We are deeply saddened to share the news of Fred Fingler’s passing, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend at the age of 70.
Fred was born in Port Arthur in 1956 as the youngest of five. He spent his life in Northwestern Ontario, where he created a world filled with family, hard work, and a touch of humour. While his siblings moved across Canada, Fred embraced his new family through marriage to Karen (Kiki), gaining not just a wonderful wife but also a big extended family that he loved. He was a dear brother-in-law to the Winfield sisters and their spouses and took great pride in being an uncle to six nieces and nephews and four great-nieces and nephews. A true dog lover at heart, he leaves behind his Westie Fiona along with grand-dogs Rosie and Ellie. His beloved pets Skeeter, Winnie, and Zoey will be waiting for him on the other side.
Above everything else, Fred was devoted to Karen and proud of his children Graeme and Ryley. The arrival of his granddaughters Maisie and Emilia in 2023 brought him immense joy. He cherished every moment spent with them; even during his final weeks, some of his happiest memories were when they would snuggle up next to him in bed at the hospital.
Fred had an endless curiosity that led him to explore hobbies like wood carving and scuba diving over the years. We often joked that he had the spirit of a 12-year-old boy trapped in an adult’s body-always eager to discover something new or dive headfirst into whatever piqued his interest. In recent years, each December saw him pouring hours into creating an elaborate Christmas village complete with unique buildings, trees, and residents each having their own story.
He was equally curious as he was dedicated; if it meant helping those he cared about, he could figure out almost anything. Family and friends always knew they could rely on him – whether they needed assistance fixing something or just wanted a good laugh. His favourite place was at camp where he’d spend time with loved ones tackling projects or relaxing by the fire.
It’s heartbreaking that he won’t be around to see how much his grandchildren grow up. They were what kept him fighting through tough times. We are especially saddened that he left us before getting to meet his grandson Jay Fredrick Fingler who arrived just hours after Fred passed away. Even though they never met face-to-face, we find comfort knowing that Jay carries his grandpa’s name with him as he grows up embodying Fred’s kindness, curiosity, and quiet strength.
We’ll miss his quick wit, readiness to help others out whenever needed-and above all-his unconditional love for family. We’ll miss rolling our eyes when he’d say “Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine.” We’ll miss all those answers he’d come up with-even if they were made up on the spot! His absence will be felt forever.
Our family wants to express our heartfelt thanks to the transplant team at Toronto General Hospital whose incredible skill allowed us valuable extra time together with Fred; also thanks go out to the doctors, nurses, and staff on 3C at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their compassion towards both himand our family during these last days. Their dedication will never fade from memory.
Fred is preceded in death by parents Henryand Margaret Fingler. He is survived by loving wife Karen; children Graeme(Olivia Levesque)and Ryley Moorhead(Taylor); granddaughters Maisieand Emilia; grandson Jay; father-in-law Gordonand mother-in-law Patsy; sisters-and brothers-in-law; niecesand nephews; alongside many friends fortunate enoughto knowhim.
A celebrationof Fred’s life will takeplace atthe Italian Cultural Centreat132Algoma St. S., on July27at12pm. In lieuof flowersor monetary donations, we encourageeveryone totakea momentto talk about organ donationwiththeir families. Evenif it canneverbeenough, Fred’s liver transplant grantedus precious extra moments together. And we hopeothers mightchoose togivethat same giftto anotherfamily too.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”
Condolences may bemade through www. nwfainc. com
