February 27, 1944 - September 6, 2022
It is with great sadness and fond memories that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Fred Dawkins of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, on September 6th, 2022, at the age of 78.
On January 27, 1944, in Calgary, Alberta, Frederick and Mary Louise Dawkins welcomed their second child and first son, Fred. Fred had wonderful adventures and colourful stories growing up with his two sisters and his many cousins in Strathmore, Alberta.
Upon graduating from Queen Elizabeth High School in Calgary, Fred ventured forward to complete a Business Administration program with money he had saved from a paper route and working as a gas station and grocery store attendant. Fred began his 46 year career in the feed industry in 1963, specializing in the poultry industry. Fred was first employed with ShurGain from 1964-1990, and with Unifeed from 1991, until his retirement in 2010.
Fred worked in many roles including purchaser, salesman, and mill manager. During that time, Fred received many awards, most notably the Poultry Services Industry award in 2007.
Fred was honoured to serve on the Alberta Chicken Producers Industry Advisory Committee and was a representative on the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada.
In 1966, Fred met the love of his life, Darlene Jones, and in 1968 the two were married. They moved to Edmonton before settling in Wetaskiwin where they have resided for the past 46 years. The highlight of Fred's life was becoming a father in 1974 with the arrival of Sandra, followed by Jo-Ann in 1976.
Many years later, Fred was blessed to become a grandfather to Holden, Imogen, and York. Fred's love for his grandchildren was only surpassed by his love for taking them for ice cream.
Above all things, Fred was a family man. During his life Fred shared his passions for skiing, teaching his young daughters to snow and water ski. Fred loved to travel, taking his family on many vacations including driving their motorhome across Canada and the US in the summers.
Fred also enjoyed trips to England, Scotland, Belgium, Japan, and Mexico.
Fred was an avid sports fan; he could often be found attending Edmonton Oilers or Edmonton Eskimos games, even during their losing years. Fred spent countless hours volunteering with many community and church organizations. Fred also loved cars and attending antique car auctions.
After retirement Fred could be found telling tales around the campfire or working one of many projects at their beloved lake lot at Pigeon Lake. In the winter, Fred could be found golfing or hosting friends for happy hour at their home in Arizona.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Darlene; his two daughters, Sandra (Kelly) Zemlak and Jo-Ann (Stephane) Sibilleau; his three grandchildren, Holden Zemlak, Imogen Zemlak and York Zemlak; his sisters, Frances Henrickson, Helen (George) Home; nieces Alma Henrickson, Hayley Home and nephew Andrew Home. Fred was predeceased by his loving parents, Fred and MaryLouise Dawkins and his brother-in-law Clint, Henrickson.
A celebration of life was held on September 10, 2022 in Wetaskiwin, AB.
Honoured to Serve the Dawkins Family
Baker Funeral Chapel
780.352.2501 Or 888.752.2501
Condolences: www.womboldfuneralhomes.com
Baker Funeral Chapel