Fred Keleman

Fred Keleman was born on November 28, 1927, in the Arbury District, south of Punnichy, Saskatchewan, to John and Kathleen (Sebastian ) Keleman. His family moved to the Kutawa District, north of Punnichy in1930, where Fred farmed all his life.
He worked away from home briefly as a young man in Calgary and Vancouver, but returned to what he loved - raising cattle and grain.
Fred never married and lived with his mother in Punnichy after the passing of his father. His youngest brother Bob returned to the farm in 1972 and Fred farmed with him for the next 40 years. He drove daily from Punnichy to the farm where he spent his day tending the cattle, working the land and harvesting the grain with his brother. Then he drove back home.
Fred enjoyed curling and golf until his advancing years made him stop. He loved football and hockey, and watched the NHL faithfully. He kept books of statistics on every playoff game for years. When Christmas came around, he would often receive a gift of a Wayne Gretzky biography or another great player. Fred was a very well-read, very intelligent man whose opinions were never offered unless asked for.
His memory was remarkable. He could name the birthdate and year of each one of his numerous nieces and nephews until the day he died. He kept telling us that he still "had all his marbles." And he did .
He loved his family. His kind and gentle manner were an example to all . . . but he loved to tease and could drive you almost crazy! Fred was a generous man. He donated to many charities. His favourite was the Red Cross.
Fred was predeceased by his parents; two infant sisters, Elaine and Katie; his brother-in-law Jack Graham; niece Gayle Keleman; oldest brother Frank; sister-in-law Melba; and nephew Myrol Keleman.
He is survived by his brother John (Mary), sister Velma Graham, brother Len (Leona), brother Bob (Jane), as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
He died on August 2 , 2015.