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Fred Mooibroek

Image by Nick Andréka

FREDERIK "FRED" MOOIBROEK

January 17, 1930 - October 29, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederik Mooibroek, at the age of 91 years, having lived a full and healthy life.

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Fred will be remembered by his sons, Maynard (Marilyn) Hamilton, Ontario, and John (Anna Scaletta) Winnipeg, Manitoba; daughters Cindy (Bob) Hankey, Longville Minnesota; Marilyn (David Lau)) Calgary, Alberta; and Sandra Waterloo, Ontario; grandchildren Brandon Hankey (Kelsey Schultz), Ben Hankey (Brittany Borek), Eric Lau, Anneka Oudyk (Robert Nelson), Nick Oudyk and Luke Oudyk; great grandchildren Gustav and Lilia Hankey; brother Arthur (Teresa) Mooibroek, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

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Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Meint and Jantje Mooibroek; his wife of 67 years Margaret (July 2020); his elder siblings and their spouses; and his granddaughter Maren Hankey (2019).

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Fred was born in Zwartemeer, Netherlands, the second youngest of seven children. After high school, he completed a degree in electrical engineering at the Technical School of Groningen. Shortly thereafter, at age 22, Fred emigrated to Canada settling in Winnipeg. To gain standing with the Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba, Fred wrote the final examinations of the University of Manitoba 4-year electrical engineering program (in English). Most of his career as a professional engineer was working for the Department of National Defense, where he was a leader and a valued colleague, responsible for the electrical systems design in defense bases across Canada. He put pride into and loved his work.

 

Fred met the love of his life Margaret in Winnipeg in 1953, shortly after each had arrived from the Netherlands. They married in 1954 and chose to stay in Winnipeg; primarily in the Ehn Park area. As empty nesters, they enjoyed many years at Evergreen Place, valuing the community there as well.

 

Fred was a self-taught, avid woodworker, enjoying hours in his garage workshop, designing, and building furniture. His home was filled with his creations, as were the homes of his children and others. In addition, Fred built a 22-foot cabin cruiser, when this boat proved too 'small,' Fred dedicated six years to building a 32-foot cruiser, aptly named "Margaret". During the summer months, Fred and Margaret relaxed living aboard their boat at Winnipeg Beach, entertaining guests or just enjoying the peace and quiet of lake life with their fellow boaters. During the fall and winter months, they visited their children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, plus were regular attendees and supporters of the Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

 

Fred formed many long-lasting friendships, first as a member of the Kildonan Christian Reformed Church and later as an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg. Fred especially enjoyed discussions with the Free Thinkers group and ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He will be remembered as a person who loved reading, reflection, discussion, music, walking and being with friends.

 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Grace and Misericordia Hospitals, for the caring provided tor-red during his last months of life. A special tribute to Bonnie Thiessen, Pastoral Care UU Church and to John Kruizinga, CRC ... beyond expectations.

 

In accordance with Fred's wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity close to your heart.

 

With wonder and pride, we grieve and celebrate with you, the community /communities of which our Dad and Mom, received from and contributed to. 

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Fred’s family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.

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We invite you to join us in a virtual celebration of life for our parents Fred and Margaret Mooibroek. The celebration will be held on:

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Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 1 pm CT

(2 pm in ON, 12 pm in AB, 11 am in BC)

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This service will be hosted and facilitated by Rev. Meghann Robern of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg.

