Frederick (Fred) John Ekins
1946-2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Ekins on September 17 at Campbell House Hospice, in Collingwood, Ontario. Fred was surrounded by family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his loving daughter, Crystal (Colin), his sister, Debbie (Mike), nephew Jeff (Ashley), and niece Joanne (Brendan) and sister-in-law, Nancy and her family.
Fred was predeceased by his wife, Brenda (2024), his daughter, Amanda (1980), his Mother, Doreen and Father, Fred Sr.
Fred was a long time employee of Olympia Tile. He was a long time sports fan, especially junior hockey, fishing, and the Blue Jays. He was always helping people any way he could, whether it was being an ear to listen, offering a comforting hug, or telling you a joke to make you laugh. He took pride in helping to collect both money and food donations for the food bank in his community. He loved all his friends, loved his coffee groups: Tuesday Wee Coffee Friends and Saturday Friends of Wasaga.
Very special thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Campbell House (Hospice Georgian Triangle) who treated us like family. With respect to his wishes, cremation has taken place and Celebration of Life will be held in The Club House at Country Meadows Retirement Community, 135 Greenway Drive, Wasaga Beach, Ontario on Saturday November 8th, 2025 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Anybody wishing to make donations, please give to either Hospice Georgian Triangle or Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Celebration of Life
The Club House at Country Meadow Retirement Community
135 Greenway Drive, Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Saturday November 8, 2025
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Paul Mysko says
Having lost touch with Fred and Brenda some years ago I was unaware of her passing. To their enire family, please accept my sincere and deep condolences for their passing.
Terry & Joan Gaudet says
Dear Crystal and family,
We are thinking of you during this difficult time . Fred was such a kind and friendly person and will be surely missed in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
George and Doris Bailey says
We first met Fred when we came to see our house, the real estate lady couldn’t open the lock box, Fred came to our rescue. He said oh no problem I have a key I will let you in. He reminded us that if we keep the fridge in the garage that he usually keeps his beer in there & not to worry he knows the code for the garage lol. Fred has been a good friend, let us know everything about the community & we knew if we needed anything we could go to him. George would often go for breakfast with Fred, he will miss that. He was involved in a lot of the community, eg food bank , helping those in need at Christmas. There wasn’t much he wasn’t involved in. He will surely be missed. Crystal you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick says
Worked with Fred at Olympia Tomken warehouse.A good man. RIP
Sue and Jerry Wyville says
Crystal, Debbie and family. We are very saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. There are a lot of memories from years gone by I will remember. So sorry that we didn’t keep in touch more over the years. Fred was always good to update us from-time-to-time. Take care and hugs to you.
Stacey McIlroy says
Fred will be missed in Country Meadows. Such a kind friendly man. My deepest condolences.
Sandy and Paul Wilkes says
We were so Blessed to meet Fred at a social event that our Sasha Rose once again shared to bring people in the community together. We sat together at Pizza Dee’s with him and his friend Jenny. We truly enjoyed getting to know him and his great sense of humour over the years and always looked forward to his loving smile and hugs. He was a gift to us and we’ll miss him greatly….however Blessed to know that he’s in the arms of our Heavenly Father and reconnected with all who have passed before him. Love and Blessing to all who miss him….Crystal, the last time that we sat with him he was on a mission to get a roast of beef as the one in the freezer turned out to be pork and he wanted to cook for you…a great roast beef dinner with yorkshire puddings. I told him that he could still do the pork roast with yorkshire puddings but he wouldn’t hear of it!! He loved you and wanted that meal to be perfect. Hugs dear girl and know that your Dad Blessed us all! Hugs…
Wayne Warmington says
Fred my life time friend, we have not kept in touch in out later years, but as boys playing together you were a very close friend and neighbor. You taught me to ride my first bike so l could help you with your paper route. I can still remember you running after me as I peddled through the back field you worried l might fall.
I am glad I could help you find your life mate Brenda who was in elimentry school with me. Then you honored me with having me be best man at your wedding.
I will always remember you as the kind soul l knew as a boy. I know you and Brenda will always be together in heaven.
