August 1, 1928 - August 19, 2020
August 1, 1928 - August 19, 2020
We are sad to announce the passing of our dad and grandpa, Fred Withers. After a long and well-lived life, he passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Chilliwack. Fred was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Isobel, in 2012 and his older brother, William, in 1977. He is survived by his 4 children: Fred (Kathy Jones), Pamela Notting (Peter), Paige Preston (Greg) and Lorne (Bonnie), his 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Fred will also be missed by his two sisters, Marjorie Miller (99) and Daphne Dunbar (96), and many nieces and nephews. Fred was born in Climax Saskatchewan, the youngest of Fred and Ethel's 4 children. In Fred'steen years, the family moved to Vancouver. After graduating from Britannia Secondary, Fred began his career with the TD Bank. He met Isobel in Vancouver and they married in 1952. Their lives were busy raising their 4 children. Dad worked for the TD bank for 42 years, including over 25 years as bank manager at various branches around Metro Vancouver and in Trail. Early in his banking career, he also spent many evenings and Saturdays working in the parimutuals at the Hastings Park Racetrack and the standard-bred track in Ladner. In retirement, Fred enjoyed his five-acre hobby farm in Chilliwack. He and Isobel cared for a stable of horses and an assortment of other pets. Fred was an avid gardener and loved golf. He looked forward to and had many fond memories of his annual golf trips with his former bank buddies. He enjoyed playing golf well into his 80s. Everywhere he lived, volunteerism was an important part of Fred's life, including Junior Achievement in Trail, the Peach Arch Hospital Board in White Rock and Pacific Riding for the Disabled in Langley and in Chilliwack, among many others. An active volunteer until his early 80s, he was appreciated for his unselfish support in helping to make people's lives better. Fred was a happy man and a devoted husband, dad and grandpa. We are fortunate to have had him in our lives. We will miss him. A small celebration of life and family and close friends will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Fred's honour to a charity of your choice.