Obituary for Frederick Manson
MANSON, FREDERICK "FRED" Well into his 98th year and amazingly, with all his mental faculties fully intact, Dad came to rest on March 15, 2023, after a life full of exploration, diverse interests and accomplishments. Along the way, he enriched the lives of his family, friends and the community with his quiet kindness, wisdom and love.
Fred was a proud Canadian and a World War II veteran, born July 30, 1924, who grew up during the Great Depression with his sister, Betty, in Winnipeg and Vancouver. Fred joined the armed forces and headed overseas as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade. He trained for many months in England, initially as an artillery surveyor and then in the infantry, remaining nervously "on draft" until he shipped out under the cover of darkness to Belgium.
At the end of the war with the choice given to veterans of one year at the University of London (England) or a monetary payout, Fred chose education, completing his year in London towards a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Sociology at the University of Toronto in the 1940-50s; and going on to obtain his teaching certification and to share his love of learning while teaching English and many other subjects at elementary and secondary schools throughout Ontario.
Fred's education did not end with his degrees. He was a lifelong, avid reader and learner, whose knowledge of literature and Canadian and world history was formidable. Fred settled his family in Mississauga in 1966, and shortly after became the first Dean of Applied and Liberal Arts at the then newly created Humber College, where he was responsible for introducing many novel programs, including Equestrian studies. In the latter part of his career, Fred established his own secondary school for foreign students: Pathways College of Canada in Toronto.
During his university days, Fred was introduced to a beautiful Ottawa Valley girl, Nancy Wallbridge, who brought Fred back to her home in Killaloe, where he was warmly welcomed into the family of Dr. and Mrs. Wallbridge. As strong connections grew with Nancy's family, Killaloe and Round Lake became a second home for holidays and summer vacations, regardless of the long drives. Fred and Nancy raised four children, Peter, Susan, Bruce and Rosanne. Nancy was Fred's inspiration over the years as she devoted herself to raising their children while providing Fred with support and encouragement in his career. Those children went on to bring five granddaughters into the world, on whom Fred and Nancy bestowed all the love and Christmas joy one could wish for, while cheerfully attending sporting events, musical performances, graduations and special occasions of all kinds.
At the same time, Fred provided steadfast support for his son, Peter, and was active in the community at the Port Credit Legion, volunteering at a local long-term care home (taking residents out for drives) and arranging donations of sports equipment and books for schools in Africa and South America.
In his eighties and nineties, Fred continued to travel widely, including to the Canadian Vimy Ridge National Memorial re-dedication in 2007, several adventures in Chile and many trips to the Caribbean, but always enjoying returning to the Ottawa Valley and Round Lake.
Over the decades, Fred enjoyed many different activities and hobbies: golfing, cribbage, pickling and jamming, billiards, musical theatre and stage productions. He took on challenges: learning Spanish, playing the keyboard, submitting poems to the Ontario Poetry Society, and, when he moved into a retirement home a few years ago, enthusiastically embracing the painting class (creating his own legitimate works of art), meditation and tai chi. Fred read the newspaper daily, and cared about the world and those who were disadvantaged in it. Throughout it all, Fred spoke nicely, dressed nicely and was a gentleman. Fred was careful to enjoy each day and found pleasure in so many things: a nice breakfast, the beauty of Lake Ontario, the changing of the seasons, and the small things in nature and elsewhere that warmed his heart. While thankful for a long life, life never seems long enough for a person who appreciated it, valued it and respected it as much as Fred. Careless hands may not care when dreams slip through, but Fred was not careless with life.
Frederick Manson, WWII Veteran, predeceased by his darling wife, Nancy (2006); his precious son, Peter (2015); and his cherished sister, Betty Hussman (1991). Fred was deeply loved and admired by his children, Susan (Roy Mullen), Bruce (Debi Sutin) and Rosanne (John Yorga); and he adored his five granddaughters, Stephanie, Laura, Madelaine, Jennifer and Jessica. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Amy Wallbridge; brothers-in-law, Allan Wallbridge (June) and Jake Hussman; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins who he was very fond of.
Heartfelt thanks to Fred's recent caregivers, Lhida, Vivian, Lorna, Grace and Fely; to his long time companion and caregiver, Blanca; Dr. Stefano Polesello, a very special doctor dedicated to the care of his patients and their families; along with the committed Palliative Care Clinic team at Credit Valley Hospital. Fred supported many charities, including Covenant House, The Salvation Army and Doctors Without Borders. A donation to any of these or to a Charity of Your Choice would be most appreciated.
