"He was an ordinary fellow,
When in times of war and strife
Went off to serve his country
And offered up his life".
It is with great sadness the Moritz family wish to announce the passing of Fredrick Joseph Moritz. A decorated WW11 veteran, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather taken from this world on December 31, 2021 in Maple Ridge B.C.
A proud son of Saskatchewan, Fred's heart never left his birthplace and childhood home of Gull Lake. Born to Gladys and Gustav Moritz in 1919, Fred grew to manhood during the turbulent post WWI era of brief economic revival, the subsequent awful depression, and the unforgettable youthful vitality the music of the big bands he loved gave to the world.
An early WW11 volunteer, Fred joined the R.C.A.F. serving with such distinction he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal(D.F.M.) at Buckingham Palace August 5,1942 London, England by H.R.M. King George VI, for meritorious service and bravery during one of several missions flown over occupied Europe during the course of the war.
Leaving the R.C.A.F. at the conclusion of WWII, Fred moved to Vancouver with his first wife Dorothy, began raising his family and started a long career with the Canadian Pacific Railway, culminating in a fulfilling retirement in Maple Ridge, B.C..
Fred, a celebrated centenarian, leaves to mourn his true legacy in life: wife of 43 years Karen; daughters Suzanne and Barbara(David); sons John and Rodney(Monica); Grandsons Jason(Tracy) and Daniel(Kath); granddaughters Alysa, and ShanShan; great-granddaughters Sarah and Tynley; and great-grandson Cruz.
Also left to mourn and remember him are the members of his second cherished family: stepson Scott and stepdaughter Lee-Erin; brothers-in law Norm and Darryl, their spouses and children
Fred's family would like to thank the staff at Ridge Meadows Hospital for the care and attention given to him during his final days.
Those wishing to personally remember Fred are invited to make a donation in his name to your nearest branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
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