Obituary of Freddie Willich

Freddie Valentine Willich

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Freddie “Fred” Valentine Willich, a long-time resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the age of 85 years.

Fred Willich was born February 14, 1937, to William and Anna Willich. The sixth of nine children, Fred grew up on the family farm in the Sunrise Valley district of northern British Columbia. In 1960, Fred met and married Ruth Hall. They had four daughters, Debora, Terry, Brenda, and Deana and made their home in Dawson Creek.

In 1982, Fred moved Ruth and their two youngest daughters to Nanaimo, British Columbia, where he lived until shortly after Ruth passed away. A few years later, in 2017, Fred moved back to Dawson Creek where he spent his remaining days.

Fred worked hard to care for the needs of his family. His career was in the lumber industry in British Columbia. As a young man he worked for West Fraser in Dawson Creek and when he moved to Nanaimo, he returned to working in the local mills for the remainder of his career.

Fred loved sports. Many evenings were spent at the local softball diamonds, hockey rinks and bowling alleys. In later years he enjoyed camping with family, the local rodeo, especially the chuckwagon races, and even had a bout with golfing, though that was short lived.

His love of hunting got him outdoors and gave him the opportunity to spend time with many of his brothers. A glance through old family albums always contains pictures of these times. In the mid-seventies Fred took a record buck mule deer on one of these hunting trips. He had a mount completed and always proudly displayed it in his home. He donated this mount to the Pioneer Village in Dawson Creek, and it can be seen there today in the Trappers Cabin display.

Fred’s biggest loss came with the death of his beloved Ruth in 2008. Fred was also predeceased by his parents William and Anna Willich; brothers Henry (Hank), Bill, Irvine; sisters Francis and June.

Fred is survived by his daughters Debora (Randy) Flinn, Terry Stellaard (Ron Andress), Brenda Willich (Jay Prepchuk), Deana Thorne (Mark Bremner); 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers Louis (Buster), Leroy; and sister Pearl.

With respect to Fred’s wishes no formal Funeral Service will be held, but his immediate family will meet next year to place his cremains beside Ruth’s in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Fred to the Rotary Manor Council Fund, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 5A3, where Fred spent his last years.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium