Fred Graves

Frederick Frost “Fred” Graves of Ridgetown passed away on Sunday October 7, 2012 at the Four Counties Hospital in Newbury at the age of 78 years. He was one of ten children born in Howard Township to Bert and Lillian (Frost) Graves. Many years ago at the Ridgetown Fair, Fred met a girl named Ruth Scafe and on September 21, 1957 they were married, celebrating their 55^th anniversary just last month. Fred and Ruth raised two daughters Nancy (Darryl) Mazerolle and Diana Boulet (friend Rob VanDyk) both of Ridgetown and are the proud grandparents Jeff Turner, Scott Turner and Sarah Boulet (friend Chris Smith) as well as the proud great grandparents of Jayden Turner. Fred is survived by his siblings Ken & Nora Graves, Ron & Janet Graves, Madeline Bateman, June & Bill Jenkins and Joyce Campbell. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses Gladys & George Shoemaker, Wally Bateman, Dorothy Graves, Audrey & Garnet Smith, George & Marie Graves and Margaret Graves. Fred lived his life to the fullest. He was a hard working man who was employed by the C&O Railroad. In his “retirement” years he enjoyed his second family which included everyone who lived in the James Lane apartments where he was the caretaker. He was a past member of the Ridgetown Kiwanis Club and would help Don Steel repair and winterize trailers at the Wildwood Trailer Park. His greatest joys in life however were the people closest to him. It was Fred’s wish that this chapter of his life be reserved for his family. Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will take place in Greenwood Cemetery. Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Fred with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.