Frederick Lewis Poulter was called to be with the Lord on June 7, 2026, at the age of 96. He left this world peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Born on July 24, 1929, to Violet and Wilfred Poulter, Fred spent his entire life in Thunder Bay. He went to Isabella Public School and Fort William Collegiate Institute. During his last year at FWCI, he served as President of the Student Council. In 1950, he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University and became a Chartered Accountant three years later.
In 1955, Fred married Joan Aris, and together they had five children before her untimely passing in 1974. He then wed Jeannette Enders in 1976; she passed away in 1997. In 2000, he married Joan Seaman. Altogether with immediate and extended family, Fred had eleven children, eighteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Fred’s career included eighteen years at F. H. Black & Company as a Chartered Accountant where he was a partner before leaving in 1966 to become Treasurer/Controller for Chapples Stores Limited. In 1968, he joined the Fort William Board of Education which merged into the Lakehead Board of Education the following year. He served as Superintendent of Business until leaving for Lakehead University in 1987 where he took up the role of Vice-President of Administration until his retirement in 1996. After retiring from Lakehead University, Fred worked for five more years as a labour arbitrator.
He dedicated countless hours to community service throughout his life, showing steady leadership across many organizations. Whether it was organizing major sporting events like the Jeux Canada Games in 1981 as Vice Chair or supporting youth hockey while serving as President of the Fort William Hurricanes; whether it was being part of the inaugural Board of Governor’s for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre or assisting organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay; he approached every responsibility with humility and dedication. Fred never sought accolades but believed deeply in giving back to his community-a commitment that earned him a City of Thunder Bay award for over twenty-five years of service in 1995.
A lifelong athlete, Fred enjoyed football, hockey, baseball, curling, and track and field. As an accomplished quarterback during high school days at FWCI he helped secure junior and senior championships for his team. Later on he played and coached senior leagues with both Roughriders and Ukes football teams. Track events were among his favorites leading him to compete as part of Queen’s University track team during Ontario University Athletic Association championships.
Fred’s father introduced him to golf when he was a teenager setting off what would be a lifelong passion. Golfing remained important throughout his life right up until recent times-he played his last round at age ninety-five! A member since1980 at Fort William Country Club until early this year (2024), Fred held presidency there during seasons ‘85/‘86 and received Lifetime Member status in twenty-twenty-five! His membership also extended across borders too as part Royal Wood Golf & Country Club located Naples Florida between ‘87-‘20.
The joys retirement brought were immeasurable especially winters spent enjoying golf rounds down south but also globetrotting adventures including unforgettable cruises around-the-world alongside memorable journeys through South America via Panama Canal!
A devout Christian all along-Fred held lifetime membership within Anglican Church taking active roles such Treasures/Warden/Diocesan delegate while attending St. Paul’s Anglican Church representing Diocese Algoma National Synod Finance Committee six consecutive years! Later participating actively within St Thomas’ Anglican Church & St Monica’s Episcopal Church situated Florida.
Prenotably preceding him were wives Joan & Jeannette along with parents Violet/Wilfred plus brother George
Surviving are wife Joan; children Cathryn Poulter (Glenn), Barb Molloy (Rick), Don Poulter (Susan), Mary Lee Fitzmorris (Jim), Sheila Poulter (Norm), Patty Dovichi (Rocky), Robert Poulter (Heather), William Poulter (Mary), David Seaman (Stephanie), John Seaman & Paul Roberts(Carolyn); grandchildren Robyn(Colton) & Ryann(Charlie)Poulter , Whitney(Mike)Rissanen , Shannon(Ray)Fry , Alex , Abby , Lily(Harrison)Poulter , Brittany(Marty)& Mitchell(Lakeshia)Fitzmorris , Amanda(Ian)Roulston , Adam(Tori)Poulter ; Wilson(Maggie)& Kate(Joel)Poulter; Mark&Arwen Seaman ; Quinten Seaman ; Matthew&Katherine Roberts ; great-grandchildren Wyatt&Adalyn Rissanen, Lennox Fitzmorris&Clara Szymkow , Remi Fitzmorris, Zion&Jasper Roulston, and Weston Poulter; additionally large extended family comprising siblings-in-law, nieces, newps etc.
Cremation has taken place. Services will be conducted @St Thomas Anglican Church located1400 Edward St S. TB Tuesday July14th ’26 where visitation begins promptly @10 am followed by service starting sharply @11am. A reception shall follow afterward hosted Valhalla Inn whilst private internment takes place Mountain View Cemetery afterwards
The family extends heartfelt thanks towards Dr. Megan Sellick plus Jocelyn Palliative Care Unit staff Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Breanna Para Med employees alongside staff Glacier Ridge Retirement Residence – especially Dawn-for kindness shown our dear father
Please consider donating instead flowers directly towards either St Thomas Anglican Church organization selected charity that resonates much more greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted Blake Funeral Chapel located200 May Street S
You can send online condolences through www. blakefuneralchapel. com
