Wilbert Funk was born in Altona, Manitoba. Funk umpired for more than 40 years in all categories in Altona and the surrounding area in the 1970s and later. Interestingly, he umpired 73 games in the year that he turned 73, and an estimated 2500 games during his career. Funk played fastball as a pitcher for more than 20 years until he lost his right hand in an industrial accident in 1970. Following the accident, umpiring with no right hand became Funk’s famous trademark with players and fans. He enjoyed umpiring younger categories, but he also coached minor ball for several years. Funk enjoyed hockey as well, and could be found coaching and refereeing minor hockey for 30 years, while he played senior hockey for 20 years. Funk was honoured as Altona’s Citizen of the Year in 1998 for his lifelong contribution to sports and quality of life, especially for young people in the community.
