FREDERICK LEES

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FREDERICK LEES On Saturday, June 25, 2011 at St. Boniface General Hospital, Frederick Lees passed away with dignity and courage at the age of 90 years with his family by his side. Predeceased in 2007 by his loving wife of 62 years, Frances, he will be remembered by his children, Ron (Cynthia), Rob (Carol), Rick (Helen) and Joanne Ritchie (John), his 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Fred was born on September 11, 1920 in Neepawa, Manitoba. He and his twin sister Freda joined older siblings Les and Peggy. The family moved to Winnipeg, settling into a house on Ingersoll Street. He attended Greenway School, General Wolfe School and graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. An accomplished athlete, several years after graduation, Fred was hired as a lifeguard at The United Church (CGIT) Camp. It was at Brereton Lake where he met the love of his life, Frances, who would be his partner in life. Married in 1944, they honeymooned at the family cottage, which provided many summers of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with family and friends. Fred enjoyed working around the cottage and always had a project on the go. He was a natural builder. Fred was instrumental in the development of Niakwa Park Ltd., an innovative housing development, where he built what became the family home. This would be the setting for many gatherings of friends and family over the years. Many evenings were spent singing around the piano, with Fred chiming in with his rich tenor voice. Many of these life long friendships were developed through the YMCA and Kinsmen Club. Fred started his working career with Canada Packers, subsequently joining the family business, Thompson Lumber and Fuel Limited, as Vice-President and then President in a business and entrepreneurial career that spanned over 30 years. Fred was a long-time member of Norwood United Church. He loved singing in the church choir and served on many committees throughout his lifetime. He was instrumental in construction of the Christian Education Wing of the Church and in later years, used his many talents as a master builder to enrich the church community. Fred's commitment to community was expansive. He chaired the building Committee of Tache Nursing Centre which bettered health care for all. Fred had a rich and full life, often emphasizing actions over words. Throughout his life, he continuously showed his family the meaning of dignity, humour and the ideal to never give up hope. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at St. Boniface General Hospital for their compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation Palliative Care or Cardiac Unit. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Mary's Road United Church, 613 St. Mary's Road, on Thursday, June 30 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2011