Frederick 'Fred' Jackson

Fred was born on Aug. 15, 1956, in St. John’s, Nfld., the son of the late Fred and Angela (Grouchy) Jackson.

Fred Jr., who would have turned 55 on Monday, was a former assistant managing editor at the Telegram in St. John’s and former managing editor at the Cape Breton Post in Sydney, N.S. He worked also as a sports reporter with the St. John’s Daily News and then moved on to The Telegram. However, his life of journalism would turn around in 1992 when he became the managing editor of the Cape Breton Post in Sydney.

Back in his native Newfoundland, Fred was best known for his involvement in sports. At a very young age he started the Higher Levels Minor Softball League in 1972, winning numerous local, provincial and national championships. In 1991, he was named coach of the year by Softball Canada. His softball teams won five national medals, plus a fourth place finish in the 1989 Canada Summer Games.

Fred was recognized for his coaching expertise and his contributions to sport when he was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Freddie, as he was known to many of his friends, also rowed in the annual St. John’s Regatta, played soccer and ice hockey. Fred is also a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame and is a recipient of Softball Newfoundland and Labrador’s executive of the year.

After moving to Sydney, Fred continued on with his contributions to the community. He was the first chair of the Sydney Academy school advisory committee and served on the committee for several terms. In recognition of his contribution to the school, Fred was made an honorary graduate of Sydney Academy.

His interest in community service also saw him function as board member and chair of the Salvation Army advisory board, and board member and chair of the Loaves and Fishes community kitchen. He was past president and member of the board of directors of the Sydney Rotary Club. He also chaired several of their major fund raisers. Recognizing that Fred lived their motto of “Service Above Self,” the Rotary Club bestowed upon him the honours of Paul Harris Fellow, and the new district award of True Rotarian.

Fred was very active in church affairs. He was a member of the St. Anthony Daniel parish council, finance committee, men’s club and co-chair of the church’s fundraising committee. He was also active in the Cursillo Movement, and, as well, chaired the board of the Cape Breton Christian Music Festival Society. Fred was often heard to say that he saw Christ in other people.

In both Cape Breton and Newfoundland, he worked endlessly for his family and the people of his community.

Fred is survived by wife, Beatrice (Follett) and daughters, Stephanie (Keith) Gillis, Edmonton, Melissa (Peter) Kozera, and grandchild to be, Jillian, Nicola and Carmen, all of Sydney; mother-in-law, Mary (Norman) Follett and the entire Norman and Follett families of Ship Harbour. Fred also leaves to mourn his brother, Craig (Renee), nephews, Craig Jr. and Tyler, special cousin, Ed Stevenson (Joanne), the Jackson and Grouchy families, all of St. John’s; and a large circle of family and friends in both Newfoundland and Cape Breton.

He was predeceased by his father-in-law, William Joseph Follett of Ship Harbour, Placentia Bay.

Visitation today (Friday, Aug. 12) at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel from 2-9 p.m. Funeral mass to be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony Daniel Church, Sydney, with Rev. Donald MacGillivary officiating. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

Family flowers only. Donations can be made in Fred’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Online condolences to www.twcurry.com.