(July 13, 1935 – October 15, 2016)
Died peacefully in his sleep in Vernon, BC. Born in Hay River, Northwest Territories to Harry and Polly Camsell (nee Carter), both deceased. Pre-deceased by sister Carol, brothers Denny, Thomas, Bobby, and Ernie. Survived by his long-time partner Sandra Jo Sutton and her daughters Renee and Frances, his sisters Margaret and Maisie, and brothers Doug and Terry. Fred was married in 1959 in Clinton, ON to Elizabeth (nee Joyce) who now resides in Port Wade, NS. They have four children, James Camsell (Janet), St. John’s, NL; Leah (Paul) Elzinga, North Bay, ON; Jennifer Camsell (Dan Campbell), Beaver Bank, NS, ON; and Sarah Camsell (Paul Richards), Windsor, NS. He has three grandchildren - Michael Camsell-Elzinga (26), and Rowan (6) and Ewan (3) Campbell. Fred joined the Royal Canadian Air Force 1952 as a Radar Technician and retired in 1990 as Base Chief-Warrant Officer, CFB Chilliwack, BC, serving in many bases and stations across Canada during the Cold War. He worked for Frontec in Cambridge Bay, NU as the site supervisor from 1990-1995 and then as a commissionaire in Lumby, BC from 1995-2013. He lived his final days with Sandra Jo and a large circle of friends, and continued his outdoor pursuits including canoeing the Mackenzie River with his brother Terry from Fort Providence to Inuvik (1000 miles in 25 days) in 2009. Known to be a poor driver who owned many dated vehicles which would embarrass his children and friends alike, Fred was an avid hunter and fisherman who made numerous friends across Canada and was known to like a good scotch or two at the campfire. He was a member of the Inuvialuit Trust – the Inuit of Canada’s Western Arctic. Fred had great wit and humour, and was a strong crib player and curler. He was renowned for his knowledge and story-telling of the North, and was very proud of the Camsell family’s role there since 1869. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, and long-time friends. Fred’s life will be celebrated at the Legion (2016 Miller St.) in Lumby on November 8, 2016 from 2-5 pm. Fred’s ashes will be interred with his parents in Hay River in the summer of 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Legion Poppy fund would be appreciated.