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FREDERICK BESANT

FREDERICK ALLAN BESANT With heavy hearts and much sorrow our family announces that Frederick Allan Besant, age 68, much loved husband, father, adoring Papa and brother passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Fred was born in Winnipeg on January 17, 1944, but moved to East St. Paul at the age of six where he remained a life long resident. Together with his wife Pat, they built a home in 1966, where they raised two daughters. After losing his wife Pat, Fred found love again. He married Debbie Shannon in 1997, and gained two more daughters. In recent years Fred and Debbie completed several home renovations with Fred proudly accomplishing much of the work on his own. Fred and Debbie also treasured their time together each February vacationing in Florida. Fred loved to work outside where he spent countless hours caring for his yard and garden. Fred also enjoyed raising Appaloosa horses and in his younger years traveled and showed the horses alongside his family where he established many lifelong friendships Fred was employed with the Province of Manitoba for over 39 years, lastly in the Child and Family Services division as the Chief Financial Officer. Fred was also recognized for his community spirit volunteering with the East St. Paul fire department. He became a member in 1971, and in 1974, he was named Captain and carried on in this role until 1989. After retiring, Fred became an active wood worker who enjoyed building some very fine furniture and toys for his family. Fred also enjoyed his weekly golf games with family and friends. He also took up the challenge of learning guitar in his true quintessential cowboy roots. His heart was that of a real cowboy. Fred was a proud family man who always remained very active in his children's and grandchildren's lives. Fred attended various dance and piano recitals, sporting events and spent hours just having fun in the pool with the kids. He lived for and cherished their visits. He was never heard to say no to any request for help with the family or friends. Fred is survived by his wife Debbie, his four daughters Shelley Amos (Scott) of East St. Paul, Sloane Newton (Rory) of Cook's Creek, Sarah Shannon of Brandon and Sabrina Libbey (Craig) of Cochrane, Alberta. His six grandchildren were the light of his life- he was known to all of them as Papa. Grandchildren are Courtney and Josh Amos, Tuera and Taigan Newton, and Oscar and Milo Libbey. Fred is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Beverley and Jerry Philpot of East St. Paul; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Linda and Don Shanks of Calgary, Alberta and Lynn and Norm Mosher of Ormand Beach, Florida, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Fred is preceded in death by his wife Patricia Besant, his mother and father Nettie and Allan Besant and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Peggy and Vic Molinsky. Pallbearers will be Scott Amos, Rory Newton, Craig Libbey, Ken Philpot, Glen Philpot and Darrell Debroni. Honourary pallbearers are Jim Andrews, Donald Besant, Bob Malazdrewich, Leon Pewarchuk and Randy Philpot. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 29 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. The Funeral Service will be Monday, July 30, 11:00 a.m., at the Cropo Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place at the Green Acres Cemetery. What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. -- Helen Keller Contributions in memory of Fred may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. 586-8044

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 28, 2012