Fred MIFFLIN Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen on Oct. 8, 2013.

Rear Admiral The Honourable Fred J. Mifflin, P.C.
1938 - 2013
After a brief illness Fred died peacefully, surrounded by family at Montfort Hospital in Ottawa on October 5, 2013 at age 75. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Gwenneth, daughters Cathy (Vaun) and Sarah (Willie), son Mark (Lisa) and grandchildren A.J., Riley, Eryn, Kathleen, Heather and Sam. He is also survived by brothers Roy and Don and sisters Liz, Vina, Frances and Cathy. Predeceased by father Cyril, mother Kathleen and brothers Clive and Bob.
Fred left Bonavista, Newfoundland at age 16 to join the Royal Canadian Navy. He graduated from Venture Naval College in 1956 and over a 33-year career he commanded both at sea and ashore. In 1972 he attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and in 1981 he attended the National Defense College in Kingston, Ontario. He achieved the rank of Rear Admiral and from 1985 to 1987 he was the Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. He took early retirement from the Navy to run for parliament and in 1988 was elected the Member of Parliament for Bonavista/Trinity/Conception. He served at various times over the next 5 years as Defense, Energy, and Veterans Affairs critic in opposition. In 1993, as a member of government, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for National Defense and Veterans Affairs, in which capacity he assisted in the overhaul of Veterans, Benefits Legislation, and in the production of the 1994 Defense White Paper. From 1996 to 1999 he was Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agencies. Since 1996 he served as Honourary National Chairman of the Navy League of Canada. After retiring from politics he was a member of the Canadian Association for Former Parliamentarians where he served as Director and Treasurer. In 2011 he was awarded the Robert Hendy award for his national and international contribution to Maritime Affairs. In 2012 he was invested into the Order of St. George as a Knight Commander.
Fred will be fondly remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He touched the lives of many in every walk of life.
Many thanks to the staff at Montfort Hospital for their care and support.
Friends and Family are invited to visit at Beechwood, Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue (east of Vanier Parkway), Ottawa from 2-4pm and 7-9pm Thursday October 10, also from 9:30 am on Friday October 11, until A Celebration of Fred's Life in the Sacred Space at 11 o'clock follow with Committal at the Beechwood mausoleum.
In appreciation of Fred's avid love of animals, donations in his memory can be made to The Ottawa/Carleton Humane Society.


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54 Entries

January 31, 2020

Friend

Susan Shea-Bezanson

Dearest mark and family... Ive just learned of ur dads passing...Im deeply sorry and wish I had known before... much love

July 9, 2014

Gwennyth, I knew Fred well - when Fred was XO of Saguenay, and Mike Bowen served there. Look forward to Ottawa 2014 when we can all celebrate Fred's memory. It'll be a blast. John Cameron

February 26, 2014

Edward Leonard

From my first exposure to the Navy in 1972, Fred was held out by all as an Admiral in training. His intelligence and charisma were legend. In later years I witnessed his command and generosity and humanity. He was rightly incredibly loyal to his native NL and he was rightly proud of all her sailors soldiers and aircrew. RIP in peace dear man and may you keep singing and playing with angels.the angels.

December 25, 2013

Ross Ringler

A life of astonishments.

November 4, 2013

Wendy Johnson

Deep sadness in the Loss of my uncle Fred. He was always man a loved being around.. And loved his baked beans he made for me each time he visited Bonavista and when I visited his home in Ottawa.. Deepest condolences to aunt gweneth, mark, Cathy, and Sarah.. My hearts are with you

October 17, 2013

Sean Malloy

Fred always made time to stop and talk...it would always be an interesting conversation. He was genuine.
Deepest sympathies to Mrs.Mifflin, Kathy,Mark, Sarah and Willie.

October 17, 2013

Debbie Pettipas

Dearest Gwenneth: I was so sorry to learn of Fred's passing. I have such fond memories of you, Fred and the children and the times we spent together at your home and the Parks Canada office. Your home was always such an open, inviting and comfortable place to be and of course the hospitality was second to none. I miss those times and the get togethers we used to have. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. You and Fred always seemed to be so much in love and so respectful of each other. It was always a joy to be around you both. Much Love to you and the family.

