Fred Ryckman

Fred Ryckman of Blenheim passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday February 12, 2020.  He was 69 years old.  He leaves behind his wife Pat (Nealey) Ryckman who he married 33 years ago but who he loved for many years before that and his son Jeff Dunlop (Candace).  He was predeceased by his son Mike Dunlop in 2018.

Fred was one of 8 children born to the late Neil & Alice (Kemp) Ryckman and is survived by his siblings Rose Ryckman (late Harold Want), Frances Hearns (late Art), Dorothy Ivison (Ken), Irene Bell (late John), Jim Ryckman and Kathryn Want (Ray).  He will be missed by many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews, all of whom were his favourite.  He was predeceased by his infant brother Robert.

Fred was a country boy at heart.  He was raised in a time when helping your neighbour wasn’t a chore, but a natural order of the world.  He would do anything for anybody, any time of the day or night.  He was a loving son who took care of his mother after his dad died.  He was the man whose patience shone through while he helped folks at New Beginnings in Chatham.  He was humble and he was kind.  He and Pat enjoyed many cruises over the years with family and friends and had just returned from their final one together last month.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday February 17, 2020 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday February 18, 2020 from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Bill Terris will follow at 1:00 p.m.  Interment to take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Fred with a memorial donation are asked to consider New Beginnings in Chatham so that they can continue to support survivors of acquired brain injuries and strokes as well as their families or the Canadian Cancer Society.