FREDRICK (FRED) ADAMS

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FREDRICK (FRED) ADAMS November 5, 1923 - October 17, 2012 FA, Dad, Grandpa, Gramps, Great-Grandpa slipped away, without pain, from this world two weeks shy of his 89th birthday. Fred's life began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he was born to Mary and Andy Adams. Fred had a full and successful life. In his early years, he went to Gordon Bell High School, where he played football until being sidelined with a knee injury. He played hockey for the Winnipeg Monarchs, University of Manitoba Bisons and the Canadian Air Force in the 1940s. Fred's early years were filled with sports cars and girls. Fred met the love of his life Dorene in 1946 (his little Beausejour broad ). He played hard to get with Dorene for a while but they quickly fell in love and were married on March 14, 1947. Fred and Dorene were happily married for 65 years. They raised their five kids in Winnipeg, most of this time on Rowand Avenue in St. James. Fred's automobile career started early working with his father. In 1967, Fred bought the car dealership "Matthon Motors". The car business was a lifelong passion and he did not retire until he was 80 years of age. Matthon Motors (The Volvo Store) was a respected family-owned car dealership with many loyal employees and customers. Fred (FA) advocated a high level of pride and honesty in his business and passed these ideals on to all who worked with him. Two of his sons (Jack and Dick) worked alongside Fred for most of the 40 years and many other family members also spent time working at Matthon Motors. In 1982, Fred and Dorene moved out to their lake-front property in Winnipeg Beach. They enjoyed their peaceful getaway. Fred could usually be found in his straw hat walking around the yard whistling or on his ride-on lawn mower. Fred had the most clean and organized work shop/garage in the Interlake. Fred and Dorene entertained lots of family and friends on their deck. Fred always had a "small smash" for all members of the family. During the 29 years at Winnipeg Beach, he drove in to Winnipeg most week days to Matthon Motors. Fred and Dorene lived at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence for the last five years, where Dorene still resides. Drives to California and time spent in the winter in San Diego and Palm Springs were some of Fred and Dorene's most memorable times. It was here that they met and spent time with some of their closest friends. Fred loved cars and being behind the wheel. A short drive with Fred would always turn out to be a scenic drive across half the State of California. Fred will be sadly missed by family and friends. Dorene will miss his wonderful smile, his constant companionship and ability to always make her laugh. His family loved and respected him and appreciated all the love and respect he returned. He will be fondly remembered for his love of life, silly grin and numerous comical phrases. A smile will come to your face when you remember him saying "I don't like your altitude" or "Age before beauty". Fred leaves many loved ones behind: five children - Jack (Heather), Dick (Wendy), Nancy (Nick), Ken (Karen), Jane (John); 14 Grandchildren (Andy, Jackie, Freddie, Charlea, Richie, Jim, Ryan, Jennifer, Chris, Russell, Karlee, Brennan, Leanne and Jennifer); 13 Great-Grandchildren and very special family friend, Gloria. This made for some very large family reunions at the lake! Fred was predeceased by his parents Andy and Mary and his sister Verna. As his sister Verna said to him in their early days: "It isn't the cards that you are dealt with in life that count - it is the way you play the game". Fred lived his life by the belief that: "If you don't follow your dreams you will never know. It's better to have tried and failed; than to live without knowing". Fred knew, and succeeded. We will always miss him and remember all the wonderful memories of the great times we all shared. At Fred's request, there will be a family gathering and no funeral service.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2012