Frederick George Alvery Belsham

1933-2022

Fred passed away peacefully October 7th, 2022 in Chilliwack, BC. He was born on December 14, 1933 in Prince George, BC. He had 3 sisters and 1 brother. In his younger years, Fred enjoyed helping his uncle on the farm in Fort Fraser and loved horseback riding. He had many responsibilities and left home two days after his 17th birthday to join the Army.

While stationed in Calgary, Fred met Evelyn Kirk. They were married May 16, 1952 just before he left for the Korean war. Together they enjoyed 56 years of marriage and were blessed with 4 children, Linda (John) Carne, Elaine (Gord) Jackson, John (Lessia) Belsham and Marlene (Franco) Linza; 9 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

During their first 25 years, the family traveled across Canada and Europe with the Canadian Armed Forces (RCEME) living in Alberta, Germany and Ontario before settling in Chilliwack in 1973. He served time in peacekeeping in Germany and Egypt. Fred retired from the Armed Forces in Chilliwack. He then worked in Corrections for a couple years before working as a mechanic at the Agassiz Research Station.

Fred had a servant's heart every day of his life. He actively served the community and volunteered with several organizations. He was a Scout Leader wherever he was stationed. He was a life member of the Mount Cheam Lions and enjoyed the fellowship, strengthening the community and supporting those in need. He was an important member of the church. In 2010 he was proudly awarded the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster for his devotion to the Anglican Church. He was incredibly involved in the church committee, as a superintendent of Sunday School, Lay Reader, he led his grandchildren through their first communion, and was a founding member of the men's group at St. John’s. Within the church Fred also loved being a member of the men's choir, Alpha and Cursillo.

Fred’s hobbies included camping, farming, gardening, golfing, fishing, bowling, bridge, knitting and creating lasting memories that have imprinted over multiple generations.

Most importantly, Fred loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was so proud to have them close. From teaching them how to ride a bike or how to drive a car, he was always there for all the important milestones of their lives. He loved to hold his little babies and make them smile and giggle right till his last day. He watched many baseball, hockey and basketball games, cheering and ringing his cow bell. He loved to camp with friends and family. The more the merrier! We cannot think of Fred without remembering the stories he told, playing cards, non-stop laughter, hiking, swimming, singsongs, campfires, listening to him play the harmonica, bannock over the campfire and pancakes for breakfast! We are the luckiest people because we can honestly say that he was the best Dad and Grandad ever.

13 years ago, Marjorie Fast became a loving partner in Fred’s life. Building on their connection they both shared with his wife Evelyn, they developed a strong friendship full of camping, long drives, dinners out, listening to music, deep conversations, attending church and family events together. The past five years however were more difficult for Fred. Marjorie stood beside him as Fred’s health declined caring for him while his advancing dementia and Alzheimer’s set in.

“Dad will be forever missed. May his strength and love live on through our family.”