FREDERICK WILLIAM DUPAS

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FREDERICK WILLIAM DUPAS

Fred was born June 17, 1943 to the late Robert Dupas and Martha (Weissig) Dupas. He was the fourth of seven children. Fred was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Art, Ed, Bob and sister Ruth.

On May 25, 1963 he married Patricia Cable. Together they had four children and many adventures. They were happy to celebrate 60 years of marriage.

Fred enjoyed a lengthy career as an electrician in California and Manitoba. Due to his high GPA in college, the US tried to recruit him during the Vietnam War. Once they found out he was married with a fourth child on the way they changed their minds. Fred retired from Boeing in1999. He taught courses at Red River College, fixed MRIs and was one of only two electricians nationwide who were qualified and flown out yearly to do maintenance shutdowns across Canada.

Fred was an inventor who designed and built many things. He had a strong interest in how all things worked. Many items he made would later be 'invented' and in stores 20 years after we had them. He was known for sharing his handyman gifts with other family members who had various projects, building, or electrical emergencies. If he couldn’t fix it, then it wasn’t worth fixing.

In retirement he continued working with his hands on all things electric, mechanical or wooden. He spent lots of time in his workshop crafting heirlooms for his family, especially his grandsons. He enjoyed time outdoors whether it was fishing, camping or working with the family to build the cottage at Lake of the Woods.

Fred also became interested in the culinary arts and had a full kitchen workshop. He was known for his outstanding pies and nut breads. We miss the wonderful aromas in the house as well as his gravy and the best stuffing we have ever tasted.

Being athletic, he played hockey and was a referee in California. In Winnipeg he volunteered at Laura Secord Community Club, was Hockey Convener, as well as coached hockey. He spent many wonderful years on and around the ice with friends and family. He was honoured to receive the Laura Secord Volunteer of the Year award.

An avid history buff he travelled to many places. He enjoyed road trips and cruises with Pat, his brother Ed and sister-in-law Marlene Dupas. They travelled from the west to east coast, throughout the Caribbean and even Hawaii. One of the more memorable trips was a cruise with all his brothers. He convinced them that wearing a tux was a 'spa day' for men.

Fred had a great voice and could pick up and play many instruments by ear. He enjoyed playing guitar and harmonizing with his brothers, Art, Ed, Bob and John who were also his very best friends. So much so, they opened a family business together giving city tours on double-decker buses. Family gatherings at the Dupas/Schoen households were very festive and musical. His great sense of humour, puns and witticisms will be greatly missed. (I don’t use a turn signal because it is nobody’s business where I am going).

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Patricia; daughter Kimberly (Robert); sons, Barton (Brandy), Edmond and Frederick; grandsons, Sebastian, Jack, Jessie, Sam and Ryker; brother John; sister Minnie as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2025