Alfred (Fred) Robert Betcher

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather on Monday, July 12, 2021 at the age 89 at the Swan Valley Lodge with family by his side.

Fred will be lovingly remembered by his son Randy, daughter Karen, son Terry (Lesley), daughter Loriann (Brent Scales), five grandchildren:  Tyler (Charnaé) Betcher; Teghan Kublick; Denae (David) Muller; Brett (girlfriend Taylor) Betcher; and Mackenzie Betcher.  Sisters Elsie Martens; Rita Hettig; brothers Arnold (Elsie); George (Lorna); Harvey (Aneta); sister-in-law Kay Betcher; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Fred was predeceased by his wife, Erna on July 16, 2018, his parents Robert and Hilda Betcher, brothers Walter (& Marion), John, and Ben, brothers-in-law Dieter Hettig, and Jake Martens.

Fred was born on December 14, 1931 and grew up on the family farm in Minitonas, MB attending the Roaring River School and Minitonas High School.  Fred married Erna Schoenrath on March 22, 1957.

Fred was a Journeyman Plumber by trade, and started Fred Betcher Plumbing & Heating Ltd. in 1959.  While running his plumbing business he also operated a mixed grain & oilseed farm and feedlot in the Roaring River district.  Farming was his passion and in 1981 Fred sold his plumbing business to focus on farming full time.  He spent many years building up and expanding his farm with his sons working alongside him.  In his later years, Fred would check daily on the ‘boys’, morning and afternoon, helping to move machinery or pick up supplies and ensure there were donuts for afternoon coffee and fresh garlic sausage from Valley Meat Packers for afternoon snack on Friday’s.

Fred was well known by and to an endless number of people in the Swan River Valley.  He was involved in the community as a member of the Swan River Lions Club, Swan River Community Legion Hall Executive and involved with both the local federal and provincial Progressive Conservative parties, volunteering countless hours to all the organizations he was involved with.  Fred also served as a Board Member on the Manitoba Agriculture Credit Corporation.

Fred loved his family, caring deeply for his children with his grandchildren being his pride and joy.  He never hesitated when called upon to pick up the grandchildren from school or drive them to an activity.  He enjoyed spending special time with each of his grandchildren, and once they were of age, countless driver training hours were spent crop inspecting with Grandpa Fred in the passenger seat.

In their retirement years, Fred and Erna traveled to Palm Springs, California where they spent the winter months and loved to welcome and entertain their children and grandchildren.

Dad/Grandpa, you have left an empty place in our hearts, but a lifetime full of memories which we will cherish.

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