It is with deep sadness that we announce Fred’s (Freddie) peaceful passing at Blanche River Health (Kirkland Lake) on Tuesday May 28, 2024 with family and friends at his side.
Fred was born and raised in Chaput Hughes, Ontario and was a proud Chaputonian. Fred was a former transport driver for 25+ years. He started his career as a natural gas inspector, then went into trucking and worked for Walter Little’s which then became Star Transfer. After Star Transfer (Ontario Northland) closed in 1993 he worked part-time driving for Siemens (Westinghouse) until his retirement.
He enjoyed playing many different sports. He was a goalie with KL Teck Old Timers and played slowpitch for various teams over a number of years. Fred always enjoyed a cold refreshment after the game. He also enjoyed partridge hunting, fishing, and camping with his favourite forester. Many summers were spent in Kenogami and camping behind Matachewan. In later years, Erin and Fred enjoyed their adventures while traveling to/from Arizona and making many new friends on their travels.
Fred is predeceased by his parents Bernadette and Alec MacKinnon, his brother John “Jack” MacKinnon, his brother-in-law James Britt as well as his great nephew Stanley Britt.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his spouse and best friend of 39+ years, Erin Leffers, his sisters Fay Britt, Brenda (Belmont) Lumsden and his sister-in-law Carmen MacKinnon and her children Bruce & Linda. Also survived by his nephews Jamie (Eileen) Britt, Eddie Britt (Julie), Bob (Laurie) Britt, Shane (Barb) Lumsden, Brendon (Natasha) Lumsden and his niece Joanna MacKinnon, as well as his great niece Hillary (Eric) and their family, his great nephews, Pierce (Jenny) and their family, Evan (Tess) Britt, Marcus Britt and many extended family members in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
As per Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 87 in Kirkland Lake on Saturday, June 15th from 1-4pm. All friends & family are welcome to attend.
The family wish to acknowledge and thank his care coordinator Shannon Carey from the Northeast Home and Community Care Support Services, PSW’s Cindy Portelance, Lisa Lalonde and Vicki Reid from Closing the Gap, Dave and Kevin from the Community Paramedics as well as the nurses from VON, the KL Family Health Team – NP Darlene Rodgers, NP Tara Laframboise, pharmacist Chad Wallace at Kirkland Pharmacy and the Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative. We are so grateful for all the support Fred has received over the years. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten.
“Fare thee well my love, until we meet again”.
Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to Blanche River Health Hospital Foundation (145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3P4) or CNIB Guide Dogs (https://cnib.donorportal.ca) .
Freddie has had many tough years and without you Erin, he would not have made it this long. He was always so appreciated of you all the time, and always Grateful. I am so happy we had a chat last Thurs. with him at the hospital, but to see he was struggling all the time was not a nice scene. He is at peace now. Thinking of you ALL at this very sad and difficult time. RIP "Partner"
So very sorry for your loss. Fred was definitely one of a kind! I enjoyed his humor and wit during my time at The Fed. Rest easy Fred.
Condolences to Fred’s family, I had the pleasure of knowing Fred and consuming a few beverages at the Federal Tavern with him. He was a kind generous person. Prayers for Fred and his family.RIP.
Erin...Ray & I were so sorry to hear of Freddie's passing. There was only one Freddie and he will not be forgotten. May all the wonderful memories you have of your life together give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Ray & Sue Perrier
My condolences ….you and Kirkland lake have lost a special character..I too have my roots as a Chaputonian..we are a breed apart
So sorry to hear of the loss of Freddie. We will miss his great sense of humor and story telling. He will be missed. May he R I P.
Erin and Family
We are so sorry to receive the news regarding Fred. It was always such a pleasure to see him on our return trips to KL and reminisce about the good old days -playing football, hockey, slow pitch and just hanging around together ! It would be difficult to believe that there were any other KL’ers who had more friends than Fred. We realize he struggled the last number of years but thanks to you,Erin, he always seemed to remain close to the old Fred! He will be missed by us and so many-Brian and Gale
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. We have alot of great memories with Fred. He will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to Freddie's family and friends. He was a good friend of big brother Butch. He spent many days and nights at our house. He taught me to drive in his 49 Ford. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He did fight the good fight. RIP Freddie. Ken for The Carroll family.
