WIGLEY
Mr. Frederick William Wigley
1922 - 2011
Mr. Fred Wigley of Stettler passed away on January 15, 2011 at the age of 88 years. Fred was born on June 21, 1922 in the Garden Plains area of Alberta which is just south of Castor. He was the fourth child born to Charles and Rose Wigley. Fred began his schooling at Corrine School however could not finish there. The family moved to Castor in 1936 and it was here that Fred completed his schooling in 1937. He then went on to work at various jobs in and around the Castor area. World War II started and Fred joined the army in January of 1940. After he joined the army, he was transferred to camp Borden near Barrie, Ontario where he took his training. While at Barrie, he met Lorena Peacock and they married. Fred was then transferred overseas, and while overseas a daughter was born to Fred and Lorena, they named her Shirley. When discharged form the army in 1946, Fred came back to Canada and to Barrie, Ontario, and returned home to Lorena and his daughter Shirley. The family moved back to Castor but unfortunately Fred’s marriage to Lorena did not last, and she and their daughter Shirley moved back to Ontario. Fred then moved on with his life and was reunited with his childhood sweetheart Grace. They were married and together they raised their three children. After the war ended, Fred worked on farms and in coal mines around Castor and Trochu. In 1951, he started work for BA Oil Company on the rigs. After working hard on the rigs, he was hired on as an operator and finished his working career as a meter technician. He retired from BA Oil Company or Gulf Oil in 1982 after 31 years of service. Upon retirement, Fred could not sit still and do nothing. He decided to take on more work to keep boredom from setting in. He worked for the Stettler Independent, Skaley Construction, Stettler Motors, was an oilfield inspector and the odd time worked as a welders helper for his son Fred Jr. Fred was an active member of his community. He volunteered his time to many service groups. He was a 50 year member of the Stettler Elks Club, a member of the Stettler Legion for many years, a Scout Master, hockey player, hockey coach, ball player, ball coach, loved to curl and was always interested in golfing, fishing and hunting. If all of this was not enough, Fred would also call bingo on occasion because he just did not like to sit still. Fred was a very strong family man and would do anything within his power to help his family. Fred was predeceased by his wife Grace in 2008, son Ross Wigley, son-in-law Doug Young, sisters Lucy Marshall and Grace Remillard and one brother Charles Wigley during World War II. Fred was also predeceased by his parents Charlie and Rose Wigley. He is survived by his daughter Shirley Young of Barrie, Ontario, Freddie Wigley (Liz Sweere) of Stettler and Leanna Wigley (Steve McKay) of Stettler. Grandchildren Jason Wigley, Jeremy (Christine) Wigley, Stacey Johnstone and Bryan Johnstone. Great-grandchidlren Tyson Wigley, Megan Wigley, Bryanna Johnstone, Quinton Johnstone and Teagan Wigley, brothers Bill (Mabel) Wigley of Lacombe, George Wigley of Edmonton, and Richard (Pam) Wigley of Mission, BC and sister Betty Kubinchak of Red Deer as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Stettler United Church on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. Mervyn Penfound and the Rev. Bill Wigley officiating. Interment followed in the Lake View Cemetery, Stettler with the reception & fellowship immediately following in the Christian Education Wing of the Stettler United Church, graciously served by members of the Stettler UCW. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Fred, memorial contributions may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements. 403.742.3315.