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Alice Cassidy posted a condolence
Saturday, June 29, 2024
On one of several visits to Fred and Helmi and their wonderful home and property, the Bertoia chairs in Fred's studio caught our eye. He offered them to us but we declined. Then we had them to our home for lunch one day and Fred, upon seeing our furniture, said, "You must have these chairs." And Fred and Helmi delivered them to us. We still enjoy them many many years later and all the more special knowing them came from Lima and were chosen by Fred when he lived there. Alice and George
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Leslie Norman posted a condolence
Monday, May 13, 2024
I am so sorry Helmi and family for my lack of awareness of Fred's passing. He was a wonderful man and my heart goes out to you.
Leslie Norman, PM Museum
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Maud Hink uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 16, 2024
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Our last visit in August 2023.
Again a wonderful visit with cousins .
With a delicious meal and of course the enjoyable hike in the woods lead by Fred.
From left to right: Fred (Piet) ,Erlend and Ruth, Joan and Mike, Maud. With Helmi being the photographer.
We will treasure this visit.
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Rijk Mollevanger uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 11, 2024
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Rijk Mollevanger posted a condolence
Monday, March 11, 2024
Rijk Mollevanger
Dear Helmi, I would like to share with you some old, but strong and cherished memories:
It has been in the fifties that I met Fred – than called “Piet” by family & friends – through his twin brother, my study friend Ernst (“Beunk”), at their aunts’ sunny home in Haarlem, where they lived under her caring but strong regime. I remember how fascinated I was by his evening homework: figuring out a ship’s line in South America… Later on, as he already lodged on rooms in Amsterdam, he joined me singing in a fine little chamber choir (renaissance and baroque polyphony) and even getting recorder teaching (tenor) with two other friends of us: Peter and Rein – both of them passed away alreay - given by a devoted member of the ensemble. Among many other things I owed him an intensive acquintance with Haydn’s string quartets, because of his generously lending out grammophone records for long times; on a 1963 little birthday party on the roof before my student’s room he still figures modestly between us merry makers (see photo’s). Alas, when he definitively departed for abroad, our relations weakened, though not totally, as we sometimes exchanged greetings via Ernst. Our last meeting was at Maartje Braches’ funeral (2018, Driehuis-Westerveld, NL)…
Still ever Fred has been an unforgetable part of my life, because of his being the person he was. You will understand that, I guess, being the partner of his life. From my heart I offer you my condoleances.
Rijk Mollevanger, Cuijk (NL)
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Sonya Grubb uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 10, 2024
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Dearest Fred, my uncle across the water, “Father Christmas” to my children, Helmi’s dearest most beloved husband, we are so sad so sorry that you have after 93 wonderful years of life left this world. Whilst the physical distance between us meant we did not see each other so often, when we did meet we had time together, travels and connection.
The first time I met you was in 1980 in Vancouver, I was six and I was enthralled by your early adoption of technology: you had a musical calculator! Later of course you were the master of the Ipad, Apple guru and all round whizz with anything online and I always admired how you stayed up to date, even ahead of the times. Later whenever I visited you in Whonnock you greeted me with such warmth and acceptance. At 19 at the end of a 6 month world trip you gently welcomed me and allowed Helmi to mother me and Whonnock to give me rest. You never pushed yourself forwards but were there to accept us for who we were and offer wisdom and wit in equal measure. Alice and Joseph still remember with great fondness our visit in 2015 and you taking them to Fort Langley, showing them history in action, despite the record breaking heatwave!
Your dedication to your historical research, and others’ books to be edited and published was incredible and I admired hugely your energy. The Studio was Fred’s world and I was so happy to hear that in the last physically difficult weeks you made it to the studio one more time: a pilgrimage unique to you.
When I came with Tim soon after we met I looked at your marriage with Helmi and wondered if we could ever live up to this depth and closeness that I observed between you. Your relationship, taking you as it did from South America, Singapore to Whonnock and Mexico, yet with your love and commitment to each other at the centre of it all, was and will remain for me the Gold Standard of a loving marriage. The depth of Helmi’s bereavement can only be understood in the context of knowing your life spent loving each other. You were always so respectful of her needs and always encouraged her to travel to see her family in Europe when many lesser men might have felt jealous or made her feel uncomfortable to leave you behind. Helmi’s happiness was your happiness and that shone through in everything you did. We will continue to love Helmi in your name Fred and support her for you in the difficult days ahead.
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Melissa Ross posted a condolence
Saturday, March 9, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed being at my mom's (Lyn Ross) when Fred would come over for tea and research. He had a very big spirit. At time I didn't understand the passion he and my mother had for genealogy and local history but he made it feel very alive and important. I am glad I got to sit in and listen sometimes. She speaks very fondly of you both.
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Helmi Braches posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
The above message by Bernice Rolls was posted by Helmi Braches at Bernice's request.
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Helmi Braches posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
It was so special to have family members to come from half a world away to participate in celebrating Fred's life.
Twin brother Ernst had us laughing right from the start and this was continued by nephew Koert. It is clear Fred's sense of humour is a family trait!
Koert concluded with a memorable duet with Benno. Obviously they are professionals. If they had had recordings for sale – I would have bought one. It was beautiful.
The whole program was outstanding. Thank you, Helmi.
I don't believe I have ever laughed so much at what is usually a sad occasion.
It was an exceptional celebration of the life of an extraordinary man. He will live on in our memories.
I'm glad I got to know Fred.
Bernice Rolls
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Helmi Braches for Helene Metz posted a condolence
Monday, March 4, 2024
I think it was fate that I got to know Fred. Even on his last day on earth he still had so much humour and love in him. He immediately welcomed me with open arms.