Rest in peace my friend
Nancy Smallwood says
They will be together again. Their love is eternal ❤️
Jeff and Donna Duggan says
Our sincerest condolences. His love for you all will be in your hearts forever. Rest easy Fred
Tim Dollack says
Fair winds old friend. Such a loss; heartfelt condolences Crystal…….
Su Watson says
I first found out about this yesterday! I feel like part of Wasaga Beach atmosphere itself Is now gone/ missing. That personable
home town vibe that we all liked in Fred and Brenda, I’m already feeling a big loss without them..My room mate Bob shared the same birthrate with Fred,,that was lots of fun to banter back and forth on internet about how they both were born November 14th. This November 14th we shall especially think thoughts of dear Fred, Brenda and their families and friends and give thanks that we were very lucky to meet them and share a few laughs with them along the way. Be peaceful folks, because I doubt they’d want this any other way. I especially miss Brenda. We laughed alot that time we ate lunch at a nearby restaurant with the earlier friends of Wasaga group.. we laughed so long and so heartily that we got the entire table laughing and only Brenda and myself knew why we were laughing….it was hilarious..I shall be looking for them up there and I absolutely know their new jobs will be welcoming folks at the Pearly Gates, and and advising them about the heavenly rental rates there, cloud view condos, and townhouses overlooking planet earth ( I recall, their interesting talks earlier in about real-estate). So.. I think I’ll put my order in now please…a tiny home with 2 bedrooms and on suite bathrooms for each one, a long slightly used lightening bolt that the local Smitty has fashioned into a fun waterside, so I can slide on down to Wasaga Beach here anytime I fancy a swim….. well you get the picture. See yah later folks. I shall be very good so I can R(ise) If P(ossible) of course. Suzanne Watson Wasaga Beach
Elena Pendergast says
Crystal, I can’t believe what I just read, after seeing the news of your mother’s passing not too long ago. My heart goes out to you during this heartbreaking time of your life. Sending love and saying prayers for you & your family.
Sandra Ann McCarl says
Fred you are going to be deeply missed in our Community. And I will miss your friendly smiling face always willing to help! Love and hugs to all the family. You are surrounded by love! ❤️
Val and Phil Callus says
Fred you will be so missed in our neighbourhood! You did so much for the community and were loved by so many!
Our condolences to all the family!!
Karen McGirr says
Crystal and family. I met your dad when I moved into Hometown 9 years ago, he was walking, I just got home from work, he stopped and we started talking. Whenever I saw Fred he waved and had a smile and hello. We got to know each other when I cared for Brenda. We became friends and stayed in touch. You always had a smile and a warm hug. I will truly miss you. Now you are with the love of your life again. Thanks for the memories. Rest in paradise my friend. God bless you Crytal. Love Karen McGirr ❤️
Brenda Clark says
Sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time. I didn’t know Fred very well until he started our “singles” lunches in Country Meadows but quickly found him to be a very special person with a smile and hello for everyone! He will be missed.
Rob Ames says
It was with great shock and sadness upon hearing of Fred’s admittance to hospice and his passing. We saw him in July and enjoyed showing him the best of Edmonton. I didn’t think it would be the last time we met, but I do think he knew. Fred was quite simply the nicest person I ever met. Always smiling, caring of others, and a staunch optimist. I will particularly miss his wonderful writings in the ” wee coffee friends” chat group. It was an honour to have been your friend.
Peace.
Karin Ames says
FRED Im going to miss you so very much! The first time I saw you I almost cried. You had my dad’s face. He passed away in 2014.
You’ve been a good friend all the years, I’ve known you. I had no idea you were ill.
You kept it to yourself. Even while you were visiting us in Alberta. Im so very thankful now that we drove you all over Edmonton and showed you West Edmonton mall. It was a delight to hear you say wow over and over again
I now wished we would have had more time. There was more to see….
We had and still have the best Kaffeeklatsch group in Wasaga beach. Still it will never be the same without your hugs, smile and stories. You will be missed greatly!