Obituary of Fred Grespan

<h1>Fred Grespan</h1> In his 88th year, Fred passed away peacefully at St Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday June 23, 2007. He was beloved husband to Enes, with whom he shared the past 61 years in marriage. His family was the centre of his life and Fred was a loving and devoted father of Rebecca Renwick of Toronto, Paul and his wife JoAnn of Kitchener, Sonja Adele Anderson of Cairns Australia, Michele of Toronto, Peter of Toronto, and Janine and husband David Sharp of Kitchener. He took great pride in his grandchildren Erica Renwick, Lakin, Laura and Sierra Anderson, Benjamin Shore, Jesse and Bram Sharp. Also, Fred is survived by his brother Monsignor Vito Grespan of Chatham and sister Ida Lee Grespan of Kitchener. He is predeceased by his sister Angela Adele and his daughter Claudia Ann. As a very young man, Fred served Canada in the Second World War (WWII) as an active member of The Royal Canadian Air Force. Community service was a significant focus in Fred’s life. Throughout his life long dedication to the community of Kitchener/Waterloo, he was Governor and Vice-Chairman of Conestoga College, Vice-President of the Grand River Conservation Authority and President and Honorary Life Member of the Children’s Aid Society. He served as Director of the KW Federated Appeal and the KW Welfare Council, as well as taking his place as Vice President of the Administrative Management Society and Judge of the Unemployment Insurance Court. His professional life in Kitchener included positions as chief financial controller for Smiles’n’Chuckles Ltd, partnership with Don Nurse in Ainsworth Press and co-ownership with Glen Peister, of McLean –Peister Landscaping; retiring from his career in 1985. His personal life was a rich passionate blend of dedication to his many and varied intellectual pursuits and his Italian heritage. He enjoyed the study and debate of history, politics and economics and had a passion for creating his own wine and cheese. Devoted to his fellow Italian Canadians, he was a founding member of the Italian Cortina Club of Kitchener and this club was the centre of his social life during retirement. Fred loved to travel and he took great pleasure in learning first hand about other countries and cultures. His many trips included Egypt, Australia, The British Isles, Europe and South America. As a devoted member of the congregation of St Teresa Parish Church, the Nocturnal Adoration Society and Leoknights, Fred pursued his spiritual and philosophical interests with enormous enthusiasm and dedication. ********************************************************************** Friends are invited to share memories of Fred with his family at the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, on Monday June 25, 2007 between 7-9pm and on Tuesday June 26 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. The Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Fred’s life will be held at St. Teresa RC Church, 44 Leonard St, Kitchener on Wednesday June 27, 2007 at 11AM. A reception will follow in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. A private family interment will be held at Marymount Cemetery, Guelph. Condolences for the family and donations to the Comboni Missionaries, Heart &amp; Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the St Vincent de Paul Society may be arranged through the funeral home 519 745 8445 or at www.erbgood.com. In living memory of Fred, a tree will be planted through the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.