Obituary of Fred Waldon

Frederick Charles Waldon October 16, 1944 – May 13, 2025

Fred passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at his home in Brandon, at the age of 80.  He was born in Hamiota, MB, to Marjorie L. Waldon (nee Venables) and Frederick G. Waldon and was raised and educated in Oak River, MB. 

During Fred’s years in Oak River, he participated in baseball, hockey, skating, swimming lessons, Sunday School, Cubs, Scouts, and Air Cadets.  He attended an Air Cadet camp at St. Jean, Quebec.  As a teenager, he worked after school and on Saturdays at Glinz’s Store stocking shelves and delivering groceries on his bicycle during the summer and pulling a sled during the winter.  He also delivered the Winnipeg Free Press and had the occasional baby-sitting job.  During harvest he helped farmers with baling. 

After finishing school, Fred moved to Brandon where he worked for Wilton Motors, Motorways, and Purolator.  Fred’s philosophy was never to leave a job until a person had another one lined up.  He was never without work.  Fred was a conscientious and dependable worker.  Being related to the publishers of the former Hamiota Echo as well as a former newspaper carrier, Fred was an avid newspaper reader and kept up-to-date with current events.  As a teenager, he often read novels from his mother’s bookshelves.  In Brandon he was an enthusiastic bowler and was a member of a 5-pin bowling league for a number of years. 

Six days a week during his retirement, he went to the Shoppers Mall in the morning to walk, read the newspaper, and socialize with acquaintances.  In the afternoon he enjoyed meeting friends at Mum’s for copious cups of coffee, where during conversations, his sense of humour was evident.  He liked listening to music, working in his yard, and enjoying his pool.  Fred was a friendly, kind, and generous person who was quick to flash a smile.  When his wife Gloria’s kidneys failed, he learned to do home peritoneal dialysis four times a day for Gloria during the time he worked a night shift.  Later, Fred was a support for his former wife Pat Vandekerkhove when she became ill and needed help.  Fred enjoyed taking the “tour” occasionally to Oak River, Hamiota, and Rapid City.  He always made stops to socialize with those present. 

Fred was a lucky person.  At one time he won a lottery and had his basement developed.  He also had a swimming pool and patio installed in his back yard. 

Fred is survived by his son Sean Waldon (Myra Oberhofer) and two grandsons Lane and Lamont, his siblings Carol (Bob) Milne, Ven (Debbie) Waldon, and Lori-Mariea (late Hugh) Thomson, and cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Marjorie Waldon, wife Gloria Ann Waldon (nee Boyd), and a former wife Patricia Ann Vandekerkhove.  Fred’s first wife was Cathy Bowey. 

Fred’s was a life well lived.  He always said he had no regrets.  Fred will be missed by family and friends.  Donations in memory of Fred can be made to a charity of your choice.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave. 

As Fred would say, “Catch you later !”