OBITUARIES
Fred Stewart Adair
1947 – 2021
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; “Fearless” Fred Stewart Adair at the age of 73. Fred lost his battle with cancer with family at his side at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, MB on Saturday, January 2, 2021.
Fred leaves to mourn his children Kevin (Jodee Cobb-Adair) Adair, Kimberley (Robert Gagnon) Adair-Gagnon and Jennifer (Daniel Dawson) Adair; his five cherished grandchildren Jillian and Kolby (Adair), Claire (Gagnon), Quinn and Archer (Dawson); his brothers Calvin (Darlene Zuk-Wodinski) and David Wodinski; and the mother of his children Linda Lawrence (Larry) Lamb. Fred was predeceased by his grandparents, Colin Leslie and Ethel (nee Lounsbury) Adair; mother and stepfather, Iris (nee Adair) and Michael Wodinski; and numerous aunts and uncles, especially Lorna and Tom.
Fred was one of a kind and one of the best. It was rare to see him without a smile, and he enjoyed making other people smile too. He loved reading novels (especially spy fiction) and doing crossword puzzles (he confessed that he always looked at the answers). He was generous to a fault, and we often thought that the phrase ‘give the shirt off his back’ was talking about him. He would do anything for his friends and family, and never hesitated to help when a call was put out. Fred supported his grandkids in all their activities, whether it was hockey games, performances, or music classes. He was always willing to babysit the grandkids, except maybe when there was a golf game scheduled! Fred got his nickname Fearless as a youngster growing up in Weyburn, SK. He never backed down when he believed in something, and he gave 100% in everything he did; nothing was left in reserve, especially when playing sports.
Fred loved watching and playing sports. He was a huge supporter of local Winnipeg sports, and a long-time season ticket holder for the Blue Bombers and the Goldeyes, and the Jets for a time. He always attended games with friends and family. He played football in high school, and baseball, hockey, and golf as an adult. Fred’s favorite sport to play was golf, and he took every chance he could to get out on the course or the driving range. Fred did not like to get up early, but he would willingly get up before the sun rose for golf! He started the adult ball league in Treherne, MB and was instrumental in bringing the Winnipeg Jets (including Dale Hawerchuk, Scott Arniel, Tim Waters and Murray Eaves) to play a charity game there in 1983. The game raised over $600 for the new rink fund.
Fred had a long career in financial institutions, starting in 1967 in Treherne, and Fred married Linda shortly after in 1969. In the early years of their marriage, his career as a branch manager took him all over Manitoba, eventually settling back in Treherne in 1979. By then, Fred and Linda were the proud parents of Kevin and Kimberley, with Jennifer on the horizon. In 1983, Fred got an offer to be the branch manager at the Manitou Credit Union, and the family moved once again.
In 1990, Fred started with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a Technical Interpretation Officer for GST. His role included ruling and interpreting the application of GST/HST and he also conducted internal training courses. In the late 1990s, Fred was transferred to Ottawa for a year to share his knowledge and skills. Fred worked for the CRA until he retired in 2013.
Fred had a talent for organizing and planning. He would plan family road trips in detail, making pros and cons lists to decide on the destination. This was a family process, and Fred made sure to get all members’ opinions. One of our most memorable trips was driving to Minneapolis to watch the Minnesota Twins play the New York Yankees (and a side trip to Valley Fair!).
Fred’s passion for fundraising and organizing led him to be seconded from the CRA to United Way Winnipeg as a sponsored executive from 2007 to 2009. Fred made many friends there, and United Way continued to be close to his heart.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Fred, family and friends are encouraged to make a donation in his name to United Way Winnipeg or a charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a future date.
He was a kind and wonderful man, and we will always remember him; he is gone but not forgotten. We love you, always and forever.
Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Fred Stewart Adair 1947 2021..
Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba