Fredrick Alexander Unchelenko passed away peacefully after a brief illness in the company of loved ones at the Foothills Hospital, Calgary on July 13th, 2008. Born on March 10th, 1929 in Wayne, Alberta Fred was an excellent athlete. In his younger days he played hockey and fastball in Wayne and later with the Brooks Buffaloes. He also took great enjoyment in curling, fishing and slo-pitch. In his later years, he became an avid armchair athlete. For nearly 20 years, Fred and Pearl lived in Rockyford where they owned and operated the Rockyford Hotel and later farmed. In the late seventies, the family moved back to Brooks where Fred spent many years with Modern Auto and Community GMC selling cars. Upon retirement, Fred became the go-to guy for used golf balls and car deliveries. There wasn’t a road trip he wouldn’t take and a casino he wouldn’t try his luck at. Fred was a regular at the “Coffee Club” and a long time member of the Brooks Elks Club and the Royal Canadian Legion. In testament to his large heart, he leaves many life long friends in Rockyford and Brooks. Fred was predeceased by his father Alexander; mother Helen (Nanny) and one sister Helen. He is survived by his loving wife Pearl of 55 years; he will be sadly missed by his four children Joanne, James, Jerri (Averill) and John; and will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren Olivia, Helena, Jillian, Grayson, Alexandra and Natalie. Fred is also survived by his sister Jeanne of Napinka, Manitoba and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Doctor Gammon and Doctor Hendriks of Brooks and would also like to thank Dr. Tse and the amazing doctors and nurses of Unit 94, Foothills Hospital. Funeral Services were held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 18th from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 511 – 4th St. W, Brooks. In memory of Fred, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta #124 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat , Alberta. T1A 2S8. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone (403) 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
