Passed away suddenly but peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Huntsville Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.
Son of the late Fred and Emilie (Hall) Midgley. Predeceased by his sister Pat Midgley. Devoted Husband of Dana Page. Loving and caring father of his children: Cheryl and her husband Andrew Darlington; Leslie and her fiancé Jeff Lamb; Douglas and his partner Raine French. Grandfather to Matt, Ali and Tullsi.
Dana:
A very bright boy from Lawrence Park,
blithely set out on life’s walk:
For a job at seventeen
he was most keen.
Ma Bell gave work to this boy
and he found it a joy.
Selling Chung King and Carnation Milk
to all those grocers was just his ilk.
Sales Manager for Polaroid he was my boss,
when he left for Ampex ‘twas a loss.
Owning JPS in Thornhill,
Toyota and Jaguar thought he fit the bill.
Then, the successful young man from Lawrence Park
bought a golf course on a lark.
He retired at forty-five
assuming he could survive.
Over the years so many women he caught,
‘tis a wonder he wasn’t shot.
He made it all the way to seventy eight’
when the big boy walked out and closed the gate.
Cheryl:
Although he may have been “Fast Freddie” to others, to us he was always our Dad. He was handsome and smart and cool. And behind that cool façade was a heart of mush. He may not have said it often, but we always knew that he loved us and was proud. We always knew that whatever we asked of him, he’d be there. Something as simple as painting a room together will now always be treasured. If only to have one more day to tell him how much he will be missed and meant to us. Thank you for being our Dad.
Leslie:
His sense of bravado entered the room before he did. He was strong and bold and witty. A man, a mentor, and a wonderful grandfather who never held back what he thought to make sure we had nothing but the best. He taught me that the relationships can only grow deeper and stronger with age and that family is the most important one of all. A tough shell that held the softest of interiors, his heart was always on his sleeve. He taught me never to look back (unless to lauh at myself for my mistakes) but to hold my head up high as he always did, even to the end. Those blue eyes were one of a kind and I will miss them each and every day. I know he was proud of his children, because it shone in those blue eyes.
Dana:
True to his character he left nothing undone or unsaid. He did it his way, and in his words; “I have no regrets.” He was much loved and will forever be missed.
NAVIN MAHARAJ
Fred gave me my first job at Japan Car Sales in 1970. He had class and style and always smiling. He should have been a model for GM since he fitted the Corvette so well. Him and I spent some time building a dune buggy for his son Doug. Fred was one of a kind , a mountain amongest hills. My heart goes out to his family,Fran , Doug and Cheryl. God rest his soul . Fred, thank you.
BOB SPORTUN
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE WHOLE FAMILY …. BIGGGG HUGGGSZZZ …. SPORTO ……
BOB SPORTUN
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE WHOLE FAMILY …… BIGGG HUGGGSZZZ ……. SPORTO …… XOX
BOB SPORTUN
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE WHOLE FAMILY …… BIGGGGG… HUGGSZZZ …. SPORTO …. XOX
Gary and Judy Macklaim
We are so sorry to hear about the lost of Fred he will be missed! You are in our thoughts!
Les Szawlowski
He was a good man! He will be missed
Jamie Mitchell
Cheryl,
I was very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing.
We are thinking about on during this sad time.
Jamie & Mary Anne Mitchell
Deanna & Dave Shaw
So very sorry to hear about our “neighbour”” Fred. We loved having him and Dana across the street and missed them after they moved. Dana
Penny Long
My heart felt sympathy goes out to all of Fred’s family.I know he will be missed, & I will always smile @ the happy times we all had together thru the years.
God Bless, Penny Long.
Dan Patterson
Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. My sympathy goes out to Fred’s extended family. I met Fred , Fran and his family when I first moved to Hidden Valley many years ago and have many fun memories of the golf course days . Fred was a one of a kind and is probably driving the fastest car he could find on his current adventure.
Shirley & Don Woodard
Dana, sorry to hear about Fred’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Yvonne Heath
Wow! What a wonderful way to honour your dad! Beautiful words. You will always be connected! Sending you love! xo
Terry and Sue Strain
To the Midgley family our condolences. Many happy memories and experiences with Fred , Fran, and our families. We send our love.
Vivian Sammons
Dear DanaI am so sorry for your loss, he will be waiting for Norma when she arrives…..If you need to talk please don’t hesitate to call….I am in the book….
Tiri
Dear Fran, Doug, Cheryl, Leslie, Dana and families,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I am so sorry and sad to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a gentleman and a gentle man and I’ll miss him. Fred was one of a kind and girls, you’re right … he loved all of his children dearly.