With great sadness the family announces the passing of Fred Howard Irvine on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at the age of 86.
Fred was born on the farm in Mather Township on April 14, 1929. He lived on—and nurtured—that same piece of ground for his entire life until August, 2014, when his health had deteriorated to the point that staying no longer was an option.
After brief stops at the Golden Age Manor in Emo, Ont. and Rainycrest in Fort Frances, Ont., he took up his final residence in the long-term wing of the Emo Health Centre in December, 2014.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Edith, of 64 years; sons, Keith (Wendy) of Dryden, Ont. and Joe (Maxine)of Stratton, Ont.; daughter Kathy (Will Derksen) of Stratton, Ont.; sisters, Ivy and Eva Angus, and sister-in-law, Marg Irvine; as well as five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Fred was predeceased by his youngest son, Jack; parents, John and Ethel; sister, Ida; brother, Sid; brothers-in-law, Elwood and John Angus; sister-in-law, Elsie; niece, Heather; and nephews, Ross and Ira.
Fred attended the Mather #8 one-room school in the days when daily transportation was through a swampy trail pulled by workhorses regardless of rain, sleet, or snow.
On Jan. 21, 1952, Fred was married to Edith Seed and together the couple raised a family of four on the beloved farm.
In the earlier years, Fred spent the winters working in bush camps logging, coming home occasionally on weekends. Throughout the years, he continued to log in the winter months in various live-in camps and eventually in wood lots closer to home.
After two separate accidents involving breaking one leg at a time, Fred retired from his logging career in 1986. He continued farming until 1993, when the cattle were sold.
Fred was all about salvage. Any trip to the dump involved a load in both directions. You never were sure which load would be the biggest.
He loved gardening and growing things. If there was any bare soil in a potted plant, mysterious seedlings would keep popping up. It could be anything from a seed of an apple or orange he had eaten, or a horse chestnut or acorn he had collected while visiting Lou and Wally in Baudette, Mn.
The trees would be transplanted to his little sanctuary behind the old chicken pen.
Other favourite pastimes were hunting, fishing, attending local country dances, and family gatherings, where lots of games of Smear were played.
As per Fred’s wishes, an intimate family gathering and interment will take place at a later date.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be to the Emo Health Centre c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
FRED HOWARD IRVINE
