Sydney, NS
September 29, 1939 – February 25, 2025
The family of Fred wishes to announce his passing at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Fred was born to Weston and Gertrude Lewis, Point Edward, Nova Scotia.
He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Leah; and brother, Leonard.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Cheryl; sons, Kirby (Jecca), Dana (Renee) and Corey (Lindsay); grandchildren, Aden, Rachel (Justin), Kaleb, Sydney, Riley and Myles; brother, Eric; and many nieces and nephews.
Life on a dairy farm was not in Fred’s plan. He attended mechanics school in Halifax, returned to Sydney and was owner of the Irving station on Townsend Street for many years. Fred then worked for the Provincial Government as an Inspector for Motor Vehicles which saw him travel to all sorts of nooks and crannies around the province, visiting gas stations, inspecting big rigs, making the roads a safer place. Upon his retirement, Fred spent time at the Alderdale Greens Golf Club, working with his brother, Eric.
As a member of Cape Breton Drivers Association, Fred was a driver for many festivals around Cape Breton, his favourite gig was taking VIPS for the Celtic Colours to venues where they needed to be, adding his own travelling commentary and sharing his knowledge about Nova Scotia. He also enjoyed taking visitors from the cruise ships on private tours of the Island, always providing special stories and jokes along the way.
Fred had a wonderful sense of humour, was always ready with a joke or a story. He made friends wherever he went and with whomever he spoke to, no matter if it was in Cape Breton or his travels across North America. Fred had many adventures travelling but loved seeing his Cape Breton the most.
Fred was an acting and founding member of the Cabot Snowmobile Club and was involved with the Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia, in which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the sport. Snowmobiling was Fred’s passion, especially in his beloved Cape Breton Highlands, later he would be grooming the trails. Fred could be found in the many trails, or at the Pig and Whistle, meeting up with friends new and old. Fred made a positive impact on everyone who met him.
Fred was generous with his time and knowledge, sharing both anytime. Many people relied on Fred for advice on car issues, snowmobile problems, trail questions, or life in general. Fred was always up for a good conversation.
Fred will be so very missed by his family. His devoted wife, Cheryl cherished every minute with her Freddy. His sons learned so much from their Dad, and have many, many happy memories of being outdoors camping, fishing, driving, hiking, snowmobiling and spending time with him. His love of the outdoors has been passed down to his sons and grandchildren, who also love to camp and hike. The boys often talk about always having a dirt bike, car, motorcycle or any other vehicle for their use. They all learned to drive in the field behind the house. Fred was the best friend, father, and person anyone could have met.
Words can’t express how thankful we are to EHS, CBRH, ER staff, Dr. McDonnell and 4C, and the angels on 4E who gave Fred such a peaceful passing.
Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel on Saturday, March 1st from 2-5 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Cabot Snowmobile Club cabotsnowmobileclub@yahoo.com
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