Our sincere condolences to Freddie's family and friends. He was a good friend of big brother Butch. He spent many days and nights at our house. He taught me to drive in his 49 Ford. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He did fight the good fight. RIP Freddie. Ken for The Carroll family.
Erin and family I am so very sorry to hear this. I loved Fred, may he rest peacefully.
Erin-We are very sorry to hear about Fred . He was a good friend of many of us from living in Chaput Hughes, growing up in the north and from competing with and against each other! We still have great stories about our XKL hockey trip to Ireland and Scotland! He was a great friend of many. Our sincere condolences on the loss of a fellow northerner.
The XKL Hockey Team and Luncheon Grp.
Condolences. Fred was a great, kind and very personable guy. I worked with Fred at Star Transfer in the ONR freight shed. We had many fun times.
Fred introduced me to my wife 50 years ago at The Red Pines. I will be forever grateful to him.
Fred was a friend and will be missed.
Erin you were a blessing to him.
RIP big guy.
Sending sympathies to friends and family. I have many fond memories of Fred, his warm personality and sense of humour. He made the world a better place.
Many fond memories of Freddy around KL over the years and especially during some of the old timer tournaments in Timmins while I was living there . My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
John Czuba
Had some great youthful adventures and journeys with Fred. His ‘49 Ford could tell a few stories . So sorry to see him leave us. Plenty of wit and stories go with him. God bless you Erin you brought joy to his life. Our thoughts are with you , Fay and Brenda...Harmonie and Brian.
Deepest sympathy on the loss of Freddie. A very lovable guy indeed.
You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
On behalf of the Hillgren family of Chaput Hughes, we are sad to hear of Fred's passing. Please accept our sympathy and caring in your loss.
Please accept our sympathies. Freddy was such a character and we shared some laughs together. RIP buddy
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Fred was a great person, his humour and vibrant character will missed.
Very sorry for your loss. Fred was a great man. Thinking of you all.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your life partner and family member.The 'bod' has a special place in the hearts of many. Stan and Sabrina Skalecki
We are saddened to read of Fred’s passing. Such a great guy and we have many fond memories of good times and laughs with Fred. Thinking of you Erin, and family and sending our love .
So very sorry to hear of Fred's passing Erin. Keep your many beautiful memories close to your heart. Take care,
Brenda & Dennis
Our condolences to Erin and the Mac Kinnon family
Lawrence son of Charles and Jessie from Cape Breton
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Although, we haven't been in touch in awhile, I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with you and Fred. I will treasure these forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Freddie ️
Vickie
So sorry to hear of your loss. Fred was a joy to meet up with on the street. Truly one of Kirkland Lake’s finest.
My deepest condolences on Fred's passing.
Bill Johnson
M deepest sympathy
Rob and I are so sorry to have learned of the loss of Fred. We both have such fond memories of him
Remembering great times with a great guy. Rest in peace my friend.
We were saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. We will cherish the great memories that we have of Fred. You will be missed partner!!!
I was sorry to hear of Fred's passing. I hope your memories of the good times stay with you and provide some comfort during the coming years.
I would like offer my deepest condolences to you Erin, Fay and the Britt gang.
As a kid Freddy was larger than life. Heck he use to play with my pops in rec league. Freddy would toss his cookies before every time he dressed. That’s how intense he was about his game.
I know Eddy and Jamie were big fans … they spoke of him highly and often. I’m sure Bobby did too.
I think everyone loved Freddy. Godspeed Freddy… and keep your stick on the ice :)
Was very saddened by the news of Fred. Fred was one Special guy that everyone that met him loved him. I believe we all have lots of great Freddy memories. Fred brought a lot of laughter and joy to everyone life. RIP Fred you will be truly missed
Condolences to family and friends.He was truly a likable guy always which is rare.I can still clearly see him holding up the railing in front of the Capitol with a smile for everyone RIP
Erin,
Paul and I are so sorry to learn of Freddie’s passing. He was a lovely man and we will remember him fondly. Thinking of you at this most difficult time and sending hugs and prayers.
