Frederick Swann Malone

Frederick Swann Malone passed away gently March 13, 2016 in Victoria, BC. Born in 1928 in Brooklyn, NY, the only child of Marie Swann and Frederick Dewitt Malone. Sadly predeceased by son Frederick Donald Malone, he is succeeded by his partner of 40 years, Jeannie MacMillan, daughters Judi Copping (Steve), Kathy Malone, son Chris Malone (Sharon), and some 18 grand- and great-grandchildren.

Fred grew up in Brooklyn with summers spent lovingly at his folks’ place in South Londonderry, Vermont. He received a BA (Econ) from Colgate, in Hamilton NY, where he met first wife Marilyn Freeman. They started a family in upstate New York, where Fred was a Jr. exec at GE. In 1961 they moved their young family to Vermont where Fred embarked on a career in real estate and land development, lovely homes tucked in the woods—“we have a clear duty to leave the land better than we found it”.

With the social unrest of the 60’s and 70’s came Fred’s dissatisfaction with first state government, causing him to launch a protest gubernatorial campaign in 1970; then with the Nixon era, which inspired his move to Victoria. There followed a series of enterprises: stereo shop, locksmithing, renovating, writing, home energy reduction, carpentry and more.

Faced with arthritis in his 40’s, Fred set out to research the bee venom cure he had heard of back in Vermont. He camperized a van and took off travelling throughout Canada and the US talking with doctors, beekeepers, apitherapists, and cured arthritics. He conducted extensive research, even visited the Library of Congress, and chronicled his pilgrimage and findings in the engaging and informative book, “Bees Don’t Get Arthritis”, published in 1979. Still in print, this charming book has brought relief and pleasure to many.

Fred and Jeannie set up home at Estevan and Cadboro Bay Rd and created a place of whimsy and delight for the “grans”, the neighborhood, and passersby. Their annual displays of pumpkin people were a source of wonder and mirth.

Recognizing the danger of idle hands and mind as he eased into retirement, Fred decided to build a railroad. Finbar Forrest RR, the garden railroad he built in the yard and onto the boulevard became renowned and cherished throughout the city, bringing Fred countless hours of joy, hordes of admirers, and many treasured friends.

A man of kindness, natural charisma and charm, Fred entertained folks with his thoughtful intelligence and most of all his sense of humour. He had a “can-do” attitude—when he set out to do a thing, there was no thought of failure—write a book, run for office, build a boat—he’d just do it. Perhaps this is called gumption, or maybe it’s donkey dust—because his mom said he was full of that too!

Fred knew how to bring a smile--a single rose, a freshly picked fig, or maybe the first magnolia blossom from his backyard tree offered for a special occasion. Fred knew the value of the small warm gesture.

No service by request. Flowers? Please buy yourself a single rose, enjoy and think of Fred.

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria, BC.