Frederick William Males

Fred William Males, a resilient World War II veteran, peacefully departed this world on November 16, 2023, in Nanaimo, BC, at the age of 100. He was surrounded by the love of his children, their spouses, dear family friends, and cherished grandchildren.

Fred's remarkable journey through life was characterized by hard work, dedication, courage, and a deep love for his family and country. Fred truly possessed a servant's heart.

Born on February 19, 1923, in Chelmsford, Essex, Fred's early years were spent in local boarding schools. Like many of his generation, he answered the call to His Majesty’s Service and joined the Royal Navy at the tender age of 16 years. Fred served with honor during World War II, undertaking assignments as a Tail Gunner and Radio Telegraph Operator on patrol missions in the Mediterranean Sea. He also made several crossings of the Atlantic Ocean during the Lease/Lend Act between the US and England. Fred loyally served his country by both sea and air until the end of the war.

Upon completing his service, Fred returned to England, where he studied to become a psychiatric nurse. While in school, he met his first wife, Helen (predeceased 2018). They married in 1954 and welcomed their first daughter, Sylvia, in 1955. In March of 1957, Fred and Helen immigrated to Canada, passing through Ellis Island with their young daughter and soon-to-be son, David. They settled in the province of Ontario, making their home in various nearby suburbs of Toronto. In 1971, Fred and Helen completed their family and welcomed their third child, a daughter (Kerrie), in the spring of 1971.

Fred’s commitment to serving others continued throughout his life. During his career, he pioneered dramatic change to Ontario’s healthcare system, establishing the first “Homes for Special Care” which provided much-needed specialized support for vulnerable populations. In the communities he called home, Fred was often found volunteering his time and expertise for charity boards. This spirit of selflessness followed him into his retirement, with Fred’s support and participation in organizing many leisure activities. It is safe to say that Fred was always eager and willing to lend a hand and stepped up often to get a job done.

Fred and Helen spent many years raising their family together in Mississauga, Ontario, but eventually moved across Canada in 1989 to retire in Lantzville, BC. After a decade of retirement, diverging interests led them in different directions. In 2002, Fred and Helen amicably encouraged each other to explore the remainder of their lives independently.

Charismatic and ever the gentleman, Fred had no shortage of female admirers in his later life, but it was Ellen Marie Dixon (affectionately known as Brownie) who captured his heart. They spent much of the last 20 years together, engaging in endless games of crib, social events, dinners and lunches with friends, and trips to nearby casinos, where Fred seemed to have a never-ending supply of luck! They even ventured farther afield to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Hawaii, a first for his sweetheart Brownie. Their enduring love was a source of strength for both of them. Even after Brownie's passing in 2017, Fred carried her memory in his heart. Over the years since her death, Fred spoke of her often and with yearning. In the days leading up to his passing, he shared his many dreams of being reunited with her once again.

Fred’s affections extended beyond friends and family, and he was a lifelong supporter of the SPCA. He had a particular fondness for his cats Gigi and Poppy, as well as the horses on his dear friends Ron and Shirley’s farm. Many visits to these friends began and ended with a carrot for his favorite horse, Shadow.

Fred was a perennial student of British History. At any given time, you could find a large pile of books chronicling the trials and tribulations of England beside his reading chair, covering both past and present. Unsurprisingly, Fred was also an avid follower of the British Royal Family. At his 100th birthday celebration, he humorously expressed dismay at his certificate of recognition being signed by King Charles instead of his favorite royal, Queen Elizabeth.

Fred spent the last five years of his life as a lively and well-liked resident at Long Lake Chateau Retirement community. He will be deeply missed by his closest friends, Frank and Irina, as well as many others who resided with him. A tremendous thank you to the amazing staff team at Long Lake Chateau, including Tamara, Lanaya, and many others, who were always helpful in keeping the family up to date when needed and were kind and understanding during Fred’s final days.

The family would also like to acknowledge the deep and meaningful connections Fred had with his in-home nursing care team, Jo-Ann, Jackie, Georgie and Sharito. He was not shy to share how much genuine care he had for each one of them. Fred’s family is greatly touched and grateful for these special bonds.

Important to Fred was his longtime personal physician Dr. Torrie, who adored and cherished him not just as a patient but also as a friend. The admiration was definitely mutual, and home visits were welcomed by both as an opportunity to catch up and take a step aside from the busyness of everyday life. The family has been deeply touched by Dr. Torrie’s care and kindness not just to Fred but to the family as a whole. Thank you for all your years of care and friendship.

No remembrance of Fred would be complete without honoring one of the most remarkable friendships dearest to him in his life. "Big Ronnie'' and Shirley Dixon, whom Fred met through Brownie, were friends like no others. He considered these exceptional people his “Nanaimo family.” Their friendship ran deep with love, laughter, and affection, often going above and beyond the normal bounds of friendship. Fred’s family is profoundly grateful for all they have been and done for him over the years. Their hearts grieve alongside yours.

The family is also deeply grateful to the staff, nurses, and volunteers at NRGH Palliative Care Unit who made Fred’s final weeks an experience of tenderness and care. The family is especially indebted to the compassionate and outstanding care of Dr. Romain, whose countenance and presence were both a source of comfort and reassurance at this time of bittersweet sadness and joy.

Above all, Fred was, at his core, a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his children, David Males and wife Heather, Sylvia Males and husband Ted, and Kerrie Brown and husband James. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Daniel Males, Kristen Males (and their mother Evelyn Davies), William Dobell, Naomi Brown, Jordan Brown, and Quintin McNeill. Fred was delighted to be the voice of Santa Claus for many years until Quintin was old enough to notice the remarkable similarity between Santa’s voice and the voice of his Grandpa!

As we say our final goodbyes to Fred William Males, let us remember him with joy, laughter, fondness, and most especially with gratitude for a life well-lived and well-loved. His memory and kind spirit leave a legacy that will endure through his family for many generations.

May Fred rest in eternal peace, reunited at long last with his beloved Brownie.

If you have memories of Fred that you’d like to share with his family, they warmly welcome you to share them through the link below.