Frederick McIntosh

June 16, 1920 - November 15, 2013

On Friday, November 15, 2013, Frederick McIntosh (Fred) of South Surrey, BC, died peacefully with his family gathered around him. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth (Betty) McIntosh (nee Bodie).

Fred is survived by his daughters, Sandra and Susan; his grandchildren, Michelle (Scott), Pamela (Sim), Angus and Liam; his four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, James and Daniel; his sister-in-law, Ann (nee Bodie) and brother-in-law, Zolt, his beloved niece, Wendy and his nephew, Rick.

Fred was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 16, 1920. In the early part of his life the family moved to Los Angeles, California, where his father was a surveying engineer for the railroad. Fred had great adventures traveling with his dad and going to school in a Pullman car with the rest of the worker's children. They returned home to Canada and he spent his teenage years living in Burnaby, BC.

As a young man, he served his country valiantly in WWII, entering the service September 18, 1939, returning home June 7, 1945, battle-scarred but in love, married Betty, the love of his life, on June 29, 1945. He then worked for the Federal Government grain board from September 1945 until he retired in 1983.

Fred also loved sports, playing hockey with co-workers, golfing, baseball with the "Mellow Fellows", and R.V.'ing with Betty in the Desert and Las Vegas. Fred was genuine, kind, compassionate, and what everyone loved most of all was his incredible sense of humour. He touched everyone he met. His unique "Fred-isms" - those special words and phrases he tossed out, kept people in stitches. A lover of music - some of his favourites were Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall and the Latin beats of the Buena Vista Social Club.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Jeffery Purkis, his receptionist, Andrea and the staff from the 5th floor at Peace Arch Hospital; and to also extend a very special thank you to Delma and Sara who helped Fred and our family through the final hours. The family would also like to thank all the outstanding staff at Peace Arch Hospital for the many years of compassionate care they gave Fred and Betty since they moved to South Surrey.

A true hero has left us. He served his country, his government and his family. Everyone he met had a deep affection for him. Beloved: we knew him as Fred, Freddy-Mac, Father, Grandpa and GG-pa. He was our "national treasure", he loved us, he loved his music and he loved his lady. We will miss him.

A party will be held to celebrate Fred in the near future. If you are interested in attending, please contact the family through the condolence page on this web site.