Frederick (Fred) J. Jensen

It is with sorrowful hearts that we announce the passing of Fred on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 at Riverview Health Centre where he spent his final hours in the comfort and quietness of their care. Fred is survived by daughter Cindy (Dave), grandson Clay (Jovana), brother Vic (Marlene), and a wide circle of family and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife Dot, brothers Hans, Ernest, and Robert, and sisters Alice, Ida, Lil, Norma, and Doris.

Fred was born in St Andrews, and grew up in various homes on the property that is now Larters Golf Course. Fred and Vic spent many hours both summer and winter on the nearby Red River, either at the swimming hole or on the ice they cleared for hockey. As a youngster, he attended Parkdale School, where a quarter of the pupils were his siblings.

When Fred was seventeen, he met the love of his life, Dot, on the train to Grand Beach. Shortly after that, in late 1945, he did a 4-month stint in the Merchant Navy and travelled to New Zealand. After a two-year courtship, Fred and Dot were married in June 1947, and in 2017 they had their 70th wedding anniversary. Grand Marais was a favourite destination for both of them, and many happy hours were spent at the Beach.

Fred had a varied work career, starting at MacLeods, then Stelchrome, Bristol, and Liquid Air. He progressed from small engine repair, to welder, to welding supplies salesman, to distributorship manager, and ultimately to welding and machine shop instructor at Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive School (LSRCS). During this time he finished his high school diploma, and obtained a Vocational Industrial Education Certificate (Welding), and ultimately his Bachelor of Pedagogy.

Fred and Dot were loving and supportive parents and grandparents. They were always on hand for any sporting event or activity, often travelling great distances to be in the stands. They were golf members at the Canoe Club, Wildewood and Pinawa, and curlers at both Wildwood and St. Vital. They had a varied social circle, and enjoyed the company of friends in the “Couples Club” of St Vital United Church, and the golf group from the Canoe Club. They had always wanted a place on the water and when a seasonal spot became available at Pioneer Bay in Pinawa, they jumped at the chance. They enjoyed boating, fishing, and socializing with the neighbours in the “Bayou”. Fred also had a great passion for cribbage, and over the course of the last 10 years he played at the Fort Garry Legion, Dakota, Norberry, and with the Prendergast Seniors.

Dad was an extremely charitable person, and supported many local organizations in Winnipeg. He was a dedicated supporter of the local Alzheimer’s Society, and set up an annual bursary for a welding student at LSRCS, through the Selkirk and District Foundation.

Cremation has taken place, and a service will be held in the spring to commemorate Fred’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.