August 31, 1943 – January 1, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Aberle who left us New Years Day at his home in Victoria after succumbing to a lengthy series of complicated health issues. Fred was born in Timmons, Ontario on August 31, 1943. He is survived by his wife Faye; sisters Carol Latendresse and Marie Tidd; in-laws Alan Pritchard and Laurine Didier, Lorraine Pritchard and Stan Phillips, Lynne and Wayne Sanderson; plus nieces, nephews and the host of lifelong friends too numerous to mention in this small space.
Fred left an impression on virtually everyone he met throughout his teaching career and in his second calling as a highly successful pharmaceutical representative. He was a keen competitor, a compassionate mentor, a gifted storyteller, a connoisseur of fine wine and a music lover. His immense generosity knew no bounds. Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband to Faye, whom he met in 1967 while they were both teaching in Deloraine, Manitoba. They wed the following year. When Faye contracted Multiple Sclerosis in the early eighties, Fred embarked on a new path as that of her healthcare champion. This became his lifelong priority eclipsing even his own health issues that surfaced in recent years. He will be remembered always as a devoted husband, a stand-out neighbour and loyal friend.
The family wishes to especially acknowledge and thank both Alison Lockhart, for being a friend and advocate in Fred’s time of need, and the staff of Beacon Community Services for the love, care and compassion they have provided.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at McCall’s Downtown,1400 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated. Condolences may be expressed to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com.
55 Responses
Faye, my deepest condolences to you and your family in the passing if Fred. I had the pleasure of working with Fred with Merck. He was a leader and always quick to add insight and experience.
David Thompson
Dear Faye my sincere sympathies on your loss. Fred was the best teacher and influence for my son Michael in Grade 8 in Thompson.
Through my work at the recreation center I had occasion to work with Fred and he was one of the best. Take care
This is such sad news. I offer my deepest sympathies to Fred’s family. Fred’s contribution to the success of Merck in the 80’s and 90’s was enormous. His customers loved him, his Merck colleagues adored him and his competitors feared him. Fred mentored countless employees and was always ready with innovative but simple solutions to company problems; these solutions always put the customer first and made sound common sense. He was an incredibly loyal employee.
When I was VP sales for Merck Canada, I slept better at night knowing that Freddie had our western flank covered.
May he rest in peace and may we take some comfort in the fact that after his retirement, Fred and Faye had many wonderful years together.
Dawn
Dear Faye
It was a shock when Mom called with the news of Fred . We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers to you at this time. Fred was a very unique individual ! We were recalling when you moved back down south from I believe it was Churchill (not sure where) and left the black Ford pick-up and various effects at the farm for storage ( we were wondering about this guy you married) Well I don’t know if we should credit your training or whether it was in his genes BUT Fred is a saint in our minds in the way he managed and looked after your well being. We have always had a lot of respect for him.
Our sincere condolences at this time Faye.
Jim and Vickie Pedersen
Dear Faye and family,
I am so sad after this news. Fred was such a great friend and mentor to me early in the pharmaceutical years. He filled our time together with humour and practical advice on how to survive and prosper in this industry. He will be tremendously missed.
Please accept my condolences.
Pat Predy
Dear Faye,
So, so sorry to hear the news of Fred. I can safely say that Fred is considered a hero of the Pedersen/Pritchard families. I always enjoyed any time spent with him as I know others have also. Very proud to have had him as my/our cousin.
Please accept my condolences.
David Pedersen and family
Dear Faye and family
I am so sorry for your loss. Fred was a generous, larger than life character and I felt fortunate to be one of his many personal secretaries along with Sabira, Wendy, Tracy and numerous others. I would like to think that he has been given something to sell in heaven that requires a lot of teaching as that was always when he was at his best. Fred will be missed.
Love Michelle
Dear Faye
We are deeply saddened to hear of Fred’s untimely loss. We have fond memories of Fred and his incredible ability to tell stories and jokes. He always loved an audience and entertained all those he came into contact with. My (Larry) last memory of him was when he came to RD Parker and captivated the teachers in the staff room with his stories about Eleanor Ingalls ( Trappers, Hallowe’en, the lottery ticket) , and my favorite, the 2 sleeping tarantulas.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry & lorraine
Fred was a regular visitor to our office at Wembley Mall Medcal Clinic, Parksville. He brought joy, laughter and a good story for each visit. A wonderful man brightened the lives of many of us. My thoughts are with you in your time of loss.
Dearest Faye,
It is with much sadness and sorrow that I learned of Freddie’s death.He was such a unique and totally generous person.I well remember our days at RDPC and his gifts of laughter so freely given. He was so much a part of the heart of our community.As well I remember our six years together as friends in Victoria.Christmas was such a celebration;always with lots of good wine and song.As with many others I have such overwhelming memories of Freddie and his total commitment and compassion for all his friends.We know of his love and deep respect for you,his wife.He so admired your courage and grace.
Faye,please accept my deepest condolences.
May God keep you in the palm of His Hand.
Love Donna