Chantelle Wong

January 7, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Siwak family. To say Fred’s passing is a tremendous loss, does not even begin to scratch the surface.

I met Fred in 2012 while working on the Edmonton Terminal Expansion Project. New to Alberta at the time, and being in my early 20s, it was my first job in oil and gas. From the day one Fred had a special charm about him. He was intelligent, straight forward, but also personable and down to earth. He took the time to explain things to me that were not related to my position, but he did so because he understood I had a genuine interest. A true mentor!

There were often many chuckles and bewilderment from others when I would walk into a meeting in which Fred was front and centre (usually in front of a white board with multiple markers in his hands) then without a blink of an eye or pause in his words he would hand over his card so I could pay for the lunch he requested was brought in. Fred always ensured those who had to listen and give up their lunch time were fed while they did so.

After the Edmonton Terminal Expansion we both ended up working at head office in Calgary. Although no longer in the same department, it was always heart warming to run into Fred and have a chat. I will always remember the twinkle in his eyes and how his face would beam with pride when he talked about his grandchildren and being “Poppa.”

Although I had not spoken to Fred since I returned home to Newfoundland in 2016, I often thought about him and wondered what he was working on now. Hearing of his passing brought me tremendous sadness. He was truly one of the best!

Rest easy, Fred! And thank you for your mentorship along the way!

Rick Ziegler

January 7, 2021

Our family offers our sincerest condolences to the Siwak family. We did not get to spend much time with Fred, since Blair and Courtney’s wedding, which was most unfortunate. However, together we share a lasting legacy with the birth of a beautiful grandson and nephew, Jaxon. May your spirit carry on within him. Rest In Peace Fred.

Andre Auger

January 7, 2021

My condolences to the Siwak family. Fred was a man of great integrity and honesty and I will always treasure the many years I worked with him.
My friend, I hope there was a whiteboard waiting for you!

Jordan Starke

January 7, 2021

So sorry for your loss, may peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.

David Huculak

January 7, 2021

My heart goes out to the Siwak family. What a shocker this has been for us all and will be greatly missed. I'm happy to share some good memories of Fred with you......

It was a good day when I got the opportunity to work with Fred. I first met Fred in the summer of 2012 when he asked me to jump on board to help out with QC on the TransMountain ETE Project. It didn't take me very long to realize that Fred was a smart man, at the heart of construction, and a real leader. His insight, vision, care and passion kept us moving forward, and continued to do so with many projects going forward. He was really at the "heart" of construction.

Fred was an incredible mentor to me and always had a way of putting me in the right place and believing in me. At times he would throw me into the heat of the fire, but would always console me with the words "you know I'm just a phone call away". Of course I tried hard not to call him as I know he was always a very busy man and respected that, but was always glad I did when the time came.

My memories of Fred will never be forgotten. He was an answer to my prayers and will forever be credited to the success of my career. So thank you Fred for your mentorship, believing in me, and demonstrating a great example of proper leadership. Miss you lots buddy, you left a big hole out here.

Some Famous Fred Quotes:
- "Keep it simple stupid"
- "There are no stupid questions" (this could also turn on you as at times Fred would say, "You should know this by now Dave" haha)
- "Leave your egos at the gate"
- "I'm going to Siwak you" (Fred didn't say this, but this was something the guys would say as a joke when a contractor needed to be "reined in". Contractor meetings with Fred were quite entertaining when Fred was frustrated with them, haha)
- "You just got Siwaked" (Another famous saying by us inspectors when Fred would correct you or school you)

Mike Sollid

January 6, 2021

I am very grateful to have Fred as an Uncle. Many memories come to mind, but a couple that stick are when he was giving Kyle and Blair heck at Pine Lake; the boys and I were less than 10 y/o. Both of them began to sob from the confrontation, and Fred got down on a knee, the boys bolted into his arms for a hug. Fred picked both of them up, the boys turned their heads, the tears had stopped, and all three were smiling the exact same Siwak smile.  
The other memory is Emma’s face when Fred would show up at Pigeon Lake to visit. Pure, innocent, happiness beaming from her when she saw him—followed by non-stop playing together.
Fred loved his family, and he will be missed along with that one of a kind laugh.
Mike Sollid

