1934 – 2016

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frederick James Marsh on September 28, 2016 at the age of 81. He fought a courageous battle with cancer for 3 ½ years. Left to mourn are his devoted wife of 60 years, Sheila, his four children Greg (Nancy), Laurel (Cal), Kelly (Marg), and Freddie (Dave), his seven grandchildren Dallas (Trish), Josh (Suzie), Dustin (Joelle), Shannon, Dana, Dayton and Tayler, his four great-grandchildren Isla, Julia, Grayson and Bentley and his three step-grandchildren Colton, Pharrynn and Kingston. He also leaves his brothers Roy and Ray (Alvera), sisters-in-law, Joan and Maxine, and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Clara, and siblings Bob, Earl, Dorothy, and Jean.

Fred was born on November 30, 1934 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He was an athlete whose primary sports were hockey and golf. As a boy, Fred spent as many hours as he could on the golf course. He would caddy to earn money to play a round, and if he didn’t have enough money, he would get up early to get in a “free” game before the course opened. In the winter, Fred spent countless hours playing hockey on frozen ponds and on the street. As the youngest of five brothers, he would have to borrow an older brother’s skates and stick, but nothing got in the way of his love of hockey. Fred was very talented at both hockey and golf and they were lifelong passions for him.

Fred and the love of his life, Sheila, were happily married for almost 61 years. They had a true partnership and were each other’s best friends until the day Fred died. They lived in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon for the first part of their marriage and then moved to Kitimat where they remained until they retired to Kamloops.

Fred worked for over forty years in arenas at every level of operation from ice-making and maintenance to management. This experience led to the development of many innovations in arena equipment, including the MARSH FLEXIBLE GOAL PEGS in 1984, which continue to prevent injuries to hockey players all over the world.

Fred will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15 at 1:00 pm at Plura Hills United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kamloops Hospice Association. Their devoted care provided immense comfort to Fred and his family during his final days.

Condolences may be expressed at www.myalternatives.ca

• Date : 2016-09-28
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.