January 13, 1931 – February 5, 2017

Frederick Charles Shelton passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on February 5, 2017 in Merritt, BC. Fred was born in Regina Sask. January 13, 1931. His birth name was Morris George Buchanan, which was changed to Fred when he was adopted at a young age.

Left to remember Fred are his children: Morris (Gail), Gary (Dawn), Lois (Ron) and Wade (Laurel). Fred also has many grandchildren: Sarah-Lee, Elizabeth, Robert, Quinn, Kira, Nicole, Rachel, Joshua, Amanda and Trevor. Great grandchildren were also part of his family. Fred’s sister Jean also mourns the loss of her brother. 

Fred was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2000, his grandson Christopher in 2001, Millie his companion of ten years in 2012, and his sister Ellen in 2013.

Fred and Mary were married in 1956 in Victoria, BC. Over the course of the next six years they had four children. In 1965 the family moved to Kamloops where Fred worked at Mt. Lolo as an ammunition officer. A few years later Dad started his Post Office career. Fred and Mary bought their very first home on Dominion St in 1967, where Dad lived until this past fall.

Fred worked for the Post Office until his retirement in 1985. At this time Dad went in search of his birth family. With lots of leg work he was able to find his two biological younger sisters Ellen (living in Scarborough, Ontario) and Jean (living in Red Deer, Alberta). He also met cousins, nieces and nephews that he never knew he had. They had many happy gatherings as a family. 

Dad was a proud man. Proud to be a Veteran as he fought in the Korean War. Proud to be a Legion Member until his passing. Proud to introduce his children ‘this is my son’, or ‘this is my daughter’. Proud to be on his 5th pacemaker! 

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Florentine in Merritt for looking after Dad these past few months. Knowing how compassionately they cared made it easier to say ‘good bye’ after each visit with Dad. Thanks also to Dad’s neighbours who helped him over the years. 

A private family gathering will be held later in the spring to spread Dad’s ashes so that he’s a little closer to Mom. Raise your glass of beer in Dad’s honour; we’re pretty sure that’s what he’s doing.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

 

• Date : 2017-02-05
• Location : Merritt, B.C.