Fred passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021, at the Victoria General Hospital with family by his side. Born in Abbotsford B.C. on November 24, 1928 son of the late Alfred and Beatrice Mockford. Predeceased by his wife Dorothy, son Ken, brother Jack (Marilyn) and sisters Doris Miller (Ron), Winifred Owens (Reg) and Olive Windle (Al).
He spent his early years on the family farm in Abbotsford moving to Victoria in 1940. He attended Quadra Elementary and Central Junior High. At age 13 he left school to begin work grooming horses and mucking out stalls at Island Farms Dairy. Over the next 40 plus years he held various positions at Island Farms retiring in 1987 from the position of General Manager. During his time with the Dairy and with great support from the Board of Directors, Fred helped grow Island Farms from a small, local farmer-owned cooperative to one of Vancouver Island’s most prominent and successful companies all the while helping to keep the company a farmer-owned cooperative.
In his early 20’s Fred took a hiatus from the Dairy and moved to Clearwater B.C. to work in the lumber industry. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Dorothy. His relationship with Dody kept him in Clearwater for a number of years where he worked mostly as a logging truck driver. Fred and Dody married in 1952 and moved to Victoria where they shared over 58 happy years together. Fred was a responsible, respected and hardworking man. He carried those attributes throughout his life in all undertakings.
Fred was involved with a number of community and charitable organizations including Boy Scouts of Canada, the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association and the Sidney Food Bank. He was a long standing member of the United Commercial Travelers, a fraternal organization with strong community roots supporting charities, locally and nationally. He was a leader within this organization serving terms as President of the Victoria chapter and then as the Regional Grand Counselor for Oregon, Washington and B.C. While with UCT Fred and his good friend Jack Burge developed a program teaching children to golf. Golfing was a passion of Fred’s and he golfed regularly at a number of local courses, he was particularly proud of his 5 “hole in ones”.
Fred and Dody enjoyed many years together at their St Mary Lake getaway on Saltspring Island. There they enjoyed time with family and friends and were involved in the care of the park and maintenance of the gardens.
Sadly, in 2011, Fred lost his loving wife Dody and then his youngest son Ken. He continued on with his family at his side and his best friend, Izzy the dog. He took great pride and joy as his family continued to grow. He loved family.
Fred is survived by his daughter Sue, sons Steve (Lorraine), Don (Joanne) and Jim (Liz), 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and by his sister Val Richards (Rob). His family would like to thank his neighbour Hal and his caregivers Terri, Shelly and Denise, for their kindness and support over the last few years.
A Celebration of life for Fred will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria B.C, on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Due to COVID, we request that all attendees be fully vaccinated and wear a mask. If you wish to attend please RSVP to fmockfordmemorial@hotmail.com ( copy and paste this link into your email ) no later than October 10th, 2021 and we will be happy to send you an invitation.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in his name https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
16 Responses
Sad to read of Fred’s departure. I met him in Clearwater, B. C. in 1952 and knew him as a well respected member of the community. I later saw him a few times in Victoria through my long-standing friendship with Dody and her family – Bill, Irene and Jack Long. We were friendly acquaintances rather than close friends, but I’ve never had any but good feelings about, and respect for, the man. I offer my sincere sympathy and condolences to all of his family.
I met Fred through UCT and he and Jack were my golf buddies. Fred was a man we can only all aspire to be. RIP Fred….you will be missed.
Rob Gardner
Happy Trails to Grampa Fred. You will be missed.
XOXO Gramma BuckBuck and Jim Sprinkling
Give Gramma and Ken a hug from us ❤️❤️❤️
Lots of memories of Uncle Fred and Aunt Dodie! Lots and lots of stories from mom about her brother, happy Fred will be reunited with his brother and two sisters.
I want to also recognize Sue for her care of Fred during his declining years!
Still miss Izzie, the love of Fred’s life after Dodie! Such a special relationship they had.
Condolences and hugs to Fred’s family!
I was Fred and Dodie’s neighbour on Salt Spring. He was a wonderful man who loved and took great pride in his family and in later years, his wee furry friend, Izzy. He was a kind, gentle man, who worked tirelessly at keeping the gardens, his own and communal looking beautiful. Fred always leant a hand to his neighbours, when needed and was the most positive person I know. He will be missed.
Sincere condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace, Fred.
Carla, Yracie, Amy, Hayden and Hudson
I will always remember Uncle Fred with a smile on my face. Such a kind, gentle man who brought up children with much love. He will be missed dearly, much love to the family.
So many happy memories of Uncle Fred and, of course, Aunt Dodie. Such a kind man. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you.
My Mom worked with him for a few years and thought the world of him. My condolences to all. ❤️❤️❤️
He sounds like a wonderful man.
Terry and I are sending love to his whole big, beautiful family tonight.
Terry and Erin
I was saddened to hear of Fred Mockford’s passing. He was a fine man who loved his family dearly. My heart goes out to his daughter Sue and his sons Steve, Don and Jim. And to all his grandchildren, you were fortunate to have had him in your lives. His legacy will remain though each of you. Rest in Peace, Fred. Marion Webb