Norm Rinne

January 6, 2021

To my old friend Fred, thank you for your wisdom since we met back in 1993 out on the pipeline.
Like so many I was very saddend to hear about Fred's passing. To Sheryl and all of Fred's family my sincerest condolences. Fred will be in my memories always, and I will look back with great fondness on our experiences together.

Bill Nooyen

January 6, 2021

Thank you Fred for your positive influence on me and to many others. You provided a whole new dimension as to what it takes to execute projects, with a natural ability to simplify complex issues as well as the selflessness and work ethic to ensure success. All engineers and project managers should at one point have a Fred in their life. You will not be forgotten. My condolences to the Siwak family.

Anton Cojocaru

January 6, 2021

My condolences to Fred's family. I was one of the luckiest individuals to establish a great working relationship with Fred for the past 4 years. I will miss him as great colleague and mentor. He will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Roberto

January 6, 2021

I loved working with Fred - always ready to explain and teach, he was great fun and had a multitude of stories. With CoVid we didn't see much of Fred and we missed him. I was so looking forward to these first couple weeks in January when he was scheduled to be here on site with us.

I hope all who knew him and especially those who loved him can bring up multitudes of memories that bring a smile amidst the sadness.

Phyllis Roberto
Edmonton Terminal Connectivity Projects

Joe Verbeek

January 6, 2021

I offer my sincerest condolences to Fred's family and friends. Fred was a man who took me under his wing and mentored me and I am honored to have had the opportunity to have learned from one of the greats in our industry.

Jim Wenner

January 6, 2021

Condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Fred on many projects at TM. His knowledge, guidance and assistance was appreciated.

Greg Hill

January 6, 2021

I first met Fred when he came to work for Trans Mountain in 1993. Over the years we spent thousands of hours together in design and construction meetings, walking project sites, and solving challenging problems. He has consistently be an inspiration and mentor to me and I am deeply saddened that I will no longer be able to seek his thoughtful advice and be lifted by his energy and optimism. My sincerest condolences.

Patrick Meads

January 6, 2021

I would like to send my condolences to Fred's family. I was lucky enough to have a working relationship with Fred for going on 30 years. I will miss his sense of humor and his great laugh. He will never be forgotten.

Bob Kalinchuk

January 6, 2021

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Siwak family. I have worked with Fred for many years at Trans Mountain, and he had always been an outstanding individual who approached his work and relationships with coworkers at the highest level.
Fred will truly be missed.

Dan Carter

January 6, 2021

It was great knowing you Fred and thanks for all your assistance over the years and for your service to TransMountain.
You were one of a kind and we will all miss you.

Dave Challoner

January 5, 2021

I am so saddened to hear of Fred's passing and give my condolences to his family. He was a consummate gentleman who I worked with for a number of years and who provided me with tremendous support and insight. He will be sorely missed.

Fred Helliwell

January 5, 2021

I would like to send my sincere sympathy and prayers to the Siwak family. I worked with/for Fred on many projects over the last 25 plus years. He will be sorely missed in the construction/pipeline industries.

Duane Hayunga

January 5, 2021

Cheryl and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Duane and Christa Hayunga
Prince Albert

Greg Toth

January 5, 2021

I enjoyed a working relationship with Fred over the course of 25+ years and benefitted from his wisdom and experience as we successfully delivered projects together! I am deeply saddened by his passing and my sincerest condolences to the family.

Greg Toth

Dee Chailler

January 4, 2021

it is through this beautiful lady that I was blessed in knowing this family. Your family has always been an inspiration to me and my heart goes out to you, all.💜💜💜

FROM THE FAMILY