September 23, 2020
On September 23, 2020, at the age of 83, Fred passed away at the Wrinch Memorial Hospital in Hazelton. Born in Cranbrook B.C. to Florence (Stocking) and Nelson Roisum, he was the middle of 5 children.
As a child Fred spent time in Stewart BC, Ocean Falls and Richmond BC.
In 1954 he decided that pounding nails in the Family Construction Business was not for him, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy at the age of 17 and became an electrician, retiring in 1974. While stationed in Halifax Nova Scotia, he met Helen (Bent) who became his wife and partner in many adventures over the next 62 years.
Fred and Helen started out raising their 6 children on Vancouver Island. The desire to leave suburbia and head for more rural pastures struck, and in June of 1975 with 6 kids, 2 horses, 2 dogs and 3 vehicles, Fred moved his family to 51 Km on the Kispiox Valley Road.
Fred and Helen quickly became immersed in the Valley Life and contributed many, many hours as volunteers in this community that would forever more be "home". Fred believed strongly in Civic duty and for 20 + years served as the Area B Director for the Kitimat Stikine Regional District and serving on many local boards.
His varied careers included: Electrician, Pinkerton (yes, he got his man!), tow truck driver, farmer, politician, business owner, maintenance man and millworker, But his favourite job of all, was driving the local School Bus and picking up kids along the Kispiox Valley Road and in the Kispiox Village.
Fred's many hobbies included: swimming, farming, reading, bird watching, local thespian, local history, fly tying, leather work, beekeeping, and being one of the Four Fat Fryers. He was an intelligent, funny, caring and hardworking man who enriched the lives of his family and the many who knew him.
Fred leaves behind his Wife Helen; children Nelson Roisum (Valerie), Braunwyn Henwood (Robert), Jennifer Mathews (Richard), Joanne de Vries (Johann); son-in-law Rick Cervo; grandchildren Christopher Lydick, Anthony Roisum, Charmaine Roisum, Brian Prince, Anna Cervo, Barry Wolfenden, Heather Roisum, Savanna Henwood, Zachary Henwood, Danielle Verhelst, Ashley Lattie, Gabrielle Lattie, Geoffrey Lattie, Andrew Roisum, Brenna Roisum, and Shasa de Vries;
great grandchildren Adelleah Lattie, Harris Lamont, Ellie Lamont, Clifford Roisum and Bonnie Blue Henwood.
Predeceased by his daughter Marlane Cervo in 2013 and son Wayne Roisum in 2018.
The family would like to Thank the Dr's, Nurses and staff at Wrinch Memorial Hospital who did a great job of looking after Fred and his family during this time.
Special thanks to son-in-laws Johann de Vries and Rob Henwood who went over and above helping to care for Fred.