Zander: Fred William,
(Founder of Zander Sod)
After a busy and fulfilling life, Fred passed away peacefully with family by his side, at his home on April 4, 2023. Fred Zander at the age of 90 years, beloved husband and very best friend of Steffi Kuhnert-Zander. Loving father of Claus Zander (Nancy), Mike Zander (Francine), and Ralph Stephan.
Dear brother of Klaus and predeceased by his sister Brigitte and brother Hansi. Also predeceased by his parents Carl and Katherina.
Forever in the hearts of his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and work associates.
Fred escaped from East Germany and arrived in Canada back in 1953. He worked in Ontario tobacco fields, dairies and other challenging jobs, having to learn English along the way. All this, prior to founding Zander Sod in 1957. He worked long hours. Serving on the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario Board for the good of the industry. Fred became known and respected as honest and hard working. He proved himself to be a problem solver and self-taught engineer (among all the things he designed, were a trailer for moving mowing equipment and a leveling beam to improve surface drainage). Fred worked the fields, continuously challenging himself to make operations more efficient but he most liked operating the bulldozer and mini-excavator.
He loved the outdoors; deep sea fishing, hiking in the Alps with Steffi and hiking in the Andes on the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu twice (once with his three sons, the second time with Steffi). In his 88th year Fred was zip lining thru the jungle in Costa Rica, he loved adventure, it kept him young! Fred cherished his time at his “church” cottage in Muskoka and going for a cruise in his boat the “Tere Tiki”. Although retired for 15 years, he was always busy with a variety of projects.
Fred volunteered on his condo board in Florida, helping with building maintenance and golf course renovations.
He enjoyed studying the German culture and keeping up traditions. Above all he cherished family and his close friends.
Cremation has taken place. Respecting Fred’s wishes, a family and close friends Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Special thanks go to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Southlake Cancer Care Centre in Newmarket, for the excellent care they provided to Fred; For those who wish, donations can be made in Fred’s memory, to the Southlake Regional Health Centre Newmarket – Stronach Cancer Care Centre.
Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham.
Service
Family and close friends Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
Rob and Kelly Poland says
Our sincere condolences ,
Kelly Hicks says
My condolences to the Zander family
Kelly Hicks
Larry and Carol-Lynne Smilsky says
We were so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Although we knew of his ill health, it was still a shock! We have many fond memories of industry conventions and parties with him. Although we were sometimes competitors, Fred was always fair in his negotiations. Many of our farms were “side by side” over the years and , when we sold our business to the Zanders, the turnover went unbelievably smoothly.
He was a well respected gentleman.
May all his family have wonderful memories to sustain them.
The Ammendolia Family. Angelo’s Garden Centre says
We offer the Zander family our heartfelt condolences and pray that Mr. Zander has eternal rest.
Our father Angelo Ammendolia knew Mr. Zander from the early 60’s when he started his landscape company. He always spoke of Fred with respect and admiration. In 1974 he opened
his Garden Centre and continued dealing with Fred.
It was funny to see Fred towering over my dad while joking and laughing together.
That is how I will remember him, laughing with my dad.
God bless
Duncan McGegor says
A life very well lived. I had the pleasure of growing up in Muskoka with Mike and Claus. often staying up late at night and eventually falling asleep in the Teri-Tiki . Fred would wake us up with a cold shower from the garden hose. Fred offered me my first job, driving a tractor, cutting the sod fields. Always a fair and principled man. An entrepreneur who brought innovation to the industry. R.I.P Fred Duncan
Dave & Sonya Boyd says
We are sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
Dave & Sonya Boyd
John and Johanna Fumerton says
Deepest sympathy to the Zander family. RIP Fred.
John and Johanna Fumerton and family.
Lyle and Louise Longhurst says
Our sincere condolences to the Zander family. It was always a pleasure and adventure when the opportunity arose to work with Fred. He valued others opinions and at the same time always spoke his mind. He would often say ” what do you need to make your job easier”, something you don’t hear very often. One of a kind.
