May 21, 1934 – January 1, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick George Denyer on New Year’s Day 2023. “Fred” was born in New Westminster, B.C., to Frederick and Geraldine (McGiffin) Denyer. He passed away peacefully in Salmon Arm, B.C.
When Fred passed, he joined Carrie, the love of his life, in heaven, along with his parents, in-laws, extended family, and numerous close friends.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Tracy (Chuck) Kovacs and Leanne (Derek) Melnychuk, grandchildren Megan (Brandon), Craig (Erica), Jordan (Julie), Mikaela, Juan, and Adrian, along with his great-grandchildren Sawyer and Fletcher.
Fred is also dearly missed by his sister Valerie (Stanley) Boisvert of Edmonton, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Fred spent his early years in New Westminster surrounded by a close network of extended family. With his parents and sister, Dad moved to Nelson, B.C. in 1945. He has always enjoyed good fun and laughter; tales of youthful shenanigans have been shared. While living in Nelson, Fred met and married his wife of 62 years, Carrie (Nesbitt). Together they started our family.
Fred’s first job was working at a local Motors Shop then for Greyhound Bus Lines. After accepting a position with Westwood Homes, he worked/travelled throughout the Kootenay-Boundary region.
After relocating to the Lower Mainland, Fred attended night school at BCIT and UBC to become an Appraiser for the City of Chilliwack, then with the B.C. Assessment Authority working out of the Chilliwack and Abbotsford offices until retirement. Chilliwack ended up being home for more than fifty years.
Over the years, Fred enjoyed a wide range of activities. First and foremost, he loved to travel and was able to explore many areas throughout Canada and internationally. He played lacrosse, liked to work on cars, skied, fished, sailed, and golfed. He fondly recalled watching boat races both on Kootenay Lake and many years later the hydroplane boat races at Seattle.
Fred also enjoyed woodworking, photography, carving, and was a founding member of the Mount Cheam PROBUS Club. Dad was community-minded and volunteered at a variety of local events. He also helped drive people in need for medical appointments etc. up and down the Fraser Valley.
Friends and family remember his social personality; he was well known to be kind, caring, helpful, and generous with his time/expertise. Starting in the 1970s, Dad regularly met as part of a coffee group with his father and community friends. Prior to his move to Salmon Arm, this tradition thankfully continued as his world slowly changed in response to Parkinson’s, Dementia, and COVID-19.
To say the least, family and friends have always been very important to Fred. We know he was proud and protective of his two daughters, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A special thank-you to friends, the Chilliwack Parkinson’s group, and staff at Bastion Place for their care and compassion.
The struggles have ended – Fred is deeply missed.