Obituary of Frederick Canning

FREDERICK HUGH CANNING After a brief illness, on June 1, 2012, at the Lakeridge Health Centre in Port Perry, at age 76. Fred, of Port Perry, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. Fred is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vivian, children David (Donna), Ed (Julie), Lisa (Dave). Loving Papa to Elyssa, Saunder, Kayte and Cy. Fred was a 37-year cable repair man with Bell Canada, having started at the age of 17. He met Vivian when he was posted temporarily to Bracebridge, while she was working at a local bank. Soon after their marriage, they moved to Port Perry (Prince Albert), leaving from 1973 to 1975 for an adventure in Kamloops, British Columbia with Ed and Irene Campbell and family, in a short stint with BC Tel. They soon returned to Port Perry where Fred was involved in the life of the community for over 50 years through his work with Bell and then Compton Cable Television after his retirement, as well as through various charitable organizations. In addition to coaching hockey, baseball and ringette, and leading Scouts, Fred was a member and president of the Kinsmen Club and also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Bell Pioneers. He was a long time moose hunter with his old friend Merv Pugh. He served as Chair of the Prince Albert Community Centre for many years. With an impeccable memory inherited from his mother, Fred seemed to know everyone and always had a story to share. Fred was the second child of Marguerite and Arnold Canning of Woodville/Cannington, survived by his siblings, Doreen (Harold), Barb (Art) and Jim (Glennis) and many treasured nieces and nephews. For the last twelve years Fred and Vivian have spent part of every winter at Seabreeze RV park in Texas where they made friends from throughout the continent who have become an important part of their lives. Fred’s family appreciates the time they have had with Fred including the time since his diagnosis just before Christmas. He received exceptional support and care from the Revera team while at home and the CCAC nurses and their team. The family is grateful for the amazingly compassionate and competent medical staff at Lakeridge Health Port Perry. Many thanks to all of Fred’s family and friends who have extended their thoughts, time, and prayers over the last few months in supporting him. Special thanks to longtime friend Roy Hope for bringing the paper to Dad almost every day through this journey. The family of Fred Canning will receive friends at the WAGG FUNERAL HOME, "McDermott-Panabaker Chapel", 216 Queen Street in Port Perry (905-985-2171) on Sunday, June 3rd from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1710 Scugog Street (Hwy. 7A) in Port Perry on Monday, June 4th at 11 a.m. with Father Peter Lackmanec officiating. If desired, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waggfuneralhome.com Fred is hiking a trail in Algonquin Park. Later he will be sitting around the campfire sharing yet another story with friends and family. "I will lay my heart beside thee, it will rest securely there, and grow to thee more fondly, and grow to thee more dear."