Fred was born in Rolla B.C.; where he spent his childhood on his parents’ homestead on the Sweetwater Road. In the 1960’s Fred homesteaded in Bonanza. His long line of machinery all hooked together forded the river at the Braden’s Crossing and often get stuck in the mud.
Fred did what most young men did. He decided to make some real money, trucking. Driving truck took him to Fort Nelson; where he met Bev. They were married in December, 1970 and moved back to Rolla. Over the years they were blessed with three children, Nickole, Danny and Wade.
Fred continued farming in Rolla and Bonanza until 1979. His focus for many years became the land in Bonanza. He eventually owned the original homestead and farmed it until 2008. Curling was a big part of Fred’s life. He enjoyed a good bonspiel and is well remembered for the game he laid a seven ender.
In 1987, Fred decided cows were the way of the future. He started with 70 head and his herd grew to over 500. He enjoyed the cows, not just for his love of animals; but working closely with his boys. He instilled in them a strong work ethic and a good head for business. In 2000, liners left the farm full of cows. The fences came down, and seed went into the ground. Fred had decided he was more of a farmer than a cowboy!
Fred started to travel. His first trip to Cuba sealed the deal. No more winters in the cold for him! He found what he described as ‘heaven on earth’. He purchased land in Mexico and spent his winters there ever since. The weather in Mexico was easy to get used to, but he found it cold here all year long. We dubbed him ‘Our Mexican’; for wearing insulated coveralls on cool days in July.
Fred loved his dogs and always had at least 3 with him. Once, he started the day with 3 Poodles and ended the day with 5! Misty had her puppies behind the seat in the cab. He named them Lexion and Harvester, after his beloved combine where they were born.
The grandkids spent plenty of time at the farm; allowing for plenty of opportunity to be spoiled by Grandpa. They remember trick or treating to his house and leaving with a 2L of pop, a pound of licorice and several full sized chocolate bars, each! The thing he gave most generously of was his advice. Sometimes; You didn’t even have to ask for it!
Everything was a competition to Fred. He had to be the first in the combine and the fastest in the field. He adjusted his machine constantly to be the fastest; even if it meant leaving a few bushels behind. He loved working with his son and grand kids. Having this farm go three generations made him immensely proud.
Fred lived as he wanted to. He never cared much what others were doing or what they thought of his ideas. We thought he was crazy driving his big motor home full of dogs around Mexico. He always seemed to make out ok; except for a mirror or two. He was truly an amazing man and will be missed.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Olive, and his brothers Billy and Cyril. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bev, daughter Nickole (Alvin Fox) and their children Dustin and Dana, son Danny (Denise) Dillan, Danica and Deanna and his Wade( Wendy) Destiny, Jordan, Charlea, Clayton and Sky, His sisters Marlene Bily and Terry Ayotte, and many nieces and nephews. A service was held Dec. 7, 2013 at Bergeron’s Funeral Home, Dawson Creek, B.C.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.