Obituaries

FREDRICK GERALD VANALSTYNE

Peacefully on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, with his family at his side, Fred VanAlstyne passed away at Concordia Hospital at the age of 85 years.

Fred was born on May 26, 1933 in Winnipeg to Edwina and William “Fred” VanAlstyne. He was the youngest of four children, with sisters Patricia and Joyce, and brother Clifford. He spent his childhood in the West End playing lacrosse and hockey at Issac Brock and Gordon Bell.  Fred served honourably as a Pilot Officer in the Canadian Air Force. In 1955, he married Elizabeth “Bette” Jones and they had four children, Nancy Mazzeo (Leonard), Gordon (Sherri), Scott (Dianne) and Glen. Bette passed away in 1979 leaving Fred to be both a Dad and Mom.

Raising his family in North Kildonan, Fred was active in the community.  As a founding member of the NK Community Club he could be found coaching hockey and keeping the ice and club clean on many nights. During the summer months, Fred coached the NK Lions Bantam football team.

A 34-year employee of the Canadian Wheat Board, Fred began his career as a junior clerk and retired as the General Director of Country Services.  In 1989, he married Victoria “Vicky” Stefanko and together they spent their retirement building their wonderful summer home at Hnausa on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. “VanHnausa” is a special place with many family memories of treasured time spent together. Fred and Vicky spent the winter months travelling to warm weather resorts.

Fred was most proud of his seven grandchildren, Michael, Tyler, Reed, Brittany, Tess, Tyson, and Carter.  Besides his children and grandchildren, Fred is survived by his brother-in-law Don Jones, and sisters-in-law Trudy and Pat Jones and Harriet VanAlstyne along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at a later date.

His family would like to thank Dr. Dennis Caners for the care he provided to Fred over the many years and Dr. Selaman and the staff in Concordia’s ICU for their professional and compassionate care. As well as to the staff and his friends at River Ridge Retirement Community and Friendly Caregivers who made the last three years a most happy time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Concordia Foundation or the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in Fred’s memory.

Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums,1020 Main Street, Winnipeg, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com