That same evening I wrote in my diary about him and Helmi. How he managed to make Helmi and me giggle despite his pain. I was incredibly fascinated by the stories he told. Even now I hear a lot from Helmi. It sounds like a wonderful life that the two of them led side by side.
I am infinitely happy to have known him but incredibly sad it has remained with this one time. But I know he will never disappear. He lives on in pictures, stories and our hearts. Even I noticed the traces that he has left behind and these will remain forever.
Helmi, you have a perfect husband and he is lucky to have you.
Helene Metz
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Sabijn Braches uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
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Oom (uncle) Piet that is always what I have known him as until someone pointed out to me when I was little that it was not his name, I didn’t understand it at that point because Piet is what my dad, uncles and grandpa called him so that is what I called him. But my uncle he was and is, maybe a great-uncle but still as important.
Growing up he was a person that everyone around me always talked about and what he was up to. This could be because someone went and visited Piet and Helmi in Whonnock, my grandpa had receive a call from Piet to let him know how he was going and what he was working on, or we would all receive an update on the house, garden and all the animals that came to visit the garden. Or the most anticipated of all, if he came to visit us all in The Netherlands!
When I was little I was always so excited when Piet came to visit! This had very different reasons, the first being was that there were always a lot of family events surrounding his visits, birthdays, dinners, and just general get-togethers. I loved it all! Something else that was great was that if I didn’t have school I could come with my dad to the airport to pick Piet up from the airport, which was amazing because I would be one of the first to see him and he could help me convince my dad to get me a balloon from one of the stands at the airport.
Piet also brought my brother and I something every time he came to visit, which was mainly t-shirts sometimes something else but the t-shirts stayed consistent. This may seem very insignificant but I loved those t-shirts and wore them often (one of the reasons my mom saved all of them). There were always some kind of First Nation design of an animal or something that he found fitting for us. He once brought a t-shirt for me that said ‘cute but crabby’ with a little crab under it, I did not understand it at the time but every adult that saw me in that t-shirt had to laugh a bit as did he.
The joke that this t-shirt had and the laughs that it brought, fitted perfectly with Piet and his personality. There was always so much laughter surrounding him, because he was teasing someone about something or because he made a good joke, possibly half in Dutch and half in English. This is also what I see now when I think of him, sitting in my grandparents living room surrounded by my whole family all laughing about something!
I am very thankful to have had him in my life! Thank you for all the laughs, memories, pictures, headlines, and t-shirts!
Sabijn
I sadly do not have many picture of Piet and myself together since he took most of them himself but here is one. And the other one of when I was little in one of the t-shirts which he also send me to see if the newest one had arrived.
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Jorn Braches posted a condolence
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Dear Piet, though our paths didn't intertwine as closely as they might have, I carry with me memories of moments shared, of smiles exchanged, and the essence of your presence. Farewell, dear brother. May your journey beyond be as serene as the stars you now join.
Helmi, I know this is a difficult time for you and wish you strength and all the best.
Jorn
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Maud Hink posted a condolence
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Dear Helmi,
I’ve had to think long and hard on how to put into words the way Fred enriched my life .
It always comes back to all our family gatherings we shared over the years. At those get togethers there was laughter, interesting topics to discuss and the latest project Fred was currently working on. While we enjoyed one of the many delicious Indonesian meals you prepared.
One of the many projects Fred took on was to translate from Dutch to English Winnie’s journal she wrote during WW2 while she ,her mother and my brother were imprisoned in a Japanese camp on Java. I will always be grateful that he took that on. So that mom’s grandchildren and generations after may read it .
Helmi, Fred will be missed by many but you, I am so sorry, have lost the partner you walked life with for so many years.
Cousin Maud my children Heather, Wes and their families.
F
Fred Braches posted a condolence
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Oom Piet was a cherished uncle. He always had a positive attitude, a friendly story, and sage advice. I distinctly remember one of his visits to Toronto in the late '80s when he came to my house and I tried my hand at cooking chicken on the barbeque. It was an epic fail with char on the outside and raw on the inside (and then cooked fully on the stove inside) and he put up with me and ate it. Later visits for our wedding and a trip to Whonnock are also fond memories which will stay with me forever. Thank you Oom Piet for sharing your light with me.
Fred Braches
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Stijn Braches uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 2, 2024
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In recent years, every now and then Fred sent me a link to an article in The Guardian, concerning some interesting fact about a city I visit quite often. There, close to the wall that forms the river bank, is a small cellar where a Brazilian lady and her daughter sell the most delicious icecream in all of Italy — and therefor probably in the whole world. Which is even more surprising taken in consideration it's positioned not too far away from the old bridge — or Ponte Vecchio, as the locals call it — Floreces most famous landmark and tourist magnet.
Now there was a day, in which the infamous Italian maintenance habits caused the water main to burst, flushing away the embankment wall, toghether with a fair chunk of road and a couple of cars parked there. And of course, Fred send me what The Guardian wrote about this incident. And after, I send him some pictures of the slow repairwork of what in my mind had taken the name of "Arno shore Piet (as we used to call Fred) Braches", or Lungarno Piet Braches.
Incredibly, in the end they managed to finish what's officially named Lungarno Torrigiani , and I've walked there a lot since, more often than not with one of these great icecreams, but never without thinking about my uncle in Whonnock, BC. When we put together a book for his nineteeth birthday I was therefor very happy to stumble upon a poem, in which Pablo Neruda connects the Arno with every other river in the world, naming the Orinoco, but recalling the river Fraser to me:
EL RÍO
Yo entré en Florencia. Era
de noche. Temblé escuchando
casi dormido lo que el dulce río
me contaba. Yo no sé
lo que dicen los cuadros ni los libros
(no todos los cuadros ni todos los libros,
sólo algunos),
pero sé lo que dicen
todos los ríos.