Kim Ellison says
Claus, Mike and families. My deepest condolences for the loss of Fred. I worked for Fred at Zander Sod for three years in the early eighties. Fred was a hard working, fair owner and boss. Zander Sod had an employee manual that laid out the goals of the company and expectations for their employees. This was cutting edge and ahead of its time. Rest in peace Fred.
Kim Ellison.
Attila and Marion Glatz says
Our deepest condolences to the Zander family and especially Steffi who cared for Fred with love and devotion. We are honoured to have known Fred. He was a dear friend.
We will miss him sadly.
Fred, you may not be here anymore but you are still in our hearts. May your soul rest in peace.
Russ Matson says
Our Sincere condolences to the Zander family Mr Zander was an amazing man and a pleasure to work for always upbeat and ready to work but always having time to stop and speak to his employees he will be missed greatly .
Russ and Sue Matson
Mark fairty says
Fred Zander was a very hard working man my father Howard fairty were friends I can remember my father and fred piling sod together long time ago with one of Brouwer first harvesters he had a double deck trailer the sod went to Montreal for the Olympic Games Bruce evans had the contact u were a good man fred
Darrel Winter says
The family and staff at Wintermere Sod send our condolences to the whole Zander family for their loss, and we hope you celebrate his life and the great memories you have had with him.
Vanderwoude Sod says
Our sincere condolences to the Zander family with the passing away of your dear Dad ♥️
From all of us at Vanderwoude Sod Farms
marc ronan says
Sincere condolences to the Zander family on the death of a great man and farher Fred from the Ronan Family
Terry and Connie Kowalski says
I was only 14 years old rolling sod and loading trucks by hand, not strong or tall enough to reach to place the sod on the truck, my father and others loaded for me. The man on the truck was Mr. Zander. He was a special and nice man. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and the landscape industry.
Mike and Mark Chiarot , and the guys at Glen Eagle says
He has built a legacy from all his hard work , and his name will graciously continue to carry on for many years in his absence. This helps to comfort us all in this time of loss .
PETER J PRIDHAM says
Condolences from marie logan and family
Dave hupple says
My deepest Condolence to The Zander Family. It was a blessing to know Mr Zander.
Annelis Schultz says
My sincerest condolences to the Zander family – I have fond memories of the many social gatherings we were fortunate to enjoy with Fred over the years.
May he rest in Peace.
Annelis
Gerda Frings says
Our heartfelt condolences to Steffi and the entire Zander family; what a sad loss for all those that knew him. Fred was a kind and generous man, a man of principale, courage and great integrity. He was a true friend to me and my family for close to 60 years. I am extremely honored to have known such a good man.
Ruhe in Frieden mein Freund –
Gerdi Frings
Hank and Betty Lou Vanderpost says
Klaus,, Mike, and family: Our deepest sympathy to the Zander families. Cherish the good memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hank and Betty Lou Vanderpost
Paige says
I would like to express my condolences to your family. It is very heartbreaking to lose a loved one in death. The Bible gives us comfort and hope. Jehovah Our heavenly father said that he will swallow up death forever (Isaiah 25:8). Jesus Christ assurances us that he will resurrect our loved ones back to life. Acts 24:15, there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. As you mourn the lost of your loved one you can find comfort in the future to come and take comfort that God is there to comfort you doing this time ( 2Corinthians 1:3,4)
Barry and Donna Jebb says
Klaus, Mike and families:
We are sorry to hear of your loss, your dad certainly kept busy and you will surely have some great memories.
Thinking of you all.
Barry & Donna Jebb
Dave hupple says
My deepest Condolence to The Zander Family. It was a blessing to know Mr Zander.
Derrick says
My Deepest Sympathy’s to the Zander Family.Mr Zander would asked for the east coaster whe He needed my help.
Janet Fourier says
Deepest condolences from
Mr. Mark, Janet Roth and f
Family
Brent Rogers says
My sincerest condolences to the Zander family. I was fortunate to have had numerous business dealings with Fred and the entire Zander team. May he rest in peace.