Frederick Naylor

Lovable, determined, generous, self-sacrificing and irreplaceable, our dear Fred was small in stature but large in heart. From the endearing antics of his childhood and youth, to his relentless efforts to ensure nothing less than the very best for everyone in his midst, he leaves us with a mountain of memories.

Born in New Westminster on Friday, August 13, 1954, Fred grew up in nearby Burnaby. He attended St. Thomas More, played high school football, trumpet in the New Westminster and District Concert Band, and was an army cadet; all the while cultivating a strong sense of duty and spirit of camaraderie.

In his late teens and early twenties, Fred played football for the Renfrew Trojans and Surrey Rams, rugby for Douglas College and the Ex-Brits, and was a member of the military reserves. He was a team player in all respects.

As a young adult, Fred drove a tow truck, did electrical wiring for Kenworth trucks and completed a course in aircraft maintenance, as he tried to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. However, it was when he moved to Nelson to work as a firefighter, that he found his true calling. A few years later he returned home and became a proud member of the New Westminster Fire Department.

Fred was a natural leader and dedicated worker. He was actively involved in the firefighters’ union for many years. Over the course of his career, he developed a passion for training and safety, retiring as deputy chief after thirty-two years of service.

Fred was involved in countless aspects of the community; always endeavouring to play his part to make his patch of the world a better place. But his home was his castle. He absolutely adored Linda, his wife of thirty-three years and son Alex, and was unstoppable in his efforts to care for and support his family and friends.
Fred was happiest when spending time on his boat, playing Scrabble, doing Sudoku puzzles and working in the yard. The simplest of pleasures brought him the greatest joy.

Fred leaves us with big shoes to fill and we are all better people because of him. He was much loved and will be dearly missed.