Manfred "Fred" Morawetz

Manfred was a husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, and so much more. How can you put in print the soul of a man who gave so much, cared so deeply, has loved, and was loved by so many?

A schnitzel loving Austrian to the core, Fred was born in Wirner Neustadt Austria to Wilhem Morawetz and Hildegard Morawetz (Holwegh). As a family they began the Canadian portion of their lives in Victoria BC in July of 1957. The Family became complete in 1959 with the addition of a baby brother Ron (Ronnie) Morawetz (Elaine).

Though he started his working life in Masonry alongside his father, it was at the age of 16, thanks to a rousing shift one night at the Gibson Bowladrome bowling alley, that he met the love of his life, and future wife Lynn Anderson.

Married June 3, 1972 Lynn and Fred spent 52 years together. They had many adventures, to put it mildly! Starting at the little house on third street in Sidney BC, they welcomed their first child Randal Morawetz in 1974. In 1980, in addition to caring for dozens of horses (and acres) at Greenbelt Stables, they welcomed their second child Anna Mayrhofer into the fold. Just to spice things up a little this was followed by a move to Westlock Alberta where in 1984 they welcomed their second daughter Korina Simm to the family.

In 1985 they finally had enough of Alberta winters and made their way back home to Sunny Sidney by the sea.

Fred spent years working in the construction industry. He began at Mitchell and Anderson hardware, managed multiple General Paint and Mills paint branches, and in 1991 moved to Parksville BC where he and Lynn opened Wondercolor Decorating Centre. After many years in retail, he began providing building and property maintenance; you would be likely to see him as a fixture in local haunts such as Beach acres, Seaview Plaza, and Waterford place. He always had a smile on his face, a small dog in tow, a funny story for all he encountered, and some kind of manual labour job he could assign to one of his offspring.

Always ready to offer a helping hand, even at a young age, Fred was a member of the Sidney Volunteer fire department. He received honours, awards and accolades for his time, efforts and life saving heroics.

Fred would literally run into a burning building to save the life of a stranger – this is the kind of man he was.

Later in life he was the President and an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3922 in Parksville, BC. He could be found regularly at the clubhouse, playing darts and cribbage, or pouring beverages and running fundraising events.

Dad was an inspiration, he found joy in giving joy to others. For years he elaborated on his Christmas and Hallowe’en displays to the delight of neighbourhood children. His efforts were contagious, picked up and continued by neighbors making Newcastle Avenue one of the best Christmas light areas in the city!

He was always available for a piece of gardening advice, a grandchild playdate, or a friendly beer. His easy going way and open heart will be missed.

Fred leaves a legacy of lives. He is survived by his wife Lynn, his son Randy (Alana) and Daughters Anna (Jake) and Korina (Ben). Grandchildren Micheal, Angela, Brandon (Mattea), Derek, Taeya, Chloe, William, James and George, Ryan (Sam), Kaitlyn (Amanda), Dillon and Thea and Great Grandchildren Alec, Jonathan, Sonja, Rowen, Micah, Logan, Remy, Avery, Evan, Madison, Sydney, Grace, Caleb and Wyatt. He will be missed by Nieces, Nephews, In laws and friends too numerous to list.

We are sure that we’ve forgotten much that many will remember; for those additional memories we are grateful. As a family we are touched by the sentiments to date, memories, and kindness that others are sharing. It’s heartwarming to know that so many of you were as touched by this great gentleman as we were.

We remain eternally grateful to his dedicated medical team, especially Dr Beth Hepburn, and the kind, supporting and empathetic staff and volunteers at Oceanside hospice who made Dad’s final days comfortable and filled with love.

Dad, we’ll see you in the ocean, in the cast of a fishing rod, the smell of a schnitzel, the stack of zucchini, the pile of tomatoes we have no idea what to do with, the smiles of our children and in our hearts.

At his request no formal service will be held, but an open house will take place at the home of his daughter Anna and her husband Jake, on June 1, 2024. Please contact the family for additional information.

In lieu of flowers the family would accept donations towards a beachside memorial bench, or tree in his honour.

We love you, until we meet again.