Frederick James Woodward

Frederick “Fred” James Woodward

October 1, 1934 - July 7, 2020

On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, after a lengthy and hard-fought battle with a series of illnesses, Fred passed away with his wife, Shirley, and his family at his side.  Fred was born and raised in Swan River where he spent the majority of his life. Fred married Shirley in September 1955. The two of them moved to Flin Flon where he was employed by Revelstoke. After a brief time and two children, the couple moved on to Canora, Arelee, and Dundurn, SK, eventually making their way back to Swan River in 1963, now the parents of three.  Upon returning to Swan River, Fred worked at the family bakeshop until 1971, thereafter working for the Swan Valley School Division until his retirement in 1996.

During his lifetime, Fred was involved with the Masonic Lodge, the Swan River Curling Club, curling in the men's league, mixed league and later the seniors league. He also was heavily involved in the Swan River Barbershoppers.

Fred was also very interested in aviation and he spent the summer of 1953 and 1954 travelling to Comox BC by bus to attend a RAF Cadet camp.  In his retirement he built and flew model airplanes. Fred was also a devoted and lifelong fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Fred was a master carpenter; he could build anything from wood, requiring no plans or formal drawings. He could see a picture and turn it into a bench, tv stand, bedsteads, toy or whatever he set his mind to. His family has enjoyed the many items that were built by Fred and will for years to come. The single biggest accomplishment of Fred’s is the Woodward Family Cabin at Wellman Lake. Fred loved to spend time at the lake and was most happiest puttering around the lake lot.

Fred is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, three children, Marilyn (Dennis), Bob (Viola) and Leslie (Geoff), seven grandchildren, Kristopher, Leigh, Patrick, Geoff, Cameron, Aaron and Jacqueline and 11 great-grandchildren. Fred is also survived by his long-time skip, buddy and true friend Doug Hinchliffe.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, Percy and Ruby Woodward, his brother, Ted, and sister, Marilyn.

In accordance with Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held.  A private family gathering will take place at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred’s memory to either the Community Foundation of Swan Valley or Cancer Care Manitoba.

• Go Riders Go –

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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