Our dear Father, William Frederick “Fred” Cole, age 96, passed away peacefully on Father’s Day, with his family by his side at Hillside Manor, RR 5 Stratford on Sunday June 15, 2014.
Born in Cranbrook, Ontario on October 12, 1917, eldest son of the late Wesley “Ernest” and Helena (Mitchell) Cole.
Beloved husband of the late Sarah “Sadie” (Morris) Cole, whom he married on December 2, 1944 in Chepstow, Wales and who predeceased him on October 3, 2013. Loving father of Carol and Larry “Mick” Zehr of New Hamburg, Jennifer Lichti, Richard and Jo-Ann Cole and son-in-law John Lichti all of Stratford. Grandchildren Angela and Anthony Van Beek, Thedford, Brad and April Zehr, Cambridge, Donny and Kerri Zehr, Edmonton, and Jesse Cole, Stratford. Six great grandsons and a great granddaughter.
Dear brother of Harold and Alberta Cole, Ethel Davis, Violet and Ralph Cook and many nieces, nephews and their families.
Predeceased by brothers and sisters; Earl in infancy, Doris (Roy) Lightfoot, Ellen (Joe) Morgan, Leo Davis, Ida (Ed) Longmire, Lloyd (Audrey) Cole, Glen (Lois) Cole and sisters-in-law; Dorothy Morris and Phyllis Morris, mother-in-law and father-in-law Catherine and Thomas Morris.
He was a lifetime member of St. John’s United Church, Stratford, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Canadian Legion Br., 8, Stratford. Fred served overseas during the Second World War and it was during this time that he met Sadie. He was a volunteer driver for St. John’s Pre School, Children’s Aid Society and the Cancer Society. Fred was also a runner up twice for Stratford’s volunteer of the year in the 1990’s. He was happiest when he could help others, and also enjoyed hockey, baseball, golf, listening to music, was an avid reader, and visiting with family and friends.
Friends and relatives may call at St. John’s United Church, 175 Waterloo St., Stratford on Friday June 20th from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, St. John’s United Church Pre-School or to the charity of one’s choice through the W. G. Young funeral home. 430 Huron St., Stratford. 519-271-7411. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
