Brown, Fred (Alfred) Gerald
Fred (Alfred) Gerald Brown
Fred (Alfred) Gerald Brown, aged 88 years of Mulberry Estates in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and formerly of Central Butte, Saskatchewan, passed away at Pioneer Lodge in Moose Jaw, as the sun set on Friday, August 28th, 2020. With bales dotting the landscape, harvest in full swing and a hint of fall in the air, our husband, dad and grandpa slipped peacefully into the Kingdom of Heaven where his daughter, and birthday twin, Kathy Schaan was waiting for him, along with scores of friends and relatives. We are grateful for the long and healthy life that he enjoyed up until his recent health struggles this summer.
Fred is survived by Ann (née: Klassen), his loving wife of 63 years, and their children: son, Dale & Kathy Brown and their children Brendan (his other birthday twin) & Leslee Brown, Avery & Colter; Aaron & Rachel Brown; Brian & Corinne O’Neill, Maeryn, Brody & Tegan; Lana & Brent Watts, Haylie & Brynn; Brendan & Aaron’s mother, Donna (Schinold) Brown; son-in-law, Garry Schaan and his children: Curtis Schaan and Trisha & Curtis Hanson; daughter, Judy & Roger Galenza; daughter, Donna Brown; daughter, Wendy & Michael Thienes and their children, Logan & Auburn. Fred is also survived by his older sister, Leonora Unrau; younger sister, Hilda Thiessen; Ann’s sisters-in-law: Mildred Klassen, Gladys Klassen, and Jean Klassen; special neighbours: Jim Marks and Floyd & Linda Johnson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special cousins.
Fred (Alfred) Gerald Brown was born on March 18th, 1932, the middle child and only son to Jacob and Aganeta (Nettie) Brown, on the farm at Central Butte, Saskatchewan. Fred completed his Grade 10 education at the one-room Grandview School in the country. He learned how to farm at a young age and enjoyed all aspects of the mixed operation that he took over from his father, until retiring from farming in 1994. Never one to sit still (“it’s better to wear out than rust out”), Fred had a few other sidelines along the way including a telephone lineman in the rural area, Melody Makers (a DJ business together with Ann), Fred Brown’s Lawn & Garden Service, maintenance for the Golden Grove low-cost housing, and Fred & Ann’s Snack Shoppe. As a young adult, Fred spent a summer in Coaldale, Alberta working with his cousins Jake & Mel in construction and that experience stuck with him a lifetime. Raised in the Mennonite faith, Fred & Ann joined the United Church early on in their marriage and were faithful servants in the Central Butte United Church and Trinity United Church in Moose Jaw over the years. Fred was a board member and volunteer with numerous organizations in Central Butte including the church, the school board, curling rink, Wildlife and on the planning committee for Grandview school reunions. He was always there to support Ann in her many endeavours as well, volunteering where she needed him or looking after things at home with the kids.
Fred enjoyed people: family gatherings, visiting on coffee row, playing cards with friends, lending a hand, a tool or the shirt off his back to a neighbour in need. He enjoyed music: listening to Mom and his daughters play or sing, dancing, and he even played a bit of accordion and banjo himself. Fred loved games & leisure time: Sudoku puzzles, curling, fishing, camping, ladder golf (referred to as nutchuck), board games, cards & more. Though not one to brag, he was fiercely proud of his children’s accomplishments. Fred was a devoted grandfather and enjoyed keeping up with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. Fred will be remembered for his work ethic, his love of all things sweet: ice cream, marmalade, Kit-Kat bars, Roger’s syrup, double-doubles, and his keen sense of humour and witty remarks which served him well until his very final days. A kind, calm, caring, humble, loyal and patient man, his gentle presence will be forever admired and deeply missed.
Due to the current health situation, a Private Family Celebration will take place with Reverend Tim Ellis officiating. Interment will follow at Central Butte Cemetery. Pallbearers are Fred’s grandsons: Brendan Brown, Aaron Brown, Curtis Schaan, Logan Thienes, Curtis Hanson, Brian O’Neill and Brent Watts. Honorary Pallbearers are Fred’s granddaughters: Trisha Hanson, Auburn Thienes, Lana Watts, Corinne O’Neill, Leslee Brown and Rachel Min-Brown. A viewing of Fred’s Celebration of Life will be available on Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the following link: https://www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Fred’s name may be made to Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, Box 334, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4N9. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a great man.. Always loved our chats where ever we met up. Rest in peace Fred your fight is over. Now we have another angel to watch over us. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss, thinking of you Ann and family, Fred was such a kind and generous man ❤️
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing, such a great guy, always had a smile! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anne and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I always remember Fred – he always had a smile whenever you saw him. He will be missed.
Linda Thompson ( Brandvold)
Our condolences to Ann and all of their family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
My condolences Ann and family.. I will always fondly remember Fred with his friendly smile and quick wit. God Bless you all❤️
A thought of comfort and condolences to the grieving family. So sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to Ann and families. Bob and Sue McNutt and Families
My condolences to your family. Fred was a great man and made a positive difference for so many.
We are sad to hear of Fred’s passing. He and Ann were part of my growing up years in Central Butte. He was truly a fine gentleman in all respects. Thoughts and prayers to Ann and family.
Ann & family. Our deepest condolences. So sorry to hear this Fred was a gentleman & a very kind man. He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss of Fred. my sympathies and prayers to all the family .
My sympathies to Ann and all their family on the passing of Fred. May God be with you and grant you peace as you mourn his passing.
