Fred Werner
Manfred (Fred) Wolfgang Werner, 73, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away unexpectedly on the afternoon of June 25, 2023, at home, surrounded by family. He will be greatly missed by his wife of fifty years Diane (Pitre), his daughters Stephanie and Michelle, sons-in-law Rick and Peter, and grandchildren Claire, Sophie, Ayla, Charlotte, Everly, and Jack. He is also survived by his sister, Hanna McRay and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his older brother Klaus and parents Stefan and Elisabeth (Scheer).
Fred was born on February 20, 1950, in the city of Stuttgart, Germany. The family moved to Montréal, Québec when Fred was four years old. Fred later attended Chomedey Protestant High School in Laval, Québec. Fred and his wife Diane were married in 1971 and moved to Pointe-Claire in 1978 to raise their daughters. Fred worked his way up in the steel industry from working as an inventory clerk to a traveling salesman to a product manager by the time of his retirement. In 2010 he moved to Alberta to be closer to his grandchildren.
Fred was known for his affable nature and sense of humour. He always put his family first, whether it was his wife, his daughters, or his grandchildren, and was always there for his friends as well. He loved animals; and recalled bringing home wild animals to his family home as a child. His interests were varied and illustrated his lust for life -- whether it was snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing (especially catamarans) motorbiking, or motor-crossing -- he was never afraid to live life to the fullest. He was a big fan of classic Rock of the 60s and 70s and even attended Woodstock, although there is no proof other than his stories. Fred also had a deep love of science, especially physics and green technology. Fred enjoyed his retirement to the fullest and traveled extensively, visiting Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and Cuba among other places.
A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 3 p.m. MST, at his home, 18929 98 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB. Dress is informal, family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories. For those who cannot attend in person but wish to be there with us in spirit, we will try to have a video of the welcome and planned speakers, further information to be announced. We would like to request that if anyone who cannot attend but feels moved to, please send stories, memories, and thoughts they would like to share with everyone at the event. Also if you have photos or videos that you would like to share in case we can include them in the slideshow, and in these ways it will feel as though we have your company at a distance as we celebrate his life and grieve this tremendous, incalculable loss.
In lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations to Youth in Science Canada: https://youthscience.ca/get-involved/donate/, in commemoration of his love of science, and how much he valued and enjoyed educating young people on this and many other topics.
“And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” - The Beatles
I miss you Fred so much and I will always love you. I will see you again someday and we will be able to act like kids again. Love you always, your little sister.
Sorry for your loss Diane, Steph, Michelle and the family. My heart goes out to you all. Love, Honey
Dear Diane, Stephanie, Michelle and family, please accept my most heartfelt condolences on your loss.
I didn’t know Fred very well but the times I met him he was always very nice. His loss must be so difficult for you all but rest assured that he will be watching over each and every one of his loved ones.
Rest in Peace Fred
I extend my heart and condolences to Steph, Michelle, Mrs. Werner, and the entire family. I was fortunate to have known Mr. Werner as a child in elementary and high school and I recall that he, along with Mrs. Werner, were nothing but kind and generous in spirit to me. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Fred and I were childhood friends. We grew up next door to each other. Our parents were friends. As young adults, we went to work in his old Volkswagen and I was in charge of scraping the ice off the inside of the windshield in winter because he had no working heater. Good times ! He was kind as a boy and grew up to be a kind, intelligent man. My condolences to Diane, his trusty sidekick and the love of his life. Also to his daughters, grand-children and to his sister Honey.
My deepest sympathy to the whole family. I have fond memories of all of you all. I enjoyed many years on a catamaran with my own father thanks to Fred.
Sending lots of love.
Having known Fred for about 47 years. There are many memories, motorcrossing, children and get togethers. Our deepest condolences to all. George and Miriam
Chère Diane, Stéphanie (Rick), Michelle (Peter) et petits-enfants de Fred
Je suis cet après-midi avec vous en pensée et sentiment en mémoire de Fred.
Il était quelqu’un de bienveillant, attentif au mieux être de sa famille et de sa conjointe. Mes sincères condoléances pour la perte d’un être si cher à vos cœurs. Qu’il repose en paix et veille sur vous…
Sympathie et affection à chacune et chacun
xxx
I would like to take this opportunity in expressing my sincerest condolences to the Werner family upon the loss of the head of the family, Fred Werner!
Fred will be missed by all!
Some of my fondest memories as a kid were being around the Werner family circa 1985-1995 in Pointe-Claire.
Stephanie, Michelle and I (Karen and Ursula too) would do whatever kid stuff kept us busy – as our parents would do whatever parent stuff was in at the time, likely drinking, listening to music and laughing (we were in the basement or outside so it’s hard to know for sure)
I can still remember Fred’s unique laugh. He always seemed to be in a good mood or willing to teach me something – and let me play his video games!
I thought it was cool that he wore special gloves to drive and his tastes in music and movies had an influence on mine.
I’ll always be grateful that he tried to convince my parents to let me see Terminator 2 when I wasn’t old enough!
I’m glad he got to spend the final period of his life surrounded by a full family and lots of grandkids. They’re all lucky to have him as a Grandfather and I’m sure they’ll carry the memories he created throughout their lives
My condolences to Michelle, Stephanie and Diane (who’s laugh I also remember!)
Thank you so much for your love, support and kindness. You will forever be in our hearts!
As a teenager out biking one day, I met Fred and knew right away he was a nice person because shortly after he brought me home for lunch and wanted me to meet his family. Thereafter Fred became a best friend for over 55 years and even best man at my wedding.
Fred always wanted to have fun, he called it play time and I had lots of it with him; biking, skiing, sailing, camping…etc. Also Fred was positive support and often had good advice.
All and all Fred will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to Diane, Stephanie, Michelle & families and Honey.
Love..Freddy.