FREDERICK (FRED) FRANK BAYES

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FREDERICK (FRED) FRANK BAYES
April 14, 1928 - June 10, 2020

Fred was a wonderful husband to his beloved wife Joyce who we lost three and a half years ago. Fred doted on Joyce and never stopped asking for her even after her passing, and after his slipping in to the onset of his dementia. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was the best that any of us could have ever asked for.
An amazing man who left school at an early age during difficult times to help support his parents and sister, Fred didn't let his lack of formal education detract from his incredible drive and spirit. A bright, articulate, intelligent and extremely gentle soul, he would fearlessly take on any challenge to make his way forward in the world, and provide for his new young family. And provide he did. His many accomplishments included life on the farm at an early age before moving into the construction field and attaining his journeyman status as a carpenter. Work was scarce, so he shifted careers and joined the Winnipeg Police Force in 1951, and after walking the beat Downtown and riding Harley Davidsons as a constable, he achieved the rank of Detective.
Fred wanted better for his family, so he left the Police Force and purchased a restaurant, the Friendly Inn, in Virden, MB, and tried to make a go of it, but alas, it was not to be. He returned to Winnipeg and began managing construction projects before taking on the role as Manager of the Home Improvement division of Empire Sash and Door. Finally, it was time to get serious with his entrepreneurial skills, so he and his partner Bud started up their own small design/build construction company that did very well until it was time for a change. Then it was time to team up with his son Drew, for a 48 year long partnership in the world of construction. The first 18 years as F. Bayes and Son Design Builders, then the next 30 years as First General Services, where Fred was so proud to wear the company logo wherever he went.
He was fortunate to be able to take numerous trips to far away destinations with Joyce and family, with Portugal being one of his favourites. And of course the camping trips, the boating, the fishing and the waterskiing both in Manitoba and in Victoria, BC were very important, as were the many fond memories of life at Hillside Beach.
Fred had struggled with a serious hearing loss in the last few years, and coupled with his dementia, life became very difficult for him. But, when in the presence of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he would light up with immense joy, and life would be good for the moment.
Fred was not only predeceased by his loving wife Joyce, of 68 years, but by his daughter Cory (Rob), only three short months ago. He is survived by his four other children: Scott (Sonoko-D), Drew (Karen), Laurie (Harris-D, Tom) and Debbie (Greg), as well as 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Some thoughts below from some of those cherished grandchildren: "Gampa was a strong and stubborn man on the outside, with a heart of gold on the inside. He would do anything to help his family, and I am so lucky to have had him as my grandfather. I remember him building my house, walking around on the second story roof trusses, not afraid of falling, but afraid of Gamma finding out. I also remember him hiding beer caps all over my house!" - Kristen.
"Dad was an extraordinary man, not just to we, his family, but to the many people with whom he crossed paths. Dad loved animals and children and they loved him. He was Dad to his children, but he was Gampa to every child he met - from his grandchildren all the way down to their friends. To witness Dad and the way he was with his family, was to witness love. When Dad loved, he loved with a fierceness few have ever seen. Dad taught us so many things - how to manage money, how to shoot pool, how to clean a fish, but mostly he taught us how to love. Family was everything to Dad, and he was everything to us. He was our mentor, our guide, and our friend. We are blessed to have had him for our dad and we will miss him dearly." - Debbie and family.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the amazing staff on 2D at Riverview, whose care and compassion for our dad was over and above anything we could have ever asked for. Special thanks to Ashley, Sheldon, Ebele, Rachel, Iona, Mary Beth and Eden, you are angels without wings.While there are many great men in this world, our dad was truly a great man to us. Love you Dad.
Cremation has taken place, and a small family gathering will be arranged in the future.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity that is close to your hearts, should you wish.

For online condolences or to light a
memorial candle please log on to www.mosaicfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2020