Our sincere condolences on Fred’s passing. He was a kind and patient man who will be missed by his family and many friends.
Dear Ann and family,
I send my deepest condolences to each and every one of you. We adored Fred here at April’s Diner and it was never the same when you moved to the city. His smile always made me feel that everything was ok! He was kind and caring and he will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to the family. I have many fond memories of Ann and Fred and the farm at Butte, i always knew when we went to Uncle Elvin and Aunty Mary’s i would get to see them. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim (Campbell) Longworth.
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Deepest sympathies to Ann and family.
There are no words to adequately describe the sadeness we felt upon hearing of the loss of your beloved father(grandfather). We know how much he ment to your family. Please extend our profoundest sympathy to everyone in your family. We pray you can somehow find the strength to endure this tragic burden. God bless your family!
Dale & Kathy, deepest sympathies in the loss of your Dad. The tribute reads of a life well lived. The only time we met him was at Brian & Corinne’s wedding. He was such a pleasant man.
Thinking of you at this time, Richard & Karen Hyra
So sorry to hear. Sincere condolences to you Ann, and your family.
Deepest sympathy Ann and family. Always enjoyed stopping to chat with Fred.
Terry and Janice Mackow
Condolences to the family
Dearest Ann and family. I have so many fond memories of Fred. He always had something witty to say whenever we met. My sincerest condolences to everyone. I would be attending Fred’s funeral if not for Covid.
•Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends and family for strength, and always remember how much you are loved.
Brown Family
Sympathy to all the families on the passing of Fred
Jackie Hanson
Ann and family, sadden to hear of your loss. Fred was a wonderful kind soul. My deepest sympathies.
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was kind hearted man and will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to Ann and family.
Dear Anne and Family,
My sympathy on your loss, Fred was a great man. Your wonderful memories of him will help you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss Ann.I have fond memories of Fred when he and I were on church council together.He always had thoughtful insight into our discussions.I will be watching his memorial service on Thursday.
So very sorry to hear of your loss… Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all…. Keith & Jan Berger and Family
My deepest sympathies to Ann and family. Thinking of you.
Ann and family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We know you have many great memories of Fred to share with each other. Take care.
Lorne and Sylvia
So sorry for your loss Ann and family.
Sorry to hear of Fred passing he was a good man and way smile we miss his talk too love gwenhochlander
Our deepest sympathy to Ann and all of the family for their loss. Fred will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences to the family from the Ponchuk/Bjolverud/Davies family.
Blessings Ann and family.
In the short time we knew Fred, we appreciated just how fine a person he truly was.
He will be missed.
You will see him again.
Sorry for your loss ..what a wonderful tribute
My deepest condolences to Ann and the family on their loss. Fred was a kind and gentle man. I remember him as such a hard worker when I worked for you on the farm at Central Butte. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Janine Gregor (née Newton)
My deepest condolences to Ann, Dale, Judy , Donna and families. May God Be with you at this difficult time. Cherish your memories . I have fond memories of your dad with my time spent with Judy and Donna during high school.
J i m &Barb Deepest sympathy Ann and family .
I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to Ann and her entire family. I always enjoyed it when Fred and Ann would stop by my work where we’d have jocular visits. Fred was a very kind and gentle man. He’ll truly be missed.
Rest in peace Fred.
We are thinking of you Ann and family at this time of sorrow, Fred always had a smile and easy going manner. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear this. Thinking of you at this time. Always enjoyed any visits with Fred. Kim Paysen and Barrie Prentice
Our condolences go your way Ann and family as we think of you missing a dear man. He had a smile whenever you saw him and he was always so friendly. We think of you at this time in your loss of your loved one. Sorry we can’t be with you.
Thinking of you Brown’s on your loss of Fred. He will surely be missed by all who new him.
Joanne (Joanie)& Barry
Fred is remembered fondly by all who knew him, and so very much loved and appreciated by his family. I am so lucky to have grown up along side the Brown family, to have been welcomed in their home, and to have played in the Dew Drop Inn with my forever friend Judy. Sending my love and support to the whole family.
It was a beautiful service today its unfortunate that we were not able to attend.
I have very fond memories of our times spent together as families growing up ! I always admired your Dad for always showing a keen interest in us kids growing up. Our condolences to your Mom and all of your families. You all did a wonderful job of speaking today it was great to be able to listen in.
Hopefully we are able to see one another in the future and reconnect.
Craig and Cheryl Andres
Aunt Annie & family:
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Uncle Fred was one of a kind. He never failed to put a smile on my face. I will miss him. Take care of each other.
We are thinking of you Ann and Family at this very difficult time. It’s never easy to say goodbye. Hugs to all❤️
Lyle and Cheryl Ofstie
Ann and Family… our deepest Condolences. During this unprecedented time… it is a difficult time!! Many fond memories of a man full of smiles and stories!! Virtual Hugs to all!!
The memorial service for your dad was a beautiful tribute to an honourable man that lived a full life! As I listened to it, it brought back so many memories of the fun times we had when our family visited your farm! My dad valued the friendship he and Fred shared and always looked forward to their visits. I remember the twinkle in his eye that came when smiled, the toothpick he often had sticking out of the side of his mouth (much like my dad) and his very gentle nature. He will be missed.
Ann: so sorry for your loss. will always remember the laughs Fred and i had at church and during our annual clean up
Lee and Bernice
Dear Ann,
I don’t know what to say. I just remember what a wonderful couple you and Fred were. My prayers are with you. I just want to give you a hug. We have good memories.