Born in Tilbury ON, and always happily sharing his birthday with Canada, Fred was the eldest child of Frederick Joseph Joyce and Margaret Dunbar, brother to Patricia Ann (d.2023). Growing up in Windsor, Fred attended high school at Walkerville Collegiate where he discovered two passions that would shape his life forever – the Walkerville Cadet Corps and Sally Jean Dayus. Fred entered the Royal Military College in Kingston ON ranked as Lt.-Col.in the army division. He graduated June 1, 1953, married Sally four days later and immediately shipped out to Korea for one year, commanding A Platoon in 56 Troop.
The Canadian Armed Forces posted Fred and Sally to the Canadian Joint Air Training Centre in Rivers, Manitoba, the US Army Primary Helicopter School at Camp Wolters, Texas, the United States Army Aviation School in Fort Rucker, Alabama, the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in London, the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston, and then Ottawa. Fred retired from the armed forces there and began a career in the public service with the Department of National Defence, Indian and Northern Affairs and as Chairman of the Special Senate Committee on Poverty. They raised their family in Ottawa and established lifelong friendships made in the military, from their work lives and the neighbourhood they lived in. Fred and Sally were known for their hospitality and entertaining and absolutely loved surrounding themselves with family and friends. Their adventures continued when they moved to Toronto for 15 years and then retired to the Brockville “resort”, where they lived for 23 years. Both places were the hub of memorable gatherings for family and friends.
Fred was an avid Blue Jays fan, a pilot, a golfer (the 20th anniversary of his hole-in-one was recently celebrated with a round of golf at the Brockville Golf Club), a curler, an artist, a gardener, a boxer (although he always quipped “I’m a lover, not a fighter”), a boater, a grill master and an enthusiastic storyteller, as he loved to regale “war stories”. For those lucky enough to spend time with Fred, either sharing in those experiences or actively observing from close by, many can attest to his devotion to each one.
Fred was a loving father and grandfather, cherishing time spent together. His generosity and kindness enabled the family to embark on unforgettable trips, creating treasured memories. Family holidays were filled with laughter, friendly games, an abundance of delicious food, Pinot Noir and Single Malt. Fred’s love for these gatherings created lasting traditions that continue to be carried on. Fred had great patience and was a gifted handy man showing up with his tool box to fix things at all the kid’s homes. People never left for the car ride home without drinks, car snacks and handfuls of treats from his candy drawer.
Fred leaves his daughter Kathy, son, Peter (Cathy), his beloved and often stated “teeny, tiny, perfect grandchildren”, Alexandra (Ryan), Gillian (Alex), Lisa (Connor), Sarah (Zak), Kevin (Stephanie) and seven equally perfect great grandchildren, Hayes, Quinn, Greyson, Bennett, Olivia, Liam and Wesley. Fred also leaves his companion and loving partner of the last ten years, Carol Proctor.
The family would like to thank all the extraordinary staff at Perley Health Centre, especially the team on 2 Rideau South, for their incredible compassion, warmth and kind care. A special thank you to Elaine “Ma” Campbell for her tenderness and gifted grace and to Father Paul Tennyson and Jessie Stephenson for their spiritual support and comfort. If so inclined, donations in Fred’s name can be made to the Perley Health Foundation at www.perleyhealthfoundation.ca or to the Salvation Army, where Fred rang the bells for them at Christmas for many years, at www.donate.salvationarmy.ca.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung…”
-John Gillespie Magee Jr.