Fred passed away at Groves Memorial Hospital, Fergus, Ontario on December 23rd, 2016 in his 91st year. He was born in Chicago on May 23rd, 2016. Fred was the loving father of Linda Austin Webster (Jack) of Belwood, William Robins of Inuvik and Donna Fujita (Yoshihiko) of San Francisco. He will be missed by his grandchildren Brian and Michael Austin, Wil Robins, Megumi, Yuki and Hiromi Fujita and his great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Fred is preceded by his first wife Norma (1985) and second wife Olive (2010) and brother Ernest (2008). Fred, served in the American Merchant Marines in WWII which was the beginning of his worldly travels. After 4 years on the high seas he married his life-long sweetheart Norma in Montreal. He worked for over 40 years with Bell Canada as a communications technician. On retiring in 1988, volunteering became an even bigger part of his life. His activities included Scouting, St. James Church, Fergus Scottish Festival, Center Wellington Food Bank, Fergus Library Board and Groves Memorial Hospital. He received various recognitions for his volunteer work and was named the Fergus Citizen of the Year in 1991. He was an active member of the Fergus-Elora Rotary Club and the Masonic Lodge. For the past 3 1/2 years, Fred was a resident of Heritage Retirement Home in Elora where he enjoyed bridge, euchre and a strong sense of community. A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 171 Queen Street East, in Fergus on Wednesday, December 28th at 11:00 am with visitation from 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate remembrances to St. James Church or Groves Memorial Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home in Fergus, Ontario. www.grahamgiddyfh.com