October 25, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Fred McIlwaine. After a five-and- a-half-year battle with lung cancer, Dad passed away peacefully while in Red Deer Hospice on October 25, 2021 at the age of 86. Dad was born in Bracken, Saskatchewan, to parents, Earl and Florence McIlwaine. Most of his young years were spent in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, until he left school to start his adult working life.
Dad travelled around Alberta, working as a labourer, then as a seismic driller in the oil patch, his dream job. His travels eventually led him to Manning, Alberta, where he met and married the mother of his children, Fay.
In 1970, the family moved to Pine Point, Northwest Territories, where Dad started his new job at the Cominco Lead and Zinc mine. After 14 years in Pine Point, Dad went on to the Gregg River Coal Mine in Hinton, Alberta. He was very proud of all his jobs. He believed there was nothing better than having ambition and working hard.
Retirement for Dad was living in Whitecourt, Alberta. He was always working on projects around the house. There was nothing better than a game of golf or attending to his beautiful yard and garden. Dad truly did have a green thumb. Dad also began travelling throughout parts of Alberta and British Columbia once again. Some trips even took him to Alaska, Australia, and Yuma.
Dad did eventually find his way back to Sylvan Lake where the Lodge became his home. He always loved being around others, having great conversations. Dad was a kind, caring man. A one of a kind. He will be deeply missed.
Fred is predeceased by his parents, sister Pat and Fay.
He is survived by his three sons: Trevor (Ely), Fred Jr. (Barb) and Derrick; grandchildren: Duncan, Kevin, Cassidy and Kelly. There are many people to recognize, from friends, medical staff, the pharmacies, hospitals, Cross Cancer Clinic, Whitecourt Lodge, Sylvan Lake Lodge and the Red Deer Hospice, for all their help and kind support. Fred and the Family truly appreciated the dedication and friendships.
As per Fred's wishes, there will be no funeral service.
If so desired, you can donate in Fred's name to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Drive, Red Deer Alberta, T4N 3S6 or your preferred cancer organization.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes, Your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements. 403-887-2151.