Probus clubs originated in the 1920s in Saskatchewan, Canada, and New Haven, Connecticut, as groups for professionals and business leaders. 
However, these early clubs differed from today's Probus clubs, which focus on active retirees. The modern Probus concept began in 1966 in Caterham, England, under Rotary Club sponsorship, merging with a similar group from Welwyn Garden City.
By 1974, Probus expanded to New Zealand and Australia, and in 1987, the first North American club was established in Cambridge, Ontario. 

Probus clubs now exist worldwide, with strong membership in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.In late 1987, Oakville's Rotary Club tasked John Graham and Al Histed with forming a Probus club. 

After a successful meeting in January 1988, the Oakville Probus Club was chartered on February 18, 1988, becoming Canada's fifth Probus club. Its first president was Jack Milne, and it started with 57 charter members, some of whom remain active as of 2023. – Grant Gooding