CAUT

  • 1.  Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-27-2017 09:04
    With a profound sense of loss, I am very sad to report that my good friend, mentor, and general co-conspirator in piano “crime”, Dale Probst passed away earlier this morning. He fought a very brave battle with cancer for more than two and a half years. He had many friends in the piano industry and PTG was very much his extended family. When I have more details regarding his final arrangements I will share them.

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    Norman Cantrell
    Piano Clinic
    Lawton OK
    580-355-5003
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  • 2.  RE: Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-27-2017 09:12

    I'm so very sad to hear this.  Dale was a great man and technician. He signed my RPT diploma back in 1995. I had the pleasure of meeting him at several national conventions.

     

    He will be sorely missed.

     

    Paul






  • 3.  RE: Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-27-2017 09:12
    Norman, and all, with a profound sense of loss........That is such an
    appropriate thing to say. I am so saddened to hear of this passing of
    such a great man within our industry. There has been such loss
    recently. A very sad day. Respectfully. Clark
    --
    Clark A. Sprague, RPT www.clarkspianoservice.com




  • 4.  RE: Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-27-2017 19:05
    Thank you Norman, for bearing the burden of passing along this sad news. Dale was one of the bravest men I know. He was funny and smart, and dedicated to quality, whether in his work, his teaching, or his ethics. He was and will continue to be a role model. I’m so pleased that he got awards, heartfelt love, and acclamation in his last couple of years. Each time I saw him, even when he seemed to be doing relatively well, I wondered if it would be the last time.

    Our hearts go out to Liz and to Dale’s family. Let us know if there’s anything we can do.

    Kathy




  • 5.  RE: Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-28-2017 06:39
    Dale is the reason I became an RVP, and beyond. He was the President when I got my feet wet in the Board room.

    I'll never forget his patience with me. He called one day, out of the blue, asking if I would consider running for RVP. I asked him if I could think about it. He said of course, and for 6 weeks I tossed that idea around. I finally had to make a decision (he wanted to know one way or the other). I finally said yes, I will put my name in nomination. I believe he contacted a few people in the SE Region asking them to endorse me, because the feeling I got at that Convention's Regional caucus was I WAS going to be elected to be RVP. That didn't sit well with me because Clarence Zeches (previous RVP) is a dear friend and I had no intention of upsetting him. Clarence was fine, and now I am a fish out of water having never aspired to be anything but a piano technician.

    I will always remember Dale's patience and support with me. We didn't talk 'shop'. Our shop talk was based on the PTG, its well-being, and always a bit of history since he was a walking encyclopedia of PTG knowledge. All of us were his extended family, and those that have written so far know this. Those that have not now know they have lost a brother from this organization. 

    I would be remiss if I did not mention Liz. She kept him with us as long as she could. She knew how important PTG was to Dale, and how being a part and participating in anything PTG gave him a spark. Thank you Liz. Thank you for your support for our benefit. 

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    -Phil Bondi
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  • 6.  RE: Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-28-2017 16:48
    Wow what a great post about Dale, and Liz of course. It seems he treated pretty much all of us with all of his full attention, care, insight and as so many have said, LOVE. Very well said Phil Bondi. 

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    [Kevin] [Fortenberry] [RPT]
    [Staff Techician]
    [Texas Tech Univ]
    [Lubbock] [TX]
    [8067783962]
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  • 7.  RE: Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-29-2017 10:14
    Dale left an impression on everyone he met.  I was fortunate to spend a few days with him at a PTG sponsored class.  Great sense of humor.  Very focused on the job at hand.  What a lasting impression he made on me!  Always wanting to learn...and teach.  He would always take the time to help and answer any questions you might have.  A huge loss to the Guild.  There just aren't many like him.  Professionalism, grace and fun to be around.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Him and his wife.  Mike Dugan RPT

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    Mike Dugan, Registered Piano Technician









  • 8.  RE: Dale Probst

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-28-2017 05:15
    Jan and I are so saddened by this news. Our love and prayers to Liz. Please give our condolences to her and the family.
    As others have stated, Dale was one of our jewels.

    Love

    Wim and Jan.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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