Frederick "Fred" John Farquhar

Frederick (Fred) John Farquhar of Birtle, MB passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Sunnyside Manor Personal Care Home, Birtle at the age of 83 years.

Fred was born on January 17, 1939, youngest child of Arthur & Helen Farquhar.  He was raised on the farm now owned by Ken & Pat Farquhar, close to his brother Bill & family just down the road.  Fred always said he graduated early, finishing school in Grade 9.  He started working at a young age for Ellery Bonner & JT Graham as farm labor.  He moved on to work for Low Brothers Construction and Anglo & Gulf Fuel before starting to farm full time in 1973.    The highlight of Fred’s career was building Hwy 83 north of Roblin – it was the best road in the province.   In 1973 Fred & Ethel started farming full time, starting with grain and pigs and adding a second barn for weanling pigs.  There were always a few cows and a few horses.  Fred loved to go to the Auction Mart.  With the addition of Lyle to the farm, the horses got bigger and there were more of them. 

Fred & Ethel left the farm in 2008 and moved to Neepawa for a short time but returned to Birtle in 2015 where Fred was happiest being able to go to the farm on a regular basis.

Fred loved to visit with everyone. He enjoyed road trips that included a summer fair, hockey rink, auction sale or a trip to one of the local Colonies to get eggs & visit.  Once Fred returned to Birtle he was able to have a dog and he could be seen with Misty in the passenger seat beside him. 

Fred’s health deteriorated in the last few years until he was no longer able to do the things he loved, visiting became very difficult once he lost his hearing and he was no longer able to walk and get around. 

Fred leaves in sadness his wife Ethel of almost 60 years; family Carla & Dean Ashcroft, Wanda & Lyle Janssens, Allan & Susan Farquhar, Lyle Farquhar & friend Tammy; grandchildren Julie (Jamie Fotheringham), Ryan, Breanne (Greg), Greg & Cole Farquhar, Garth & Brett Janssens, Austin Farquhar; great-grandson Atlas Fotheringham; extended family, Beryl Farquhar, Fran Preston, Ernie & Betty Preston; and nieces and nephews. 

Fred was predeceased by his grandson Captain Bradley Ashcroft; parents Arthur & Helen Farquhar; brothers William (Margaret) & Jim; sister in infancy; In-laws Melvin & Anne Preston, David Preston; and niece Anna Howard.