FRED SERBIN

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FRED SERBIN March 16, 1923 - March 7, 2008 Courageously, on the morning of March 7, 2008, Fred Serbin passed away surrounded by his family. His kind spirit and generosity will never be forgotten. Left to remember his love of life are his brother George Serbin and sister Alice Shastal; his sons, Ronald (Onny) and Robert (Brian) and daughter Linda (Tom); grandchildren Doug (Susan), Wade, Brenda, Joan, Ronnie Jr., Corrine, Daniel (Julia) and Claudia (John); son-in-law Ignazio (Leslie) and all the great-grandchildren that he dearly loved, Holly, Nicole, Samantha, Ashlyn, Trinity, Aurora and Diana. He will also be missed by countless nieces, nephews and cousins. Fred was predeceased by his dad William and mother Pauline, his loving wife of 65 years, Gladys and his children, Vance, Diane and daughter in law Murielle. Fred was born at the Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg on March 16, 1923. He grew up on Lily St in Point Douglas and attended Argyle School and Hugh John McDonald. When war broke out he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. crossing the Atlantic on Acquitania, The Ship Beautiful. He served as a Leading Air Craftsmen (L.A.C.) before returning to Canada to be with his family. After delivering telegrams for the C.N.R. he joined the Winnipeg Fire Department, Badge #101. He served the City of Winnipeg proudly and with honour for 39 years, retiring as District Fire Chief in 1985. He was known to say that he never lost a man on my watch. Fred was a firefighter to the core and throughout his retirement continued to support the brotherhood through his involvement in the local firefighter's community. He especially liked catching up on old times during his mornings with the breakfast club and his fellow Platoon 5 Pensioners. To say that Fred loved fishing would be an understatement. His annual trips with Walter and the boys in and around Niddrie were the stuff of legend. He was an avid hunter, spending many hours tracking deer in the bush with his good friend, Chief Robert Bunn. He curled in countless bonspiels with brother firefighters, even winning a couple along the way. Fred loved animals and had many furry companions, Spike and Sherlock among them. He gave generously to charity, especially the Firefighters Burn Fund, the Winnipeg Humane Society and it seemed he fed every bird in St. James from his yard on Whytewold Road. Nothing mattered to Fred more than his family and sitting down to a family dinner was his favourite thing in the world. He was a gracious host who learned to cook in the fire hall and he firmly believed in being full at the end of a meal. In the last few months he spent a few hours every Sunday looking out over the Assiniboine River with his great-granddaughter Diana, an activity he truly cherished. Fred will be most remembered for his infectious smile and his gorgeous blue eyes. He loved life and though his body grew old, his mind never faltered. To the end he was a gentlemen and a man of courage and dignity. WE HOLD THEE SAFE In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 4000 Portage Ave. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. Chapel Lawn 885 - 9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2008