GLANFIELD
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Fred Glanfield of Rimbey, Alberta on Sunday January 20, 2013 in the ICU of U of A Hospital in Edmonton at the age of 85 years.
Fred was born in Garstang, Lancashire, England on September 2, 1927. He was the first son born to Fredrick and Anne Glanfield, Fred and three sisters along with their parents moved to Canada when he was two years old. They travelled on the Duchess of York, then by train to Erskine, Alberta. With a yen to own land of their own the family moved to the Hoadley-Winfield area to homestead.
Life in the Winfield hills was very hard, but Fred told stories of fun and music among the neighbourhood. Another son Oliver joined the family. Their father joined the army in the early forties, with the hope of being sent (home) to England, but he died in Ontario and never came home to see his new baby son Brian. Fred became the man of the family. Life was very hard, their mother passed away when Brian was twelve and Fred took him to live with his family.
Fred was married to Iona Nelson in 1951 and raised four children on their farm at Hoadley. Iona passed away in 1978.
Fred will be sadly missed by his loving wife Doreen, his son Rick (Dianne) Glanfield, daughters; Susan (Fred) Fawcett, Louise (Stan) Lawson and Debbie (Murray) Kreiser, his four step-children Garry (Joanne) Marek, Sharon (Ken) Le Lacheur, Melanie Quaife and Robin (Garry) Chubey, as well as eleven grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Two brothers; Oliver (May), Brian (Joan) and his sister Peggy Mann and his special friend and brother-in-law Clifford Nelson will forever treasure his memory. Fred was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Iona, and by two sisters Ruth Rauchert and Lucy Banks and by a grandson Dale Fawcett and by three brothers-in-laws; John Rauchert, Cecil Banks and Bob Mann. He also lost (his wife Doreen’s) father and mother, brother-in-law Robert Schmidt and sister-in-law Doris Schmidt.
Fred farmed in the Hoadley area for many years, and was very active in the community. He was president of the Hoadley Hall board for many years, overseeing the many improvements to the hall, the Farmers Union and was an active member in the Anglican Church. Fred was an excellent carpenter, singer and guitar player. After his marriage to Doreen they made their home in Red Deer, where Fred worked for fifteen years for Red Deer Transit. Driving was one of the greatest jobs for him. He was a kind and considerate driver as many persons on (Route 4) will remember.
Fred built a cabin on his old farm in 1986 (the old Pep place) which was the site of many happy gatherings for family and friends. After his retirement in 1993 Fred and Doreen built their dream home there and spent many happy years developing a beautiful yard and making great memories for their families. In 2002 they retired to Rimbey. Fred's passions in life were his family, reading, crosswords and gardening. His sudden passing will leave a void in a great many lives.
A memorial service was held from the Rimbey United Church on Saturday January 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Reverend Deborah Laing officiating. Interment of Fred’s cremated remains followed in the Hoadley Cemetery.
If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to S.T.A.R.S. 1441 Aviation Park NE. Box 570 Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
serving Central Alberta with locations in Rimbey and Lacombe in charge of the arrangements.
Phone: (403) 843-3388 or (403) 782-3366
"A Caring Family, Caring For Families"