HOMANN - Friedrich (Fred) Ernest Hermann passed away peacefully at his home in Swift Current on January 14, 2011 at the age of 86 years. Fred was born on October 7, 1924 in Lengede in the province of Lower Saxony in Germany. He is survived by his loving wife, Gerda, of 62 years; son, Manfred (Paulette) Homann and daughter, Angela (Bryan) Sawatzky. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Julie (Stefan) Pacin and great-grandsons, Lukas and Aleksander, Krysta (David) Doerksen and great-grandson, Josiah, Karla (Brady) Cairns and great-granddaughter, Mila and Matthew Sawatzky (Melissa Mitchell). He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Frieda Homann; an infant son in 1951 and infant granddaughter in 1989. He was the oldest of 7 children all of whom along with their families are living in Germany. His family bought a small farm near Bad Gandersheim near the Harz Mountains, where he went to public school and later agricultural school taking two years of farm business administration. The farm was where he also learned the value of hard work. At the age of 18, Fred was drafted into the German army and it was while he was on medical leave due to an injury that he met his future wife, Gerda. They were married on Aug 21, 1948. In 1953 Fred left Germany by himself and got a job as a farm labourer with a farmer in the Wymark area. Five months later he was able to bring Gerda and Manfred over to join him. In 1960 Fred and Gerda bought a farm south of Gull Lake which they farmed until they moved to Swift Current in 1980. Fred was actively involved in community services such as the Sask. Wheat Pool, the International Order of Odd Fellows, the Co-Op Board, Alliance Church, the Swift Current Kiwanis Club and later the Prairie Pioneer Kiwanis Club. In these organizations he chaired many different committees. Once retired he took up woodworking as a hobby, specializing in detailed bird carvings for which he received many awards and recognition at major shows. Fred and Gerda enjoyed several trips back to Germany over the years to get reacquainted with their siblings, nieces and nephews. Fred enjoyed gardening as well, but his greatest joy was babysitting his grandchildren and taking them on vacations in their motorhome. He made lasting memories for his family who will miss him greatly. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday January 19, 2011 at 2:00 at Trailview Alliance Church in Swift Current with Pastor Mike Smart officiating. The interment was held at Hillcrest Cemetery. Donations in Fred's memory may be made to the Gideons or the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current. Visit parksidefuneralhome.com to sign the family book of condolences.