1934 - 2011
Mr. Fredrick William Flannery of Kamloops, B.C. passed on peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2011 at 77 years of age with his wife of 56 years, Carla Peggy, at his side.
He is survived by his loving wife Carla; two daughters: Kathy Flannery of Kamloops, B.C. and Karen (Stephen Shipley) Flannery of Qualicum Beach, B.C.; six grandchildren: Aehron Flannery, Adam Walker, Ben Walker, Lucas Flannery, Bryon Flannery and Rebecca Walker; one great-granddaughter: Addison Walker; two sisters: Violet Joseph and Patricia Kowalchuk; one brother: Thomas (Marilyn) Flannery; brother-in-law Jack Russell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Fred was predeceased by his parents Mr. and Mrs. William and Kathleen Flannery; sister Edith Russell; brothers-in-law Joe Joseph and John Kowalchuk.
Fred was born in 1934, left home at the age of 16, and spent the next two years working in Carberry, Manitoba on a farm and then in Winnipeg, working for a hardware store. Fred moved to Vancouver in 1953, where he met his wife on Valentine’s Day at a dance at the YMCA. In 1955, Fred and Carla married and lived in North Vancouver, where they had two children, Kathy and Karen. Fred got a job as a carpenter’s apprentice building homes, then went to night school to learn the trade. It was evident that he had chosen the right career as he was a passionate perfectionist in his work. In 1957 at age 23, he quit his job, started Flannery Construction and built 45 homes. He designed most of his homes and built a reputation of excellence. He then moved on to commercial projects, doing work with the Parks Board, various school districts, municipalities and corporations within B.C. When bidding his jobs he had the uncanny ability to visualize a project and calculate the scope and total building costs in his head, in a matter of hours. He was a genius in the construction field; in less than 10 years he completed over 66 projects including schools in Lillooet and Williams Lake and the school bus garage in 100 Mile House as well as several renovations for the school district.
In 1966 Fred was awarded a hospital project in 100 Mile House, and the family re-located to start the next chapter of their lives. Fred was a true entrepreneur. He purchased a redi-mix business, then built and operated a building supply store. At the same time he built an apartment and four duplexes. He continued in construction on a smaller scale with a gas station, several houses and renovations. In 1984, Fred built a Government wharf and a store in Bella Coola, which were to be his last projects. Fred spent the last 10 years of his working career as a logging contractor.
Fred was a family man - family was one of the most important things in his life. His work was his passion, but he also loved the solitude found outdoors and in nature. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Rotary Club for over 10 years, and spent many hours in the curling rink. Unfortunately both activities cut into his work time and he had to give them up. His hobbies were tinkering in the shop and dreaming up future projects.
Fred sadly succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease at an early age (diagnosed in 1996). In 2001, Fred moved to Kamloops into Overlander Residential Care where he lived until his death. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace.
The funeral service was held at Pipestone United Church, Pipestone, Manitoba on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Dwight Rutherford officiating. Interment followed at the Pipestone Cemetery.
Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home, 72 Whiteshield Crescent, Kamloops, B.C., V2E 2S9
Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home (1-204-522-3361), Neil Redpath & Kurt Ardron.
To send condolences or memories to the family, please visit www.redpathfuneralhome.com