Obituary of Fred Loucks

LOUCKS, Frederick Sydney After enduring the devastating effects of a massive stroke with amazing courage and grace, Fred made his eternal transition on June 3rd, 2013 with his loving family and faithful friends constantly at his side. Fred has been a wonderful husband to Sharon; devoted brother of Clara Amelia (Jack) Becker; proud father of Fred (Jennie Marshall), Sam (Kairy Hennessey), Cam (Leslie Martin) and Gregg (Ronna Lockyer); committed step-father of Hilary and Graham (Michelle Giroux) Abbey; special grandfather of Eric and Abigail Loucks, Keegan, Samantha and Ethan Loucks, Jack and Fred Loucks, Emily and Ethan Martin; and committed papa of Emily Abbey-Rupnik. A life-time resident of St. Catharines in his 79th year, Fred was predeceased by his parents Frederick Sydney and Hilda Amelia Burtwell, his devoted wife Gayle Lily (1975), and his sister-in-law Joanne Austin. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Ellen Semple and Jane Dunphy and brother-in-law Rick Austen, his nieces, nephews and his amazing array of dedicated friends. Before establishing his own business as an antique dealer, Fred was a popular retailer on St. Paul Street at Arlies Sport Shop where he organized many memorable Mogul Busters Ski Trips to various mountain destinations in Canada, USA and Europe. An avid skier, Fred served as the Ontario representative for Holiday Valley and was a long-time member of the Ellicottville Ski Club in New York. He spent his early summers in Algonquin Park where he learned to appreciate the quiet solitude of nature, peaceful sunsets and the pristine northern lakes. Last summer, Fred participated in the Tour de Lac ride around Lake Ontario to raise funds for the cardiac unit at the new General Hospital and recently helped to appraise and sell the art collections and artifacts at the former St. Catharines General Hospital. Heartfelt thanks to the ICU staff at the former St. Catharines General Hospital, Isobel Stewart and nursing staff at the Stroke Centre of the Greater Niagara Falls General Hospital, Dr. Rick McMillan, Dr. Jack Luce, Dr. Galina Arvinte, Angie Coates (1 West nurses), Madeline Booth (2 West nurses), Janice Wright, Christine DuRoss and Sister Louise at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital. You are all amazing caregivers, treating Fred with such dignity and respect in the past few months. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines on Wednesday, June 5th from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, June 6th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Fred's life will take place on Friday, June 7th at 1 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration, 359 Grantham Ave., St. Catharines. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.