Tienen el mismo idioma que yo tengo.
En las tierras salvajes
el Orinoco me habla
y entiendo, entiendo
historias que no puedo repetir.
Hay secretos míos
que el río se ha llevado,
y lo que me pidió lo voy cumpliendo
poco a poco en la tierra.
Reconocí en la voz del Arno entonces
viejas palabras que buscaban mi boca,
como el que nunca conoció la miel
y halla que reconoce su delicia.
Así escuché las voces
del río de Florencia,
como si antes de ser me hubieran dicho
lo que ahora escuchaba:
sueños y pasos que me unían
a la voz del río,
seres en movimiento,
golpes de luz en la historia,
tercetos encendidos como lámparas.
El pan y la sangre cantaban
con la voz nocturna del agua.
I'm sorry I can't provide you with an English translation, but to me this relfection on a view so familiarly bound with Fred in a language he loved to devastate translates this perhaps silly idea of mine into something eternal and universal. To me that special strech of Arno embankment will always be Lungarno Piet Braches, now that I won't be surprised by some early morning e-mail message of his, asking me if the blackout in Amsterdam had left me in the dark.
It didn't, by the way. There might have been a blackout, but the light keeps shining.
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Andrew & Mona Watson posted a condolence
Saturday, March 2, 2024
With profound sorrow, we remember the life of Fred. His spirited personality and intelligence captivated us, his wisdom imparting great lessons over coffee and cookies. In Fred and Helmi's presence, joy pervaded every moment transforming them into cherished memories. Fred’s thoughtfulness made him a remarkable individual whose interesting conversations were a testament to his friendly demeanor. His departure is truly a loss; however, he leaves behind an indelible imprint etched in our hearts and minds forever.
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Maud Hink posted a condolence
Friday, March 1, 2024
Dear Helmi,
I've had to think long and hard on how to put into words the way Fred enriched my life.
I always come back to all the family gatherings we shared over the years. At those get togethers there was laughter, interesting topics to discuss and the latest project he was working on. While we enjoyed one of the many delicious Indonesian meals you prepared.
One of the many projects Fred took on was to translate from Dutch to English Winnie's journal she wrote during WW2 while she , her mother and my brother were imprisoned in a Japanese camp on Java. I will always be grateful that he took that one on. So that her grandchildren and generations to come can read it.
Helmi, Fred will be missed by many. But you, I am so sorry, have lost the partner you shared so many years with.
Maud and family.
L
Luis Paredes posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Sometimes in the course of our lives, we meet, without realizing it then, with extraordinary people. Fred and his wife Helmi are some of them. Luminous, attentive, kind, and poetic like the full moon that embraces us amid a forest…smooth as the autumn fog and profound as the look in a child´s eye and the midnight blue of deep space.
I am eternally grateful to Moira Evans for meeting them, and infinitely indebted to the Universe for the gift of the hours we spent together. I do not think of Fred as someone who has left us,…with me remains his eyes always filled with the curiosity of eternal spiritual youth, his mischievous smile, his humor, and wisdom.
I send these words with an embrace that knows not of latitudes, imbibed with the aroma of eucalyptus from the places we walked together, that begins from this corner of Chile and knows no end, resting only with Helmi and the loving memory of Fred.
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Benno Gramann uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
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Benno Gramann uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
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Koert Braches uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
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Browsing through my photos, I discovered that a lot of them show my uncle Piet (Fred) sitting at tables or toasting with some nice drink... It’s probably a coincidence, but... maybe not. Normally it was he who took the photos, always very alert on nice motives and funny scenes.
It was not that he avoided being photographed, but he was probably often too busy taking nice pictures himself.
He who made such great photos at my wedding deserves a small tribute here...
Koert Braches
his nephew
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Koert Braches uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
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My uncle
My uncle made me eat with chop sticks.
I made my uncle listen to Wagner.
He himself referred to this mutual learning experience at my wedding and with that he marked a long standing special connection I had to my fathers’ twin brother, a kind of connection I had with none of the other brothers and sisters of my parents…
With a tinge of shame I must confess: it was because of Wagner that I studied German language and literature in Utrecht (in the Netherlands)… and I am still very happy I did! Hadn’t it been for my study, I might not have lived in Osnabrück for almost two years and even married someone from Germany, thereby, in a way, treading in my uncles footsteps.
And to make things even better: the two spouses also have a special connection, no doubt also due to their at least similar situation of living in a country which is not the one they grew up in or gave them their ‘socialisation’, as you would say in German…
Since my first visit, with my parents, to Canada in 1986, which was also the year the Expo was held in Vancouver, I visited Whonnock many times and we enjoyed each others company, talking Slumach and Davidson, eating salmon and dumplings and hearing songs and Deutsche Witze.
He, who was the more extravert of the twin brothers, fascinated me because of the way he looked at life and enjoyed with Helmi quite the flamboyant life style, filled with foreign countries, ancient and modern cultures, some great stories and many many little stories and in general with the joys of good food and drink in pleasant company.
He could also get me quite cross, as he knew quite well in which ways he could tease me to the point of irritation and anger. Nevertheless he showed a keen interest in everything I did and would have loved to come to one of the opera productions I sang in since 2014… Sadly enough it didn’t get to that anymore, also due to Covid and his deteriorating health, but thinking about that situation the text of a song from the opera The Fairy Queen by the English composer Henry Purcell came to mind…
Come, come, come, let us leave the Town
And in some lonely place,
Where Crouds and Noise were never known,
Resolve to spend our days.
