It is with great sadness that the family of Fred Ouellette announces his passing on June 3, 2013 at the age of 95.
Fred is survived by sons Wilfred “Wilf” (Gloria), John (Lisa), and Jim; brother Nelson (Yolande); grandchildren David, Dianne, Jayson; Kurt, Shane, Kyle, Angela, Tammy, Jordan; Carmen, Liam; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Lynn, son Joseph Clement, grandchildren Randine, Guy and Christopher, brothers and sisters-in-law Harvey (Jacqueline), Jerry (Yolande) and George (Laurette).
Fred was born in Cap-St Ignace, Quebec, the eldest of 5 boys. Fred homesteaded at Roquemaure and then worked as a lumberjack and QPP officer. He and his brother Harvey hoboed across Canada by rail boxcar during the depression to find their Uncle’s gold stash on the Athabasca River banks near Chisholm. Harvey returned home and Fred stayed to work on his Uncle Henry Theriault’s farm. In WWII Fred became a prison guard where the German prisoners taught “Frenchie” to speak English. Fred’s work, whether it be blacksmith, lumberjack, millwright or sawfiler, took him and his family to many locations in Alberta before settling in Prince George, BC. He became a Journeyman Millwright in 1951. Fred was a member of the RCMP auxiliary for 20 years and retired from that when he and Lynn moved to Salmon Arm, BC to enjoy their retirement years with the promise of shorter winters. Fred and his wife Lynn raised a family of 4 boys. Fred loved music, playing violin, and telling stories, many of which were “blueberry stories” grandchildren loved to hear. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
The family would like to thank Bastion Place and the staff for the care and attention given to Dad in his last years with us; Rene & Claudette Cote for their many years of friendship and assistance with Dad; and to Jack Bowers for his friendship, continuous support and assistance.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Flowers gratefully declined; donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
On line condolences may be sent to Fred’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.