Fred Tribe

Sadly, we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick Claire Tribe, age 95, on Tuesday June 5^th at the Veterans Care Facilities of Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care in London Ontario. Fred is survived by his wife of 69 years Hazel (nee Smith) living at Longworth Retirement Residence, along with his daughters Terry (Elmer Johnson), Joanne Foster (Tony Vercouteren), son Kevin (Kathleen Quigley) and their children Laura (Josh Tabish) Eric (Lorena Pastorino) and Alex. He is also survived by his sister Marie Hartney and brother-in-law Doug Groat. Predeceased by his parents James and Gladys (nee Moody), brothers Keith (Marjory), George (Shirley), Bob (Tilly), sister Betty Groat and brother-in-law Tom Hartney.

Fred was born in Tillsonburg, Ontario, March 14, 1923. At the age of 19 he volunteered to join the Navy, in active service overseas from 1942-1945 aboard the H.M.C.S Iroquois escorting supply convoys across the North Atlantic to Russia, including trips over the Arctic Circle and south to Africa. His military service remained important to him throughout his life.

In December, 1948, he and Hazel were married. Shortly thereafter they moved to Ridgetown, where they opened a paint and wallpaper store on Main Street and established a very successful painting business. Later in life, Fred worked as the general manager of Keyser auto parts and then as Superintendent of Public Works in Ridgetown. He was active in the community and elected to town council for multiple terms. He was also a long-term member of Kiwanis, a 65 year member of the Legion and served as president of the Ridgetown golf course.

Upon retirement Fred and Hazel sold their house and travelled for 9 years in motorhomes where they found pleasure touring across every state and province from the Arctic circle to Mexico. They eventually settled in London where they continued to enjoy gardening and seniors clubs for shuffleboard, playing cards and building new friendships.

Fred enjoyed the residents and staff of both Longworth and Parkwood where he will be remembered for his kindness, patience and sense of humour. He was greatly loved by his family and we miss him already.

A service will be held Friday, June 8^th at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Visitation with family and friends will take place at 10 am, followed by a remembrance service at 11 am and interment in at the Greenwood Cemetery in Ridgetown. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or donate to a charity of choice.