August 14, 1934 – April 5, 2022
The laughter has left our lives with Fred’s passing after a long journey through the deep valleys of dementia. Fred leaves behind the love of his life since high school days, Donna Jean (Munro), with whom he shared 66 years of adventurous marriage. Fred was devoted to and proud of his two sons, David (Anna) of London and Michael of Windsor.
He was a fun Gramps to Amy Herring (John) of London and Sean (Jessica) of San Francisco. So happy to be Great-Grampa to Lincoln and Malcolm Herring of London. Fred was the much-loved brother of Harry Sorrell (Daisy) of Coburg, Evelyn Hillman (Alf), the late Ron Sorrell (the late Joyce), Dorothy Wood (the late George) and Muriel Power (Ken) all of the Windsor Area. He was a longtime friend and very loved brother-in-law to Margaret Jemison (the late John). Fred was loved by many nieces and nephews both here and in the U.K.
Fred had a quick sense of humour, was a great storyteller, and generous with his time. He was often invited to give speeches at special events in Windsor. He brought joy to the party. He celebrated his birthday as if it were a national holiday.
His love of Christmas was legendary and he loved to watch his family dig into their gifts. His vast battery-powered toy collection surrounded the Christmas tree at home. His toys also entertained donors to Salvation Army kettles at Devonshire Mall.
Next to his family, Fred had a love of music, singing in particular. As a child, he was recruited to join junior choir at Ascension Anglican Church, sang at weddings as a teenager, and won first place in music festivals.
As an adult, Fred sang tenor and had lots of laughs with a barbershop quartet. Fred and Donna were married at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where Fred served as an elder, and they both sang in the exceptional choir for over thirty-five years.
He and Donna would break into show tunes at the drop of a hat. He was a great believer in the positive power of music even to the end.
Fred and Donna led an active life and the door to the Sorrell household was always open.
Fred was born in Windsor, the son of the late Doris and Harry Sorrell. He attended J.E. Benson grade school and his beloved Patterson Collegiate, where he excelled in extracurricular activities and formed a singing group known as the DoBoBos with five buddies. They won an audition to appear on a Detroit TV station and remained lifelong friends.
Fred’s work career was wide-ranging: from President and GM of CKLW Radio, “The Big 8”, during its ratings heyday (1969 – 1973) to part owner and manager of Wheels Roller Rink (1974 – 1992). Even years after the rink’s closing, Fred was often recognized and greeted in public as ‘Mr. Wheels’.
Fred was a great salesman who made things happen. He began by selling radio advertising at CJSP in Leamington and then at CBE Windsor. He was hired away by the late wonderful Cam Ritchie who was VP of sales for CKLW, owned at the time by RKO General of New York. Fred worked in Toronto as Canadian National Sales Representative for all RKO Radio and TV stations. His territory was all of Canada and Upper New York state.
After four years, Fred was recalled to Windsor as President and GM of CKLW. During his tenure, the station generated the highest revenue in its forty-year history. Fred oversaw the construction of the present-day office on Ouellette Ave. and suggested putting the Big 8 signal in the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel for commuters to enjoy.
While at CKLW, he joined with three partners to purchase the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club, bringing a Major Junior A franchise to Windsor.
After a change in ownership, Fred retired from radio and became an entrepreneur. He opened Wheels Roller Rink on Dougall Ave., which became a popular social scene, then expanded to rinks in Forest Glade and London. After Wheels closed, Fred again turned to sales, working the Chrysler account at Ross Roy Communications.
Fred often said service to others was selfish because it made you feel good. He emceed fundraising galas for Big Sisters, Capitol Theater, Windsor Symphony and many others. He supported the Easter Seals Telethon and chaired United Way committees where he was known as “The Gentle Persuader”.
Fred was President of the Windsor Rotary Club 1918 and District Governor (1994). He was a founder of The Children’s Safety Village in Forest Glade. After Prince Michael of Kent visited the village, it received the Prince’s Award on Safety, the first non-UK winner. As thanks for broadening the scope of the award, Fred and Donna went for tea at Kensington Palace.
Other vacation highlights were balloon rides in Kenya, swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, many heritage trips to the UK, and a two-month sojourn through Europe with no planned itinerary, travelling by car, train and boat.
At St. Clair College, Fred volunteered on the Foundation Board and was asked to temporarily fill an open position. This led to years-long Foundation work including establishing the Ford Center for Excellence in Manufacturing and acquiring downtown core and other sites for the College.
Fred was grateful for, and appreciated, the gift of life and all it had to offer. He was totally incapable of a negative thought, which served him well when it came to solving difficult situations. He was respected for his high principles and integrity in business dealings throughout the community.
Thanks for the laughs during the weekly visits with the gang at Tim’s. The family is finding solace as their thoughts turn to Fred now reuniting with longtime humourous friends Art Leadley, Bill Nixon and his lifetime singing buddies Bob Middleton, Jack Reid, Dick Gomer, Doran McTaggart and Paul Eberwein, who have been waiting with open arms for Fred to take the place they have been saving for him.
A heartfelt and grateful thank you to our P.S.W. angels Anna, Andrea, Ashley, and Bobbi-Jo for their compassion, they will be part of our family forever. Thanks also to
Dr. Krupa Dighe who was with us from the start and Dr. Thomas Burgess of Hospice and Dr. Balal Hussain.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Society of your province of choice or the Fred Sorrell Memorial Scholarship at St. Clair College. Cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation to take place on Tuesday April 12, 2022 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m.
A service celebrating Fred’s life will take place on Wednesday April 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave., South Windsor, 519-969-5841. A livestream link will be available on Fred’s online profile to view the service from home. Personal face coverings are requested to attend both events.
To share memories, photos or make a donation online at www.FamiliesFirst.ca
Read Less
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frederick John Sorrell 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Windsor, Province: Ontario
Remember meeting Fred and Donna on many occasions to my visits to Windsor who were friends of Grace. Always gracious and welcoming and Fred will be remembered for his kindness and humour. Deepest sympathies.