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
Dear Faye,
I can only add to the wonderful memories of Fred. He was a great colleague and friend who took me under his wing when I first joined Merck Frosst in Victoria. I will never forget him making me sell a pen to him, then getting an earful from him on how much I sucked before he taught me the selling skills I needed to be successful. I am one of many who Fred mentored and couched. All of us can accredit some element of our career success to his generosity, expertise and friendship. I am very saddened by his loss and like others, cherish the great memories of having Fred in our lives.
My sincere condolences,
Daren
Dear Faye
What a horrible shock to hear of Freddy death. He was a remarkable man, friend, caring husband and one that will never be replaced.
He made us all laugh at his jokes and laugh at our selves.
I am privileged to have been a friend.
I know you will miss him, and have so many happy memories to carry with you as we all do.
Good luck and take care of yourself Faye
All my love
Gail Farquhar
Faye, our heartfelt sympathy to you on the passing of Fred. His generosity, vibrant outgoing personality and dedication to you will always come to mind when reflecting on Fred’s life. May he rest in peace.
Blaine and Dianne Pedersen
Faye, please know that Fred was one of a kind. He will be missed by all. It was a pleasure to know Fred. Take comfort in knowing that I and many more are thinking about you at this difficult time. Best personal regards.
Dear Faye and Family,
Our sincere condolences and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Fred was a great friend, colleague and mentor to me. As you know, our friendship continued outside of work and I have many fond memories of Fred, too many to mention here.
Fred was a gifted teacher and storyteller. He was the most generous man I have and will ever know. I witnessed on many occasions his willingness to help others.
Fred loved you so much Faye. I always enjoyed hearing the story of how the two of you met and married so quickly.
Fond memories of Fred will remain in my heart. I am happy that he got to meet our baby son. I will miss his phone calls, the lunch dates and the parties.
I am grateful to have known a gentleman named Fred Aberle.
All our Love,
Mike, Suzie and Connor Jones
Faye, I am so sorry for your loss. Fred was a wonderful person that I feel privileged to have known. Working with him in Thompson was always an adventure and knowing him through the years afterwards was always interesting and fun. My sincere condolences.
I’ll remember his humour, and his cheerful and generous nature.
I’m sure I speak for many when I say I’ll miss “Freddy Frosst”.
Dear Faye and family,
We are saddened by the loss of our friend, Freddie.
Faye, we will miss that joke-teller with the twinkle in his eye. We will miss the man who took care of everyone around him. We’ll miss the organizer who put together terrific parties and get togethers. We’ll miss that encyclopedia of medical info…. whether we wanted to hear it or not. We’ll miss the fellow who collected friends and lost souls like no one else we know.
Our heartfelt condolences from your Thompson/ Winnipeg friends,
Eric and Jill
Dear Faye and family, It was such a privilege to have known Freddy these past 30 years. He lived life to the fullest, in a uniquely caring and purposeful fashion. Devoted husband above all else!
He impacted me greatly and so much more than that of a mere colleague. Accomplished, unforgettable, passionate, creative are just a few of his many attributes.
Freddy never lost a chance to use humor to great advantage. His stories (both funny and serious) were legendary and come flooding back when I least expect it. Oh, could he make me/us laugh!
Deeply saddened and he is greatly missed but his memory will live with me forever. Thank you, Fred, it was truly such a privilege.
Dear Faye
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Fred
We knew Fred from Winnipeg both as a patient and as a pharmaceutical representative and friend
Fred impressed us as a good raconteur and with his “bonhomie” made lots of friends one of whom told us that he knew every good restaurant and pubs worth visiting in Victoria
Although we haven’t kept in touch this last few years we will always remember fondly and it has been a privilege to have known him.
His devotion to Faye was exemplary and an example for all
Our sincere condolences
Duncan &Zelie Scurrah(Dr Scurrah FRCS)