The score is 8-6 in the seventh end for the Blue Stones, red has the hammer. Bert Troyer lines up to throw his last red stone and bring it into the four-foot to count two and tie the game.
Someone from the stands yell “that Bert Troyer shoots a deadly rock with that stick.” Yes, Bert uses a stick for throwing; using the stick for only two months he has mastered the technique quickly.
Bert was born in Summerland in 1926, and moved to Grand Prairie, Alta when he was just 18 months old. Bert’s mother went so far as giving him the initials B.C., Bert Clarence. Bert owned his own construction company much of his working life and held a private pilots license and owned his own plane.
A role model member of the Penticton Curling Club, he displays a dedication to the sport with exceptional good sportsmanship both on and off the ice. He has been of member of the Penticton Curling Club (previously known as the Granite Club) for over 44 years.
Bert learned to curl in Grand Prairie at the age of 15, his teacher, Art Dalish was a Brier competitor in the late 1930’s. Bert and his wife Rosemarie, played in many bonspiels together, even won the Western in the 90s when there were 60-plus teams.
Bert is no stranger to the world of competitive curling as he has won the Senior Men’s Zones four times and the Legion Zones six times. In 1982, he took his team to a victory at the Provincial Legion Dominion Championship in Prince Rupert. Bert recalls the game as though he played it yesterday.
“We were down six points in the eighth end and were ready to shake (10 end games were played),” he said, adding the never-give-up attitude of their skip kept them in the game. “Let’s just put the rocks in the house and see what we can do.”
In the ninth end, Bert had a free draw for six and then stole one in the 10th to win the Provincial title. His team went on to the National Legion Dominion Championship in Estevan, Sask. losing in the finals to home team.
The Penticton Curling Club has recognized only a few members for our “life-time membership” wall of fame. Bert Troyer is one of those members. He was honoured in 2008 with a life-time membership for his significant contributions to the club.
You can find Bert at the club at least three days a week, but once the weather warms up you will find him at Twin Lakes Golf Course. Although he is down to four games of golf a week, he still manages to pull off a 20-plus
handicap.
Bert, you are our curling legend.
Around the house
Junior Bonspiel Feb 12.
February 19 to 20 the Mixed Zone Play downs will be held at The Penticton Curling Club, Penticton has two teams entering. Chris Jones and St. John rink
March 4 to 6 Western Mixed Open Bonspiel
The Special Olympic team will be travelling to Coquitlam Feb. 12 to 13 for the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games. Skipped by Chad Conlon, Lynden Hicks, Jake Huff and Jake Penney and coached by Dona Cade and Gloria Finstad. Best of luck.
Kim Kirkham is the spokesperson for the Penticton Curling club.