FRED JOHN SCHELL

Fred was born on August 20, 1933, in Unity, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the family farm at Ear Lake. As a young man, Fred logged in the North until he married Evelyn Vallentgoed, in 1954. They lived in Unity where Fred worked as a brick layer. In 1956, they moved to Prince George, British Columbia. There he built his home with bricks that he made from cement and sawdust. This took him all winter. Fred also excelled at carpentry and worked in the trade for many years. Later in life, Fred travelled to Saskatoon to purchase an ultra light plane.  Unexpectedly, he remained there for almost a year to help re-design a new one.

Fred was skilled at inventing and re-designing. In his spare time, he built a motor home, an ultra light plane, a snowblower, and an 18’ cabin cruiser boat for hunting with his friends.    

Fred was a self-taught musician and played many instruments including guitar, violin, accordion, and banjo.  He especially enjoyed playing the harmonica as it was easy to transport. 

Fred had a wonderful sense of humour, and a kind, sensitive personality.  He had the ability to lift anyone’s mood.  He loved socializing, and visiting over a glass of wine.   

Fred and Evelyn had 3 children: Donna (Kevin Ogurian), Norman (Vicki), and  Debbie (Jim Eastman); 9 grandchildren: Darryl (Lori), Angela, and Wanda Laing, Richard Peterson (Trish), Cheralee (Donny Goulet), Mischell Schell, Dani (Brandon Parlee), Gillian Barrett, Eryn Schell (deceased), and Leah Eastman; 12 great-grandchildren: Gavin Schell, Mason Barrett, Dhillon and Charlienne Laing, Russell Kennings, Nicole and Alicia Randle, Hailey, Blaire and Emmett Peterson, Casandra, Krissy Woodford (deceased), and Brittany Woodford; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.    

Sadly, Evelyn passed away in 2009.  Fred married Katherine Schell in 2011 and inherited another loving family: Eugene (Mavis), Joanne (Harold Baxandall), Carol (Daniel Knorr), and Lorie (Greg Larson); grandchildren: Regan (Jenny), Jeff (Tessa), and Stephanie Schell, Hilory and Brad Baxandall, Darrin (Christa), Owen (Sacha), Ryan (Karina), and Cathleen (Wynn Taylor), Chelsea (Austin Lockhart), and Justin Schurman; and great-grandchildren: Benson, Logan, Everett, and Tucker Schell, Carder, Jaida, Sarrie, Joclyn, Naomi, Dax, and Parker Knorr, and Wyeth, Havana, and Ezmay Taylor. 

Fred is predeceased by his wife Evelyn, parents Zacharius and Francisca, brothers Adam, Joe, Peter, Jack, and Pius, sisters Francis, Wally, and Rose, granddaughter Eryn Schell, and great-granddaughter Krissy Woodford.

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