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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McKELLAR, Owen Fredrick (Fred, F.O.) - Age 88 of Dartmouth. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father and Papa on October 3, 2019. Fred was born on June 19, 1931 in Galt, Ontario, to the late Harold and Hilda McKellar. Fred was the second youngest of nine children. At the age of 18, Fred joined the Canadian Military and was stationed in Halifax when he met Claire (Woodworth), the love of his life, on a blind date. They married in Halifax in 1956. They have been married for 63 years. Fred remained in the Canadian Military for 23 years. He was proud to be in the Canadian Military and served on many naval ships, including HMCS Bonaventure. He was also stationed at CFB Cornwallis, Digby County and CFB Stadacona Naval Operations School, Halifax. Fred retired as Chief Petty Officer 1st class in 1973. He joined CFB Scotian Naval Reserves, Halifax, for a further 15 years on a part-time basis. Fred’s second career was as Personnel Manager at Electrohome Ltd St. Mary’s University, Province of Nova Scotia and, finally, City of Halifax. Fred retired for the second time at the age of 63. Fred and Claire bought a home in Florida where they travelled several months each winter for 15 years. Fred enjoyed working on the Florida home while enjoying the warm sunshine, exploring State parks, attending flea markets and taking part in the numerous festivals. They also travelled to Europe a few times and to Hawaii. Fred enjoyed yearly fishing and hunting excursions with his sons and Navy buddies. Our family has memories of a deer hanging in the basement ready to be prepared for the freezer and fresh trout lined up on the counter that Fred bragged were “skillfully” caught during an outing in Mooseland, NS. Fred also loved to build furniture in his workshop and paint pictures which are proudly displayed in our families’ homes. Fred and Claire took their young family camping each summer to Lake Pleasant which was so much fun. The family had one memorable camping trip to Ontario to visit the McKellar clan. Fred also enjoyed taking his family to visit his in-laws in Port Williams, NS, where we spent many summer vacations and fall weekends, always leaving for home with a huge basket of fresh vegetables and fruit from the garden. Fred’s biggest achievement was raising and loving his children and their partners; sons, Greig (Toni);Scott (Barbara); daughters, Susan Hartigan (Donnie); and Janis Greene (Courtney). Fred was blessed with six grandsons and he was extremely proud of each of them; Matthew (Maddison), Mitchell (Justeen), Ryan, Jason (Amelie), Ian and Scott. We have heard many times over the years that they “want to be just like Papa”. Each grandson has, indeed, been immensely influenced by their Papa and they all loved and respected him greatly. Papa made plenty of time for each of them and they always looked forward hearing Papa’s interesting stories. Papa was also a new Great-Grandfather to little Carson. Fred leaves behind his much loved younger brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Bonnie in Ontario. He also had many special in-laws, nieces and nephews from both the McKellar and Woodworth families who were also very special to him. These are a few things we will think about when remembering our father Fritz, Rules, expectations and advice, Love of pies and desserts, Rating Mum’s supper meals from 1 to 10, Sunday suppers and weekly dinners at 6.00 sharp, Lake Pleasant and the “Do Drop In”, Wallis Heights, Visits in Florida, Very sharp fashion style, The Cadillac that he never had the nerve to buy, A hardy “Oi !” to let you know he arrived, Calling out “CLAIRE !!!!!” Special thanks to Dr. Ken Cameron and staff for the many years of exceptional health care. We would also like to thank the staff at Bissett Court Long-Term Care for the care and compassion provided to our Husband, Father and Papa these past couple of years. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life service will take place at The Bridge, Juno Tower, CFB Stadacona, 2778 Gottingen Street, Halifax, on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Parking is available on the base. All attending are reminded to ensure they have valid picture ID in order to enter the base.
Ships served in:
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For Posterity's Sake 
