Frederick "Fred" Cyril Illingworth

Fred Illingworth passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 87. He’s predeceased by his loving wife, Flor, and his parents, John Cyril and Marian Illingworth. He is survived by his daughter Mary-Ellen.

Fred grew up in Cupar then moved to Regina where he met the love of his life, Flor, a nurse from the Philippines who came to Regina for work.

He worked for SaskPower until his retirement in 1995 and had fond memories of climbing the poles to install the powerlines across the province. Later, he worked in the transmission stations, even willing to go out in frigid temperatures for a Leader-Post photo, earning the nickname “Front Page Freddie”.

Not ready to give up work just yet, Fred began a second career as a commissionaire when SIAST (now Sask Polytechnic) converted the Plains Hospital into its Regina Campus. He enjoyed his time there until his retirement nearly 20 years later.

His biggest passion was hockey, which he played all his life. He took the family with him to many hockey tournaments in Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal and even San Diego. At one point between his careers, he was playing hockey four days a week.

Fred believed you learned more from traveling and experiencing a culture by going to other places. His love of travel took him all over North America and beyond, to the Philippines, Japan and Singapore.

Fred will be remembered for his big smile, warm heart and generosity of spirit. Special thanks to the staff and residents of Dove House II for looking after him during his stay there, and to the staff of the Cupar and District Nursing Home for helping him live his best life during his last few months.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cupar and District Nursing Home, Box 310, Cupar, Saskatchewan, S0G 0Y0.