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FREDERICK A. C. WHITLUM
Born: Jun 23, 1926
Date of Passing: Oct 17, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryFREDERICK A. C. WHITLUM June 23, 1926 - October 17, 2017 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Whitlum, aged 91, on Tuesday morning, October 17, with his daughters Karyn and Darcy at his side. We remember Fred as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Zena (nee Matwichuk). Remembered fondly by his children: Karyn (Gregory Glenn) and Darcy (William Flynn); grandchildren: Rebecca, Philip, Lindsey and Ashley; great-grandchildren: Ty, Carys, Melise and Vienna, and brother Ken Whitlum. Fred grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba with his cherished family - parents Fred and Sarah Whitlum (Kell), brother Ken and sister Joyce. Growing up in the Great Depression, Fred learned to be thrifty and practical, but most of all, he learned to celebrate all of the small things in life. On January 31, 1944 Fred entered the Naval Forces of Canada, serving on two Naval war vessels during his military career. The HMCS Chebogue, which was torpedoed in the North Atlantic by U Boat U-1227 on October 4, 1944, was later decommissioned. The conclusion of his service found him aboard the HMCS Arnprior until his discharge on January 17, 1946. Fred was quietly proud of his service to his country, he wanted always to be remembered as a "Navy Man". Interrupted only by his two years at war, Fred's working career began on June 1, 1943, when he learned the trade of Carman with the Canadian National Railway. He was later promoted to Wrecking Foreman with the CNR. He concluded his working career with the Federal Government Safety Commodities Division serving a total of 48 years of Public Service before retirement. Fred lived his life with grace, love and dignity. The world has lost a true gentleman and the lives of those he touched are richer for it. It is hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. A family memorial service was held on Monday, October 30, 2017 at O'Neill Funeral Home in Stouffville, Ontario. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's name may be made to the Alzheimer Society.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2017
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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I grew up as a neighbour to Fred and Zina during my early childhood in Winnipeg on Thorndale Avenue. Fred or uncle Freddie as we called him was a wonderful, generous man. He and his loving wife Zina, or auntie Zina as we called her back in the day were a great pair. As a child they would always have us rolling in laughter. I remember all the great times we had with them as children and then on into my early adulthood. Even once they had moved to Thunder Bay we always managed to keep in touch and see them occasionally. As a family we were invited to both daughters' weddings in Thunder Bay and even as a young kid I can still remember the fun I had at both thanks to Uncle Freddie and Auntie Zina. We were thrilled when they decided to return to Winnipeg many years back but unfortunately they didn’t stay long before they went back to Thunder Bay. Uncle Freddie was a great man. Even as he got older he managed to come and visit my father before his passing and more recently my mother while in hospital during a lengthy stay. Such a wonderful man, along with his wife Zina. They will be together again in heaven and always remembered in my heart! - Posted by: Robert Lobson (Friend of the Family) on: Nov 05, 2017