In pleasant Shades upon the Grass
At Night our selves we'll lay;
Our Days in harmless Sport shall pass,
Thus Time shall slide away.
My uncle had a lot of favourite pastimes, one of those was doing research on the local community he was part of. He will be dearly missed for his many great contributions in that field.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, who spent a lifetime with him: travelling the world and living for many years in big cities like Hong Kong and on the other hand enjoying the pleasant shades upon the grass in Whonnock together.
He will be dearly missed by me, who had a lot of fun with him and learned a lot from him and who might even have given him some of life’s wisdom in return.
Thank you, my dearest uncle!
J
Joan Clark posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2024
I remember those days when we (my brother, my sister and I with our spouses) would come to visit you at your beautiful forested home where you introduced us to your remarkable gunnera, rhodies, fruit trees, gorgeous maple (or was it an oak tree) and the trails through your 5 acre spread. I so enjoyed your knowledge about all the plants, and to top off the day you and Helmie would always treat us to a fantastic Indonesian rice table.
What wonderful memories you’ve given us.!!!
We will miss you.
Your cousin Joan and husband Mike
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Susan schulze posted a condolence
Sunday, February 25, 2024
You will be so missed Fred you did so much for the history of whonnock and always had a smile you always called me suzanna thanks for your friendship
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Ernst Braches jr. uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 25, 2024
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Fred Braches was the twin brother of my father, Ernst Braches. Only my brothers and I didn't call him Fred: we called him Piet (pronounced Pete). Uncle Piet. That was the nickname he had been given as a little boy in the Dutch East Indies.
Uncle Piet was a special uncle to me and my brothers. He looked like my father outwardly but was a completely different person. For me, it was always a special occasion when he came to visit. Piet had a sparkling sense of humor, a lot of charm and a great interest in people and lots of different subjects.
Those visits were rare moments for us, in Holland. Uncle Piet worked in Hong Kong, in South America and in Canada. From those places we received postcards with colorful fish and strange buildings.
A special event was the wedding, in 1971, of Fred and and Helmi in Haarlem, Holland, which I, seven years old, attended. And with that marriage, Aunt Helmi came into our lives.
Not long after that, another important thing happened; Uncle Piet grew a beard. That definitely distinguished him from my father.
Together Helmi and Fred settled in Vancouver. From then on, visits to Holland became more frequent and I also got to know him better. We talked about Fred’s childhood in Indonesia after I had gone back with my father (his twin brother) and our family to visit the places where both brothers had grown up as children in Java and Kalimantan (Borneo). Fred gave me as a memento a machete made as a child in Bandjermasin, on the island of Borneo, in which he had carved his intitials.
F.B.
Even then I thought that was very special. Now I cherish that gift even more than before.
A special moment was the celebration of the twin brothers' joint 80th birthday in Holland. For the occasion, we sailed through Amsterdam with the whole family on a small canalboat.
Fred was also there when, in 2012, my partner Irma and I received the keys to our new house in Dutch Heveadorp. We ourselves were quite impressed the 500 m2 garden. Fred smiled benevolently-and when two years later we had traversed the forest plot near the house in Whonnock we understood why.
In 2014, Irma and I visited Piet and Helmi. We were warmly welcomed into their wooden house where we immediately felt at home. Helmi's delicious dishes, the cocktails on the cedar staircase, the extended conversations at breakfast are fond memories. Fred looked at you over his half-glasses with fun eyes. Always interested in what was to come. Always challenging.
On the refrigerator door in the kitchen was the entire family and circle of friends gathered in pictures.
We enjoyed the hospitality in the summer garden where the hummingbird buzzed among the red flowers and where we hoped for the arrival of a bear.
Fred and Helmi showed us around the entire area. Helmi put on her car gloves and Fred sat next to her. We sat in the back seat as we drove through the beautiful landscape of British Columbia. We could see through their eyes all the special places they had discovered and visited over all these years. The mountains near Lilloet, the coast of Vancouver Island and Vancouver city where we had lunch together at Bridges restaurant.
Irma and I think back to those days with so much joy and just as sad we are now, now that Fred is no more. We wish Helmi lots of love and strength.
M
Moh Thauberger posted a condolence
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Years ago, when I first moved to Whonnock, I went to Whonnock Lake Centre on Remembrance Day. There were only three of us there; Fred, another man, and me. We had a very simple, intimate gathering, reciting Flanders Fields and singing O Canada, which created a special bond for me with him.
Fred was very welcoming, and personable, a great conversationalist. He was always interested in everyone and, with his background and pursuits, really interesting to talk to.
He was an asset to our community and will be missed.
Holding you in my. heart, Helmi, moh
E
Erica van der Meer posted a condolence
Friday, February 23, 2024
When I think of my cousin Piet ,I remember the warm welcome when Paul and I visited Vancouver. Of course also by Helmi.
The last time we met was in Amsterdam ,lunch with the family.
Piet was really interested and we loved his sense of humor.
He will be missed .
Erica van der Meer
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Reet Kana posted a condolence
Thursday, February 22, 2024
History researcher and writer, reality TV star, multilingualist, great conversationalist – Fred Braches was an exceptional nonagenarian. He achieved more after retirement than most people do during their paid working days. At 93, he had a CV many much younger men might envy.
Who could have foreseen that going to an Archaeological Society of BC talk back in the 1980’s would result in a life-long friendship? But that’s often how friendships happen – unexpectedly. From a few encounter at the monthly meetings, Fred and Helmi evolved into true friends for me and my husband Tony. We spent many chatty hours together enjoying their Whonnock hospitality and Helmi’s culinary talents. There were no brief visits, as one thing always led to another, and more discussion was always needed.