A Celebration of Fred's Life is planned for May 13, 2023 when he will be laid to rest in St. John's Union Cemetery, Tramore at 11am followed by celebration and reception at the Sands Resort, Golden Lake.
Fred was a proud Canadian and a World War II veteran, born July 30, 1924, who grew up during the Great Depression with his sister, Betty, in Winnipeg and Vancouver. Fred joined the armed forces and headed overseas as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade. He trained for many months in England, initially as an artillery surveyor and then in the infantry, remaining nervously "on draft" until he shipped out under the cover of darkness to Belgium.
At the end of the war with the choice given to veterans of one year at the University of London (England) or a monetary payout, Fred chose education, completing his year in London towards a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Sociology at the University of Toronto in the 1940-50s; and going on to obtain his teaching certification and to share his love of learning while teaching English and many other subjects at elementary and secondary schools throughout Ontario.
Fred's education did not end with his degrees. He was a lifelong, avid reader and learner, whose knowledge of literature and Canadian and world history was formidable. Fred settled his family in Mississauga in 1966, and shortly after became the first Dean of Applied and Liberal Arts at the then newly created Humber College, where he was responsible for introducing many novel programs, including Equestrian studies. In the latter part of his career, Fred established his own secondary school for foreign students: Pathways College of Canada in Toronto.
During his university days, Fred was introduced to a beautiful Ottawa Valley girl, Nancy Wallbridge, who brought Fred back to her home in Killaloe, where he was warmly welcomed into the family of Dr. and Mrs. Wallbridge. As strong connections grew with Nancy's family, Killaloe and Round Lake became a second home for holidays and summer vacations, regardless of the long drives. Fred and Nancy raised four children, Peter, Susan, Bruce and Rosanne. Nancy was Fred's inspiration over the years as she devoted herself to raising their children while providing Fred with support and encouragement in his career. Those children went on to bring five granddaughters into the world, on whom Fred and Nancy bestowed all the love and Christmas joy one could wish for, while cheerfully attending sporting events, musical performances, graduations and special occasions of all kinds.
At the same time, Fred provided steadfast support for his son, Peter, and was active in the community at the Port Credit Legion, volunteering at a local long-term care home (taking residents out for drives) and arranging donations of sports equipment and books for schools in Africa and South America.
In his eighties and nineties, Fred continued to travel widely, including to the Canadian Vimy Ridge National Memorial re-dedication in 2007, several adventures in Chile and many trips to the Caribbean, but always enjoying returning to the Ottawa Valley and Round Lake.
Over the decades, Fred enjoyed many different activities and hobbies: golfing, cribbage, pickling and jamming, billiards, musical theatre and stage productions. He took on challenges: learning Spanish, playing the keyboard, submitting poems to the Ontario Poetry Society, and, when he moved into a retirement home a few years ago, enthusiastically embracing the painting class (creating his own legitimate works of art), meditation and tai chi. Fred read the newspaper daily, and cared about the world and those who were disadvantaged in it. Throughout it all, Fred spoke nicely, dressed nicely and was a gentleman. Fred was careful to enjoy each day and found pleasure in so many things: a nice breakfast, the beauty of Lake Ontario, the changing of the seasons, and the small things in nature and elsewhere that warmed his heart. While thankful for a long life, life never seems long enough for a person who appreciated it, valued it and respected it as much as Fred. Careless hands may not care when dreams slip through, but Fred was not careless with life.
Frederick Manson, WWII Veteran, predeceased by his darling wife, Nancy (2006); his precious son, Peter (2015); and his cherished sister, Betty Hussman (1991). Fred was deeply loved and admired by his children, Susan (Roy Mullen), Bruce (Debi Sutin) and Rosanne (John Yorga); and he adored his five granddaughters, Stephanie, Laura, Madelaine, Jennifer and Jessica. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Amy Wallbridge; brothers-in-law, Allan Wallbridge (June) and Jake Hussman; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins who he was very fond of.
Heartfelt thanks to Fred's recent caregivers, Lhida, Vivian, Lorna, Grace and Fely; to his long time companion and caregiver, Blanca; Dr. Stefano Polesello, a very special doctor dedicated to the care of his patients and their families; along with the committed Palliative Care Clinic team at Credit Valley Hospital. Fred supported many charities, including Covenant House, The Salvation Army and Doctors Without Borders. A donation to any of these or to a Charity of Your Choice would be most appreciated.
A Celebration of Fred's Life is planned for May 13, 2023 when he will be laid to rest in St. John's Union Cemetery, Tramore at 11am followed by celebration and reception at the Sands Resort, Golden Lake.