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To connect to the zoom meeting click on this text

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To connect to the zoom meeting by phone, use any of the following numbers:


One tap mobile:

+17789072071,,99370625719# Canada
+12042727920,,99370625719# Canada


Dial by your location
       +1 778 907 2071 Canada
       +1 204 272 7920 Canada
       +1 438 809 7799 Canada
       +1 587 328 1099 Canada
       +1 647 374 4685 Canada
       +1 647 558 0588 Canada


Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abGbXIZvNu

If requested on your connection, use:

Meeting ID: 993 7062 5719
Passcode: 994672

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Ray Postuma

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I first met Fred in the early 1950’s when he would visit his family on Dawson Road outside Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), ON. Friendships developed in 1963 when I moved to Winnipeg for medical studies and boarded with his friends, the Eisses family in Fort Garry. Fred and Margaret were delightful. Jane and I shared numerous events and conversations with them over the many years, including boating trips on Lake Winnipeg. All the more special because the builder was also our captain, Fred! Thank you family for a great tribute to a wonderful person, your dad and Opa and our friend who we now miss.  Ray Postuma, Winnipeg

Peter and Darlene Bosma

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I was a boy of ten , when we attended the wedding of Fred and Margaret in Winnipeg in 1954 (we lived on the Caskey farm in Longburn Manitoba at the time). It was not until 1968 they were able to reciprocate by attending our wedding in Kenora.  !957 was the beginning of the many trips for the Mooibroeks to the Rainy River district when Dad and Mom bought their own farm in Stratton.. Darlene and I became part of those visits after moving to the farm in 1973. Back in July of 1968 the barn was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Fred came up with the design for the new barn to house the dairy herd and  hay  storage in a mow above. He used prefab ground-to-peak fir laminated arch ribs in the design.This made for a strong and easily erected building.  Once the arch ribs were manufactured and delivered from Steinbach. the barn was raised and built in about a week. Just in time to get the cattle inside before winter!  We always enjoyed the company of Fred and Margaret We looked forward to their visits, as well as our frequent visits to Winnipeg. We shared many long conversations on a large range of subjects. Our treasured relationship continued after we moved to London. Fred and Margaret had planned to be at our 50 th wedding anniversary celebration here. Unfortunately Margret's health prevented them from making that trip. However, we were very happy that we were able to make a trip to Winnipeg and visit them in late October 2019, just before the pandemic struck.  We will always cherish the many fond memories of our dear brother in law Fred. We will very much miss Fred and Margaret.  Our deepest sympathy to the family with much love Peter and Darlene

Janet Toews

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Fred has a special place in my heart. In part because of the many discussions he and I had in the foyer of our UU church. About books or authors we both enjoyed. Also in part because he would visit my husband, Jan Bron, during Jan's last illness in 2007. Invariably both of them would have differing opinions on the same subject. That was part of living Fred would say. Bye for now Fred.

john kruizinga

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Fred and I knew each other for nearly 70 years and became good friends during the last twenty years. He and  l  were very different people; he a man of systems and precedent and I a reckless maverick. Our best times were the numerous lunches that sustained us during our intellectual forays into the mysteries of our present predicament and the one to come.  Very soon after we discovered our kinship we enjoyed a rock solid friendship that was mutually confirmed only a few days before his passing. No doubt we were opposites and had "lively" conversations but our shared curiosity always brought light into our lives. That was our secret. Rest in peace old friend. You have enriched my life. 

Carolyn Garlich

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Fred and Margaret were faithful attenders of the Bible as History class that I taught at the Unitarian Church of Winnipeg several years ago   Fred as a rational thinker was skeptical about anything supernatural, but he was fascinated by the history behind the text 

Liz Redston

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Fred was such a wonderful friend to my dad John Redston - often picking him up for the ROMEO lunch group.  I enjoyed our discussions about church projects and Fred's advice on doing things right.  I consider myself fortunate to have spent time with Margaret on the House Committee at church having a good time doing projects and clean up.  After our meetings I would drive Marg home and she was always looking forward to her evening game of Rummy Tile with Fred.  I miss them both  Liz Redston 

Suzanne

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I am sorry to hear of Fred's passing, and of this deep loss to the family. As the video and biography reveal, Fred brought so many wonderful values to his family which are now expressed in the next generation. Marilyn, as my friend, I am thinking of you during this time of loss and transition. Peace and blessings, Suzanne
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