Not only could Fred put words together effectively, he could also put books together. He was a talented layout designer, a talent I came to greatly appreciate. He was more than generous in donating his time to a booklet I edited for the Vancouver Opera Guild some years ago. He would have enjoyed hearing that the booklet is still being used by the Opera Guild, but he probably would have commented that it was time to update the thing. Fred was a true facts finder and wanted the news to be new - stale facts were not welcome.
I miss the news snippets he used to send me from publications I didn’t read – the odder the better, sometimes with witty commentary added.
Fred, it was a pleasure and a privilege to know you. You shall not be forgotten.
C
Christine Evans uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 22, 2024
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Christine Evans
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Frederick Evans uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 22, 2024
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I met Friederick Bratches when I was just a young boy, when he came over to stay at our family home in Chile, and little did I know that our paths would intertwine in such profound ways. He wasn’t merely a friend; he became my uncle, my mentor, and a steadfast presence during both sunny days and stormy nights. Atches as we came to know him by, had a way of making ordinary moments extraordinary. His laughter echoed through our home, and his stories transported me to distant lands. As a child, I’d sit at his feet, wide-eyed, as he recounted adventures from his own life. His eyes sparkled with wisdom, and his words carried the weight of experience. When life threw its curveballs, Atches was there. He taught me more than any textbook ever could. His guidance extended beyond academics; it was about character, resilience, and compassion.
He’d say, “Life isn’t just about winning; it’s about how you play the game.” Those words shaped my worldview. During the tough times, Atches stood by my side. When my mom faced challenges, he was her rock. His unwavering support was like a lighthouse in the storm, guiding us through darkness. Whether it was financial struggles or emotional turmoil, Atches’s presence reassured us that we weren’t alone.
As I grew older, our bond deepened. Atches’s legacy lives on in my choices, my values, and the way I treat others. His kindness, resilience, and unwavering loyalty continue to inspire me. He wasn’t just a person; he was a force—a beacon of love and strength.
Writing this memoir feels like weaving a tapestry of memories, gratitude, and love. Friederick Bratches, thank you for being more than a friend. You were family—a guiding star in my constellation of life.
C
Christine Evans uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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It must have been in the early sixties, when we were very young, ages of five children ranging from 4 to 9, when this Dutchman first appeared in our lives., in Chile.
From what we know, he came on a visit to Chile, as an inspector for Nedlloyd Lines. Our father, Maurice Evans worked for a shipping agency, and was in charge of finding a hotel room for him, and according to our parents, for some reason his booking fell through and so at the last moment had nowhere to stay. Our father offered to put him up in his family home. And from then on, whenever he came to Viña del Mar, Chile, there was no question of where he would stay. He became an adoptive uncle, known as Atches by us kids. Over the years, there were many visits from him, both in our family home in Viña del Mar and in Peru, where my father was sent for a year on company business. We were family to him as he was for us.
Freddy
“Atches was more than a friend; he was family—a guiding light and mentor. I remember the day he gave me my first bike, symbolizing freedom and his love. Through tough times, he stood by us, teaching resilience and the strength of family bonds. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the laughter he shared. Let's remember him with gratitude, not sorrow. Rest in peace, dear Atches, may your spirit continue to bring joy.”
Sally
“As a little girl, the most exciting news was Atches coming to see us. He made me feel extra special the day he brought me a flute and would sit with me on the fallen trunk under the lemon tree, patiently teaching me to play it. I still have the flute!”
Vicky and Moira
“Atches, as we used to call him, will always live in our hearts, a warm, smiling spirit who taught us to cherish life, and that it is never a given thing. His kindness and generosity to our family we will never forget, as well as those summer evenings during his visits when he would practice the flute under our old lemon tree. Always the silent protagonist in our father´s filming projects, he was awarded a prize in the 4th Chilean National Film Festival-1996 for his work in But Daddy…., a family movie filmed in Peru”
Atches was always present in our lives in different ways, either in person or through correspondence and photos, and we also kept in touch with him and Helmi over the years.
We always had the feeling he would go on forever, like some kind of guardian angel, so his passing has been deeply felt by all of us, and has left a gap which cannot be filled.
Forever in our hearts and memories
Christine, Vicky, Moira, Sally and Frederick Evans
Viña del Mar, Chile. February 2024
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Tina Waite uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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I met Fred through Don thirty years ago and found him to be courteous, intelligent and had that lovely smile. One thing about him, he was never late and you better not arrive 5 minutes early or minutes late. Don and Fred were both historians had much to talk about especially with the number one topic …Slumach’s Gold. So many happy memories of Fred. Will miss his twinkling eyes and listening to many stories about Maple Ridge and Whonnock pioneers.
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Daunais Mary posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
My deepest condolence go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Fred will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. I know my husband, Don, and Fred, had many fascinating conversations around the history of Whonnock and area.
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Jessica Fusco-Naish uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
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From a letter dated: October 8th, 2020
Dearest Fred… Uncle Fred
Happy Birth Day.
90 Years and counting.
I had so hoped that this would be the year for seeing you and Helmi, face to face. This is the year of dances around 2 metres, fumbles with face masks and a nasty, microscopic virus that is set on putting ‘man’ in his place. Our place is far too socially distant and I’m missing being there for your birthday. Something that Barbara and I had discussed doing last year.
You I imagine take all these twists and turns of human happenings in your stride, you have witnessed much and chosen such a peaceful path in life, in spite of what whirlwinds of human madness are whipped up around you. I think of you always with a twinkle in your eyes, with an insatiable curiosity about people and history, writing, thinking, mowing the grass at Whonnock, appreciating beauty in nature and culture, supporting your talented wife (my beloved aunt), telling jokes, chuckling when others tell a good one or if someone you love does what they always do and it makes you smile. Fred, when I think of you I always SMILE. I can’t help it! I don’t know anyone who has sailed the path of keeping peace as expertly as you and you always, always accept people as they are.
I feel so lucky to have been one of those people. Turning up at Whonnock on many occasions for weekends of respite from my theatre tours over the border back in the 90s or longer holidays in Canada with family and as a solo traveller. I particularly loved breakfast with you, eating Helmi’s incredible bread – toast - and jam and simply chatting with you. You helped me start my first blog ‘Hey Day’ before I set off on from yours on my round the world trip in 2005/6. You and Helmi took me to plays – Bard on the Beach; drives to find the rivers where the salmon leap; visits to Vancouver’s museums and beaches; feeding chipmunks in Manning Park … so many places and experiences I have had with you and Helmi. Not to mention our precious few times in Matschwitz together.
As I think about how special you are and the ways you have contributed to the world, I wonder what your hopes are for the next generations? I wonder what advice you might offer or questions you might ask John Yi about his future. I so wish he could spend time with you. With a hope and a prayer that somehow this may be, I shall sign off for now and wish you a wonderful day.
Scotland I think is quite similar to Canada, and our life in many ways mirroring yours in Whonnock, though we have more sheep and you have more bears!
So, thinking of you both there we three send our love from the wilds of Moniaive.
The leaves are tinged with gold and orange, they flutter down and carry the promise of new soil for the coming spring. Meteor showers fill our North West skies and I like to think they are celestial fireworks just for you!
I wrote this letter to you in 2020, when our plans to visit you for your birthday were thwarted. I was so happy to be able to visit with Barbara in May 2022. It was a wonderful time at Whonnock with you and Helmi.
In 2024, with the news of your flight from this world, Fred, I have been reflecting on the qualities you manifested throughout the 50 plus years I have known you. I realise you were a private man, you were always one to listen first before sharing your news, but you were also sociable, great fun and remarkably open minded and outward orientated in your world-view. You were always youthful in my eyes. Young in heart and thought and optimistic in outlook: a lover of jokes and the bright side of life. You loved animals and nature too. Your dogs, who brought you and Helmi so much joy, your Whonnock bears, birds and squirrels. They, like so many of us, found a haven in yours and Helmi’s home. Itinerant actors and writers, you and Helmi have welcomed us through your doors and round your table, we salute you and raise a glass of (0%) in your honour.
Your trusted iPad - what a team - you were a source of admiration for those of us slow to be on board with the latest tech trends. When in 2012 I shared with you and Helmi that I had met Dicky and we planned to marry – you googled him - and found out enough to make you like him and of course you dug out some local family history too. No-one I know has harnessed the power of tech to such meaningful ends. Your history projects and tireless research for local stories in Whonnock area will be remembered for a long time. You had a cheerful, yet profound way of giving voice to those who often go unnoticed. The indigenous, the immigrant, the worker, the accidental heroes who make history by their living of it… you just had a knack for finding and telling their stories.
More than anything to me you were an example of a wonderful husband and companion. Loyal, loving, patient and true. You and Helmi set the standard for marriage and how two people can live in harmony – yet without ever losing their individuality and uniqueness. Thank you for being there as a support for us too, when we lost our father, you played a kind and comforting role for Sonya and I and your ‘sister’ Barbara.
John Yi, now ten, only met you in person once – when he was 6 weeks old – and yet he speaks of you as a great, Great Uncle, someone who along with Helmi is just part of our life – just here, woven in with us, no distance or time or moving on can change that. You are our great white bird who has flown his cage and is free, soaring above the cedars and sequoias of your Whonnock woods. And beyond.
Our spirit is like a bird released from a cage
“To consider that after the death of the body the spirit perishes, is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed if the cage is broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage. Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird…if the cage becomes broken, the bird will continue and exist. Its feelings will be even more powerful, its perceptions greater, and its happiness increased…”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Our love and prayers are with Helmi, and all those who have been touched by your life.
Jessica Fusco-Naish (Niece), Dicky & John Yi Fusco, Moniaive village, Scotland
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lucy godwin uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
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lucy godwin uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
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I first met Fred and Helmi through my cousin who was coming to scatter his father's ashes at the old George Godwin homestead that Fred had identified. It was a pleasure to add my two-bits to Fred's painstaking research into my grandfather's life in Whonnock. I was thrilled to visit Fred and Helmi's beautiful home and they personified a long and happy marriage, an inspiration to me. Fred was a force of nature, witty, intelligent and above all caring sending me articles of interest over the years. Following Fred as he macheted his way through his property and we laughed together is one of my fondest memories. I hold him in my heart and he was a treasure. At an age when most people hang up their shingles, Fred undertook a TV career thus I named him Famous Fred. He continued to help me and others with research and kindness. Adieu Famous Fred. You were truly a remarkable man and it has been a privilege to know you. Behind every wonderful man is a wonderful woman and dear Helmi condolences on the loss of your husband. Much love from Lulu Godwin
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Sandra Rossington posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
I always bought one of Fred’s calendars for our cottage & enjoyed seeing the pictures of the people, homes, farms, businesses & machinery. I appreciated his love of all the history he shared with us in so many different ways. He made Whonnock come alive.
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Dianne posted a condolence
Monday, February 19, 2024
My day was always made better by his charming smile and dose of his quick Witt.
Dianne
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Jon Driver posted a condolence
Monday, February 19, 2024
We join Helmi and Fred’s family and friends in mourning and fondly remembering his many endearing qualities.
We always think of Fred as a gentle man and a gentleman. He was a quiet and generous host in Whonnock, and was obviously loved and respected by the community to which he had retired after working in many parts of the world.
He was endlessly curious about the current world and the past. He travelled independently to many places and appreciated the diversity of cultures that he encountered. But he was also fascinated by the local history of where he lived. Through his archival scholarship he has added much to our knowledge of the First Nations and colonial histories of the area.
A self-taught researcher and scholar, he was at home in conversations and correspondence with historians, archivists, curators and archaeologists. His persistence in searching out old documents, as well as his critical abilities and objectivity, were showcased in his participation in a reality TV show that focused on mythical gold mines around Pitt Lake. There were many enjoyable scenes where he drily shot down some of the wilder surmises of the modern treasure hunters!
We will miss this lovely, interesting man.
Jon and Cathy Driver
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Marianne Braches uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 18, 2024
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Whenever Piet came to Holland he payed a visit to Rolf his youngest brother and me and whatever animals that shared our lives at that moment.
We always thorougly enjoyed those visits, they were such fun.
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Alan and Pat Woodland posted a condolence
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Always enjoyed sharing a local history adventure with you, Fred, especially searching for pages of the Daily Columbian.
Alan and Pat Woodland
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Jens Schwarz posted a condolence
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Our hearts go out to Helmi and family. Fred was one of a kind and a true gentleman. He was quiet, very intelligent, had lots of great stories about his work and a true love for Helmi.
RIP Fred
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Helene Sundberg posted a condolence
Friday, February 16, 2024
I'm remember Fred so well. He was so involved in editing and preparing our history of Clayburn Village here in Abbotsford by seeing that our book "Brick by Brick the history of Clayburn" was published.
Helene Sundberg Clayburn Village Community Society.
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Michael Kerr posted a condolence
Friday, February 16, 2024
Helmi, John, and I have you very much in our thoughts.
I met Fred through Helmi, when I joined the Shoreline Writers’ Society back in the 1990s. Sharper than any tack, Fred was a big part of the group—even though he wasn’t an official member. The highlight of the Shoreline calendar was always a visit or two out to the magical, book-filled place where Fred and Helmi made their home. The official reason for our visit was to organize our annual chapbook, but really, we all just wanted to hang out with the Braches, eat and drink fabulous nosh, and bask in the warmth of that lovely couple.
Fred volunteered to do the layout and design of my book, and even created the cover out of a sketch my niece had done. In every encounter, his good humour shone through. Conversation with him was highlighted by spark and wit.
Fred was a fundamentally decent man, kind, generous to a fault, and I admired him. Our world is poorer for his passing.
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Karen Read posted a condolence
Friday, February 16, 2024
We are so sorry and sad to learn of Fred's passing. He was such a wonderful soul- kind, compassionate, forgiving and with a gentle sense of humour. I know Helmi will miss him greatly but how lucky she was to share a lifetime with him. Through his diligent researching, he has left us a legacy of our local history. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives and in our community. He will be sorely missed.
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ERNST BRACHES posted a condolence
Thursday, February 15, 2024
In 1986 Helmi & Fred invited Maartje & me and son Koert to stay with them and visit “Expo 86” the world exhibition held in Vancouver. In Whonnock the unique welcoming house with cabin and studio overwhelmed us. It was enchanting in its beautiful surroundings. Around us the birds sang; in the distance the train sang. The house was full of books, including on Canadian First Nations art and people, and South American art and archeology. The house was still a museum full of mostly South American objects antique and modern. Fred and Helmi showed me everything and told me about it. I read Michael D. Coe’s Breaking the Maya Code and from then on, Palenque and Mayan civilisation were my companions. Fred showed me the work of Bill Reid, Robert Davidson, Charles Edenshaw and told me about Raven. I heard and read about Canadian First Nations, about Timshian; Haida; Salish; Kwakiutl; Nootka. In Vancouver we visited the Museum of Anthropology designed by Arthur Erickson with its great hall and its stunning collection of mostly Canadian First Nation Objects. We visited the exhibition of Emily Carr in the Museum and walked through Erickson’s Law Courts Building. All these adventures were interlaced with intervals of weed-eating, grass-cutting and wood-splitting in Whonnock and walking along the trail that Fred and Helmi had made in their wood, with the dogs Lady, Seymour and Brother who loved Helmi so much. In “Expo 86” we visited all kinds of pavilions and bought Peruvian woven tapestry. Huge projections and three-dimensional presentations were shown, but I remember only the one presentation in which in my remembrance an old Canadian First Nations man was sitting behind the glass in the dark next to a shimmering fire who stood up and by waving his hands created all kinds of light effects. The old man next to the fire was puzzling. Was he real?
This was the first of many times in Whonnock and we enjoyed Helmi and Fred’s hospitality time and again. We went over the mountains on the East and over Vancouver Island to the beach on the West. I loved to be in Whonnock where Fred introduced me to the ladies at the Post Office and to the unforgettable Bryan and Isabel Byrnes. Fred sent me his books and other publications and I read them respectfully. He waved his hands and there they were: the Calenders, Whonnock News, Whonnock Comunion Association, Whonnock Community Centre. Everything to do with Whonnock became kind of part of my life in a humble way. Fred flew with me over Slumach-country. He introduced me to the Antonisons of Slumach’s Gold.
But let us now return to quietness, silence and slow time with D.667: Schubert’s Forellen Quintett.
