In the beginning – July 15, 1927, Frederick Obadiah Switzer was the first born to Christopher and Winnifred Switzer on a farm outside of Grenfell. Fred was joined by sisters Loy Parsons, Lynn Petrie, and brothers Hilton (aka Chris) and Garth Switzer.
Fred left school part way through grade 12 to work on the farm and spent the winters in B.C. working in construction for his uncle. It was during this time that Fred met “Els” the love of his life. Fred asked Els to the movies for their first date – and to his relief, she said “Yes!”. They spent the summers playing baseball together, Els watching Fred pitch. A man of few words – Fred had to code the first “I love you” letter. Through the long winters in B.C. Fred wrote Els letters twice a week. Fred may have stolen the hearts of many with his charm and good looks, but Fred only gave his heart to one – marrying Els on August 16 1955.
A passion for farming and a longing for “stoney acres” resulted in a permanent stay on the farm south of Grenfell in 1959. Stoney acres provided nourishment for Fred’s soul with the smell of fresh tilled soil and pungent hay bales wrapped to perfection; it was here that he watched the crop and garden grow. Fred fed the cattle and made sure the gates were sooo tightly closed that no person, let alone a COW would ever pass through. It was on the farm that Fred and Els welcomed daughters Judith Joanne in 1956 and Jacqueline Michelle in 1967. With the persuasion of his lovely daughters, Fred added to their family even further – a horse, goat, farm kittens, the odd rabbit, and “Hammy” the hamster.
The Switzer family watched the seasons change, living a simple and glorious life on the farm. The winds of change came in 1985 when they purchased a home in town and transitioned into retirement. The Switzer’s attention turned to perfecting the garden both in town and on the farm, all the while still helping out in the neighbourhood and with the Legion. Whether it was a weed in the garden, or a flake of snow – neither stood a chance between Fred and his tool of choice. Their hard work resulted in an abundance of “garden goodies” for their beloved family and friends. Special lifelong friends were many. Art Parrott – get the crib board, cards, coffee, and toast ready – the “rubber” match can now begin.
Fred travelled the world for over 20+ years through the pages of National Geographic magazines in the comfort of his own home and with a piece of his favorite chocolate cake not far. And with a sparkle in his eye, Fred welcomed his grandchildren Kara, Shayna, and Lynnea Moore; and Dexter Ermel. Fred beamed silently with pride at all of his family’s accomplishments, a smirk and a twinkle in his blue eyes told the tale.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, brother in laws Bill Rieger, Joe Rieger, Ed Kraushar, Dennis Parsons; and sister in law Merle Switzer. Survived by his loving “Ma” of 62 years Elsie Switzer. His daughter Judy (Gary) Moore and children Kara, Shayna, and Lynnea; and Jacqueline (Brent) Ermel and son Dexter. Brothers Hilton Switzer and Garth (Lou) Switzer; sisters Loy Parsons, Lynn Petrie (Wilf Mayer); sister in law Jane Kraushar; as well as many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to so many who were a part of Fred’s life; Linda (Cam) Hollowaty, Doug (Colleen) Mitchel, Jane Kraushar, parishioners, and two special nurses.
In the end – September 25, 2018; stones picked, potatoes dug, bales stacked, bins filled, and harvest done... as the sun set, it was time to rest peacefully in the Lord’s arms.
Until we meet again.
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