It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of our father, Fred Mayor, on April 3rd, 2025, at the age of 80. Fred was, without a doubt, the kindest and most generous soul, continually seeking ways to help others and make someone else’s day a better one.
Born on October 27th, 1944, in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Joseph and Della Mayor, Fred was the youngest of three brothers, with older brothers, Joe and George. Raised in the city, his heart found its home in Morden where he lived most of his life. Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Myrna, and their children Barb (Rob), Darren (Carla), Kristen (Keith), Kerri (David), and grandchildren Ainsley, Garrett, Tracey, Robin, Danny, Chelsea, Devon, Aaron, Finn, Julia, and Reid. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren, a much-loved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and a dear friend to so many.
Fred began his professional life immediately after high school when he joined MTS, building a successful career that spanned 35 years. As he was only 52 when he retired, he began his second chapter as the property manager for Legion House One and Two in Morden, as well as working for Carmen Granite where he continued to serve and connect with others.
Throughout the years, Fred had a remarkable ability to turn any gathering into a celebration. Whether it was his talent on the piano, effortlessly filling the room with music (usually with Myrna singing along by his side), or his infectious sense of humour, he had a way of making every moment unforgettable. He cherished the birthdays, anniversaries, and all occasions that brought his family and friends together. Fred had a gift for saying grace, always the one called upon to offer the blessing before each meal. His way of bringing warmth and gratitude to every table will be a difficult one to replace.
Fred’s commitment to his community was truly unmatched. This past year, he and Myrna were recognized as ‘Citizens of Distinction’ for over five decades of volunteer service in the City of Morden. He was a constant presence in the lives of so many as an integral volunteer with organizations such as the Elks, St. Paul’s United Church, Tabor Home, South Central Cancer Resource, the Morden Activity Centre, the Corn & Apple Festival, Lions Club and countless others. Fred’s unwavering faith and dedication to helping others were at the heart of who he was.
Earlier this year, when asked if he had ever thought about pursuing a different career, Fred reflected on his decision to join the MTS Apprentice program at 18. He shared that it was through this choice that he met Myrna, setting in motion a journey filled with love, family, and cherished memories. And, with unwavering confidence, he concluded, "Life is good, no regrets."
We are forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, aides, and all the staff at Boundary Trails Hospital, especially Dr. Zhang, Dr. Fourie, Dr. Woelk, and Dr. Takatch, for their extraordinary care and compassion during Fred's final days and Dr. Duff who was Fred’s primary physician for decades. We are also deeply thankful to the Palliative Care team and volunteers who provided comfort and support to Fred and our family.
The outpouring of thoughts and messages received from members of the Pembina Parish and the community at large, reinforced Fred’s innate kindness and deep desire for inclusion toward all who had the privilege of crossing his path.
A service to celebrate Fred’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church in Morden, Manitoba on April 9th, 2025 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow at the Morden Activity Centre. A private inurnment will take place at St. Mary’s Anglican Church and Cemetery in Kaleida, Manitoba prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boundary Trails Foundation, directed to Palliative Care, or to the South Central Cancer Resource, two causes that were dear to his heart.