It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick Fielding Bryson, peacefully at home on June 12, 2022. Fred was born January 18, 1947 to Helen and Fred Bryson in the former Fort William, Ontario and spent his entire life in Thunder Bay.
The day of his passing was spent with his six grandchildren and he couldn’t have been happier. All the kids loved their “Poppem”. Much of his early retirement was spent with his grandchildren. He drove them to and from school, attended special events and had sleep overs with trips to Mario’s Bowl. He kept every drawing, craft, and card that they ever gave him.
Fred met his best friend and soulmate Patricia at fifteen and were together for 46 years. They were married October 18, 1968 and started their family shortly thereafter. Their song was “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. Patricia was his centre of his universe and her passing left him broken hearted.
As a father, Fred was heavily involved in Neebing Minor Hockey with son Tim, spending countless hours at the rink. From an early age, he involved daughter Kristen in teaching at summer school and taking her to work with him.
Fred was a graduate of Lakehead University and received his Master’s Degree in Special Education under the tutelage of Dr. Lou Brown at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He became an educator, teaching at Twinhaven, Vice-Principal of Pine Street School, Vance Chapman, Ecole Gron Morgan, Lakeview Highschool, and Hammarskjold Highschool. He also had his first teaching experiences in Fort Hope and Mine Centre as a young graduate in the early 70’s. Fred retired in January 2004.
Fred was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and was a tireless advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, being the founder of both Avenue I and Avenue II in Thunder Bay. He was instrumental in the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular classrooms and participation in extracurricular activities. He was dedicated to teaching, sometimes helping students get ready for school and assisting parents, all of this on his own time. Students and former students were always welcome at his home and visited on a regular basis.
Fred was a member of Fort William Lodge A.F.A.M #415 and was a Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master. He had a passion for freemasonry and enjoyed the camaraderie and history of the Lodge. He met many of his close friends through the Lodge, including Steve Beyer, Chris Onofreychuk, Frank McLean and Ian Sugg.
Fred enjoyed local history, especially of the Avenue and Leland Hotels, owned by the McCreanor family, preserving many artifacts from these establishments.
Genealogy was a passion for Fred, and he compiled an impressive family tree with many relatives in Ireland and Canada. He loved Ireland and the colour green! He was able to visit the “old sod” with his parents and connect with many relatives. As a youth, he also enjoyed golf and passed the love of the game to his grandchildren Eric-John and Sam. His favourite golfer, Irishman Rory McIlroy won one for Fred on the day of his passing. He was an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan since childhood and had a love of music, specifically the works of Leonard Cohen.
Fred is survived by his daughter Kristen (Eric) Niemi, son Timothy Bryson as well as six grandchildren, Eric-John Niemi (Jill Johns), Samuel Niemi, Shea Niemi, Paige Bryson, Zephan Bryson, Ryan Bryson, nieces and nephews from the Phillips family whom he loved dearly as well as cousins Don (Nancy) Burton and Glenn (Susan) Burton , Sandra Von Seggern and other cousins survive. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia, parents Helen and Fred Bryson and In-laws Alan and Olive Phillips. Fred also loved his pets past and present; dogs, Topper, Freddie, Finnegan, Bogie, Archie and cat Jesse.
Private funeral services will be held a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northern Cardiac Fund at TBRHSC.