Helmi & Fred. I owe them so much.
Ernst – Fred is my twin brother.
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Sue McIntyre posted a condolence
Thursday, February 15, 2024
I am remembering Fred with love and gratitude. I met Fred through Helmi, at Shoreline Writers Society in Port Moody. Fred was very much a part of Shoreline, without being a “Shoreline Writer.” He gave us great advice on the production of our annual chapbooks, and designed them and had them printed for us. His thoughtful, generous and painstaking effort made our works shine.
I am also grateful Fred’s work designing my own chapbook. For 2 or 3 years, he persistently nudged me to complete the writing of this project. When the work was completed it was beautiful. He helped me bring it to life.
Fred shared with world a lifetime of experience and wisdom, a wicked sense of humour, and a heart so generously full of love and respect, there really is no comparison.
He made a tremendous difference in many people’s lives, and will be missed. I am grateful to have been part of Fred’s world.
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Erlend Millikan posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
My cousin Fred and I had many similar life experiences, but due to age difference we had to wait till Fred and Helmi moved to Canada while we were in Seattle to have regular contact. Then we learned what a wonderful loving couple they were and their love of old books, Mexican pottery, and publishing books or stories. I really got to appreciate Fred's publishing talents on a family history project. I had my mom's diary of our time in a Japanese POW prison. I thank Fred for helping me to translate it into English from Dutch so my family can read this part of our family history. He then printed multiple copies of the diary
Helmi, we will miss Fred, but even more we are sorry for your loss of a very close partner. Erlend & Ruth
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Ian posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Fred was a rare and talented story-teller that we mere mortals stood in awe of. His ability to craft a history piece will be sorely missed. With a wicked sense of humour and a ready smile- he always light up the room. He loved life, crafting words, books and Helmi. It was a moveable feast - much to his eternal amusement.
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Barbara Naish posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
FRED
We all miss him very much indeed. We all will use similar words to honour Fred: kindness, helpful,cheerful,sense of humour, serious in his work to history and community, his easy relationships with all the people around him, welcoming to everybody, always acknowledging somebody's worth.
I could go on. But there are also so many hidden, even secret encounters with Fred. I am most grateful for having been able to share from time to time in Fred's (my brother-in-law) and Helmi's (my sister)deep engagement with each other over 53 years surrounded by their wonderful garden and woodland where deer and bears are allowed to roam.
Barbara Naish,Algars, England
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Cheryl Bennewith posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Helmi, it was so nice to chat with you the other night. I was so sorry to read about Fred. I think of you both often and all of our chats we use to enjoy when you would come for your annual visit to my office. Take care my dear Helmi, and be kind to yourself.
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Jane Koberstein posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Dear Fred, Oh those picnics! So many! You being there made it special. You’ll be missed.
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Gloria Cleve posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
I shall miss the twinkle in his eye whenever we met in the grocery store.
Hugs to you Helmi.
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Josine Eikelenboom posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Fred has been a valuable member of the Maple Ridge Music Society for decades. We could always count on him for publication on the blog of our website as soon as he got the information. He set up a very interesting blog with photographs of past and current performers. When programs had to be printed he was always available to set up the text and forward it to the printer.
Fred and Helmi had their own places in our music room during a performance. The two chairs left of the steps were always occupied by them. We will miss this very much while the music continues.
A fur tree has been planted in Fred's memory along the pond of Westacres.
Rest in peace, Fred.
Josine Eikelenboom
artistic director, Maple Ridge Music Society
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Heather Anderson posted a condolence
Monday, February 12, 2024
What beautiful person has left this world. So intent on regarding the history of our area and protecting the memories of yesteryear and others .
I appreciate his legacy.
Condolences to Helmi and family. He will be missed.
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Don Waite uploaded photo(s)
Monday, February 12, 2024
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Fred has been such a great friend with his mentoring, helpfulness and thoughtfulness over the past 25+ years. Brian Antonson and I will miss our monthly get togethers to talk about what else, Slumach and the lost mine of Pitt Lake. With each and every visit, I get Slumacked!
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Don McKay posted a condolence
Saturday, February 10, 2024
I met Fred when I joined APL in 1978. He was the VP Operations and a gentleman we could all learn how to conduct oneself in business and life. Very philosophical and thoughtful in working through problems to find solutions.
We worked together for 10 years, and enjoyed his optimism and patience.
Have not seen Fred or Helmi for a few years, but they were both special people with multi talents and interests whom we have never forgotten. We think of them whenever we drive near Whonnock and remember all the good tmes.
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Andre and Zoea Petroff donated to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS CANADA MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES CANADA
Saturday, February 10, 2024
We are so saddened by the passing of Fred. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Helmi and your family. Fred will be greatly missed by so many people across the world. May he rest in eternal peace.
With our heartfelt condolences, Andre and Zoea Petroff
Please wait
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Helen Laity posted a condolence
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Helmi, I am so very sorry for your great loss. XXX
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Neva Springman posted a condolence
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Helmi,
I know that Fred and Allan are already discussing things (arguing). I miss them both, and send so much love to you. He was a wonderful man and an inspiration. Neva
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Neva Springman posted a condolence
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Helmi,
I know that Fred and Allan are already discussing things (arguing). I miss them both, and send so much love to you. He was a wonderful man and an inspiration. Neva
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Brian Antonson posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Fred has been a valued friend since 2006 when we met having in common an interest in the legend of Slumach’s gold. His witty observations, his relaxed friendship, his intense search for the truth, his genial ribbing, his remarkable intellect…all will be with me forever. RIP, my friend….
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Sunday, February 4, 2024
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