Tribute

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce that the checkered flag fell on Fred’s earthly race on Wednesday, June 16^th, 2021.  He went peacefully in his chair holding the hand of his beloved wife and best friend, Vicki, who will mourn his passing deeply.  After a very private and brave battle with cancer, he is at rest.

Also left to mourn Fred’s passing are his cherished son Jeff (Lisa), his daughter Kenzie, and grandson Miller.  Fred had many treasured nieces and nephews but his very special nephew Bob (Laurie) shared a brotherhood with Fred second to none.  Fred was predeceased by his brother Johnny and his sister Nettie-Anne.  His loss is profoundly felt by his surviving sisters Lena (Nick) and Rosella, his brother-in-law Ron, and members of the Robson and Janzen families.  He is also survived by his estranged-by-her choice daughter, Myrna Lynn and her children Aly, Andrew and Jared.

Fred was born and raised in Chilliwack, BC.  After graduation, he entered vocational school to become a Heavy Duty Mechanic to which he had a long and rewarding career.  He was a master of his trade, mentor to many, and his knowledge and troubleshooting skills will leave an unfillable void. He worked in different capacities as a mechanic but his heart was happiest when working on logging trucks.  He always said “they work all day; I work all night.”  He practiced retirement at 65 but was bored so enjoyed many years thereafter delivering auto parts for Duncan Auto.  He shared his mechanical expertise with many “backyard” mechanics and, in true Fred fashion, made lasting friendships with most of the customers.

Fred had a “need for speed” from a very early age to which the “constables” in Chilliwack can attest to.  His love of race cars found him spending many hours in the pits of different race teams (or exceeding the speed limit in his own car on public roads) and lots of travelling to race tracks in Canada and the USA.  The #91 – Yates Racing sprint car team let him continue living his dream working on the car until Covid hit and Fred’s health declined.  His race family was so special.

Fred and Vicki travelled extensively through their adventurous 42 years together and Fred will be deeply missed by his travel partners.  Whether RV’ing, cruising to many destinations around the World, outings to hockey games, football games or concerts – it was always an adventure with great friends.  Truer friends and travel mates cannot be found.

Special thanks to Dr. Helen Anderson and the Victoria Cancer Clinic; Dr. Val Masuda and the Duncan Cancer Clinic; and the amazing palliative care team in Duncan.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the amazing care and compassion you gave to Fred.

Fred’s life touched the hearts of so many that it would be impossible to have a Celebration of Life and limit it to only 50 people under current Covid restrictions.   We ask that at this time you think of Fred fondly, enjoy the “cocktail hour” (preferably Crown and water) and toast a great guy gone far too soon.

Fred’s final wishes have been honored by H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre and his ashes entrusted to his family.

If a man’s wealth is measured by the true and lasting friendships he makes in

his lifetime, then Fred was truly one of the richest men in this world.