Obituary of FRED KNECHTEL

KNECHTEL, Fred W. of Port Dover passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday November 19, 2014 at Norfolk General Hospital in his 86th year. Loving father of Wendy Knechtel (Kirby) Collins, Debbie (Bob) Hunter, Peter, Diane (Ernie) Natte and David (Terry) all of Port Dover. Proud grandfather of Alex, Ryan, Jake,Jordan, Gerrit, Calvin and Laken. Fred will be missed by his sisters Jean (Allan) Goodwin of Aurora, Ohio, Joyce (Don) White of Stoney Creek and brother-in-law Howard Tackaberry of Winnipeg. Predeceased by his wife Betty, parents Fred and Hilda, brother Donald and sister Doreen. To some, it appeared that Fred just loved to work, but really he loved people. Work was his way to be with people. Whether it was working as a carney, escorting stars at the Brant Inn, managing at the Summer Garden, patrolling the streets as a Port Dover policeman, running a restaurant, or ultimately, at the age of 85, operating his funky beach store in Dover's old bowling alley. All of this enabled him to be connected to people. Anytime any of these people needed something, he was always there for them. He loved the people who worked with him... he loved the fact that all his kids stayed with him... he loved that his grandkids were joining in the business, but most of all he loved Betty. Rest in Peace Dad. Friends are invited to meet with family to share memories of Fred on Sunday November 23, 2014 from 2pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 9pm at THOMPSON WATERS FUNERAL HOME 102 First Ave. Port Dover (519)-583-1530. A service to Celebrate Fred's Life will be held on Monday November 24, 2014 at Grace United Church corners of Chapman and St.George Sts. at 1pm. Reverend Jeff Smith officiant. For those wishing, donations to the Simcoe and District Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca