FREDRICK JAMES LIGHTFOOT

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FREDRICK JAMES LIGHTFOOT It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Lightfoot on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at Prairie View Lodge in Pilot Mound in his 89th year. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Betty Lightfoot of Sandy Hook, brother-in-law Keith Melvin of Crystal City along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Fred was predeceased by the love of his life Alda (Melvin) in 1995 after 47 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by parents James and Margaret Lightfoot, sister Sheila and her husband Sandy Gilchrist, special niece Tracy Gilchrist, brother Alastair (Al) Lightfoot and his wife Betty, brother-in-law Elgin and wife Helen Melvin and sister-in-law Fay Melvin. Fred was born in McNutt, Saskatchewan on September 26, 1920. At the age of ten, his family moved to Winnipeg where he grew up and received his education. Fred was an avid athlete and excelled in all sports including baseball, hockey and his favourite, soccer or football as it was known as in those days. Fred was captain of the Sherburn team that captured the 1936 MJFA Championship. After completing high school, Fred was employed in Winnipeg and held numerous jobs before taking a course involving aeronautics which lead him into a profession that served him well for the next 30 plus years. Fred enlisted in the RCAF shortly after the beginning of the Second World War and spent time training across western Canada including stops in Brandon, Fort McLeod and Tolfino. After training he was shipped to England then spent the rest of the campaign throughout Europe. After his discharge from the Air Force, Fred returned to Winnipeg where he continued with a career in the aerospace industry. In July of 1948, Fred married Alda Melvin and they moved into a little apartment on Chestnut Street in Winnipeg. In 1951 they pulled up stakes and chased careers in Dallas, Texas where they would remain for the next 20 years. During this time they forged many friendships that would remain close for the rest of their lives. In 1971 they decided to leave the large city of Dallas and trade it for the slower pace of small town living and settled in Crystal City, Manitoba. Fred was employed by a trucking company, plumbing and heating contractor and a parts man with a local farm implement dealership. Upon retirement, Fred took up woodworking and became an accomplished craftsman. He spent countless hours in his shop as well as repair work at his sister's cottage in Sandy Hook. Fred loved spending time at the beach and that love continued throughout his life. Fred's love of sports was always evident. He always had a sporting event on TV when visitors came calling. He knew the athletes' names, positions and how well they were performing. While living in Texas he became an avid golfer and with friends, began taking in PGA events that were within driving distance of Dallas. Fred loved talking about experiences watching the greats of the game including Snead, Jones, Palmer and Nicklaus. After Alda's passing, Fred continued living in his suite in Rockwood Estates in Crystal City until early 2009 when he moved to Prairie View Lodge where he spent his remaining months. In keeping with Fred's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service was officiated by Reverend Onuch on July 10 at the Crystal City Cemetery. Forever in our hearts.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2009