired from playing baseball in 1957 due to a torn rotator cuff but continued on as a Detroit Tigers Western Canadian scout from 1967 to 1978, and also became the manager of Team Manitoba at the 1969 Summer Games. Gerry received induction into the Southern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Gerry met Elizabeth, the love of his life, in Toronto during 1959, moving to Liz's hometown of Winnipeg to get married on Sept. 24, 1960. He also joined the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1963 where he earned the rank of Captain before retiring in 1994 after 31.5 years. During his retirement Gerry enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching sports (especially the Winnipeg Jets) and exercising--reportedly doing 2,000 sit-ups per day. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Fire Fighters Burn Fund.