1951-2025
In his home, after battling health issues for many years, “Fearless Fred” Calich, at the age of 74, has crossed the finish line for the last time.
Originally from Fort Frances, he moved to Thunder Bay where he completed his BA at Lakehead University and worked as a Junior Officer in the LSSR for several years. He dedicated his career to Provincial Papers until the mill’s closure – but his true love was racing and fast cars.
No matter if it was driving, supporting as a crew member, fixing up cars or just watching races, Fred lived for auto racing. As part of CSSA, the International Ice Racing Association (IIRA), and a Life Member of the Thunder Bay Autosports Club, he raced on ice for over three decades both locally and in areas across NWO, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was a determined competitor in his Austin Mini long after they fell out of favor. Despite lacking heat or a working defroster in his car, you’d spot him driving with one racing glove on and a scraper mitt on the other hand to keep the windshield clear.
He wasn’t unfamiliar with rollovers either; that’s how he earned the nickname “Fearless Fred”. He also took part in hillclimbs, slaloms, road rallies, and time trials at Gimli Motorsports Park.
Anyone who knew Fred recognized his strong sense of independence along with his quirky personality – characterized by long hair, a bandito moustache, coke-bottle glasses, an ever-present cigarette and rum and coke – but he was also an excellent mechanic and a devoted friend to those close to him. For many summers he spent weeknights repairing cars while crewing trackside for JB Gardiner on his GT road racers during five or six weekends each season – all while being paid with plenty of pizza and barbeque.
Though he raced various Mini models on ice throughout his life, he remained loyal to Ford! Over time he owned a Cyclone equipped with a 429 Cobra-Jet engine, an ‘87 Mustang GT alongside several Ford trucks. If it wasn’t fast or didn’t have serious towing power – it wasn’t for him!
Fred also loved reading books and magazines. Before declining health set in later in life, tending to his yard and trees brought him joy along with bowling. His basement showcased countless bowling trophies alongside numerous racing awards plus an extensive collection of paperbacks.
Around 20 years back Fred was diagnosed with severe advanced Crohns & Colitis which gradually took control over his life making him mostly housebound. Additionally since mid-Covid he’d been waiting for one surgery along with another which never happened leading to significant declines in his quality of life over recent years.
His only family consisted of parents who had passed away before him; due to ongoing health challenges during retirement he became somewhat reclusive. Nevertheless deep down all those friends from racing and autosport circles through the years were considered family by him – you all held special places in his heart!
Please join us for a gathering celebrating “Fearless Fred” on Wednesday January 21st 2026 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Slovak Legion’s Solarium. All friends including neighbors past coworkers as well as current/former racers are welcome! It’ll be an opportunity reminisce about good times share laughs discuss old days enjoy refreshments – courtesy Freddy!
If friends would like to make donations Crohn’s & Colitis Canada or your charity choice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements handled by EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL located at 299 Waverley Street near Algoma.
When the green flag drops,
the Bulls**t stops.
But it ain’t over,
Till those checkered flags fly!
Rest easy Freddy; your race is done
JB
Please sign Online Condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
