New Tecumseh health campus honours Bob Probert’s legacy

Bob Probert's family seen at the grand opening of HDGH's Bob Probert Tecumseh Campus in Tecumseh, Ont. on June 5, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on what would have been Bob Probert’s 60th birthday marked the official opening of a new east-end health campus named in his honour on Thursday.

The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) Bob Probert Tecumseh Campus is now fully operational, offering a range of specialized outpatient services for residents in Tecumseh, Lakeshore, and the surrounding area.

The facility is named after the late NHL enforcer and Windsor native, whose legacy of supporting cardiac wellness lives on thanks to the funds raised during the annual Bob Probert Ride — an event that raised more than $1.2 million during its 10-year existence for local healthcare programs.

“A lot more emotional than anticipated,” said Probert’s widow, Dani, of the opening.

“Typically, on Bob’s birthday we like to celebrate quietly, privately, the kids and I listening to his favourite music and eating all of his favourite foods. Today, it seemed so appropriate to be with the community at an event like this.”

The new campus began seeing patients in late March and has already logged more than 700 visits across a variety of programs, including cardiac rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and the Geriatric Assessment Program.

“We knew there was a need on the east end,” said Probert.

“Especially for the elderly — just for the ease of access, the parking. When I toured the facility back in February during the soft open, it was full. It was just a wonderful, heartwarming feeling.”

Healthcare leaders said the goal is to reduce barriers to care, particularly for patients who may struggle to travel to HDGH’s main location in west Windsor.

“This was needed,” said HDGH President and CEO Bill Marra.

“People were not coming for care because transportation and access was a barrier.”

Marra praised the Town of Tecumseh, the Probert family, and key donors including Unifor Local 444, Brotto Family Holdings and Suburban Homes, and the “Probie Peeps” — a group of long-time community supporters — for bringing the project to life.

“This is all grassroots, community-based, and over a decade in the making,” said Marra.

“If it weren’t for the town, the Probert family, and the donors you saw today, this literally would not have happened.”

Shannon Landry, HDGH’s Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive, said the Tecumseh location is already proving its value.

“We’ve had about 700 visits already,” Landry said.

“There’s occupational therapy, physical therapy, cardiac exercise, dietitians, all kinds of services from a rehabilitation perspective for patients. Our hopes and dreams have been fulfilled.”

For the Probert family, the campus is the physical legacy of the ride that started it all.

“The ride and this legacy project were created to honour our father and give back to the community he called home,” said Bob’s eldest daughter, Brogan.

“Today, as we open the doors to this campus, we see that vision fulfilled. Our hearts are full.”

Dani Probert said Bob would be “humbled” by the outpouring of community support.

“Windsor-Essex has been so amazing in helping us through the grieving process over the past 10 years,” she said.

“It’s been emotional. I didn’t expect it to be this emotional.”

The HDGH Bob Probert Tecumseh Campus is located at 12420 Lanoue Street.