October 16, 2013

Michelle Smith

Dear Gwen and family,

I am so sorry to hear about Fred. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you comfort and peace at this very difficult time. With fond memories of our time together, I extend my sincerest sympathies.

October 15, 2013

Blaine Barker

We wish to express to the entire family of Rear Admiral Fred Mifflin our sincere sorrow upon learning of his crossing his final sandbar in life. Many of our members had the honour of serving with Admiral Mifflin while others in a more brief fashion. It can be said with due respect, that he left a lasting impression of his sense of humour, knowledge and duty to his country and that all could recognize immediiately. The Royal Canadian Naval Association

October 14, 2013

I am sorry to hear abut Fred;s passing. I have many fond memories of him and of you Gwenneth. Please send me your address. Perhaps I can coax you for a reminiscent visit to Halifax. #102, 202 Walter Havill Dr. Hfx, B3N 3M4

October 13, 2013

Don & Family

So sorry to hear of Fred's passing

Wilson & Marie Hamlyn

October 13, 2013

Wendy Hunt

Dear Cathy and Family. I was saddened to hear that your dad passed away so suddenly. My thoughts, love and prayers go out to you and your family.

October 13, 2013

Dear

October 12, 2013

Jan Whitehouse

Gwenneth & Family,
May the love of your family and friends help you through the loss of your loved one. My deepest sympathies

October 12, 2013

Our sincere sympathy to Rear Admiral Mifflin's family. As a members of the Cape Freel's Heritage Trust in Newtown, Newfoundland, We will forever remember and be thankful for Fred's help, kindness, and genuine friendship. He was instrumental in helping us finance the development of the Barbour Living Heritage Village and the Greenspond Courthouse. He was a tremendous MP and represented our district really well, and will never be forgotten. Thinking of his family.
Winston and Wayne Perry, Newtown

October 12, 2013

David Ritonja

Mark and Family,

So sorry to hear the news about your dad. Fred was an amazing man and I was so amazed at his accomplishments and the strong family unit he had. Mark, I know you were very tight with your Dad and our hearts go out to you!

Thoughts and prayers from the Ritonja Family

October 11, 2013

Mike Duffy

A wonderful man. My most sincere sympathy to his family.

October 11, 2013

Dear Gwenneth and family,
On behalf of all of the PE Islanders who enjoyed being with Fred on Course 2 at the Canadian Forces Staff College, please accept our sincere condolences!

"Jay Dee" and Joyce Murray

October 10, 2013

Gil Morrison

Dear Gwenneth , We have been friends for along time and I too will miss Fred but not as much as you and the kids . With a ache in my heart for you and your family I wish you well and with think of you often. Gil Morrison

October 10, 2013

Robert Hargadon

I'll always remember Fred's love of music and his talents as a singer and guitar player. One of my last memories of Fred was a great evening on Grafton playing music with him and his son and grandson. A lot of laughs and great music. Fred told me to always bring music with me, whatever else I did in life. It was excellent advice.

October 10, 2013

Lea (Gagne) Werthman

Dearest Mifflins: our deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. It is clear that Fred made a deep and lasting impression on those he encountered throughout his life, and his wonderful family is a testament to the love all of us felt whenever we were around him. Much love.

October 10, 2013

Dear Gwenneth,Cathy,Sarah and Mark: Growing up in Halifax it was a joy to meet your family and to spend time with Cathy in particular as she and my sister, Dr. Michelle Nicholson, became friends. Later, during my tenure with Fisheries and Oceans, in Ottawa, working with The Honourable Fred Mifflin, it was an enormous pleasure to help him deliver on key legislative, policy and program initiatives for the benefit of Canadians. He always disarmed people with his intellect, with the sparkle in his eye, and, with his engaging sense of great, good humour. I cherish the notes of appreciation that he sent my way for the work that we accomplished together. He was a man of great integrity who spoke lovingly of his cherished family. He was a valiant champion of our maritime nation both domestically and internationally.

With our sincere condolences and affection,

Dawn Nicholson-O'Brien, Greg O'Brien and family-Kanata ([email protected])
And,
Shirley and Roy Nicholson and family
Halifax, Nova Scotia

October 10, 2013

Douglas Cook

Gwenneth and Family,
My sincere condolences on Fred's passing. The Admiral was a great Liberal whose company I enjoyed very much.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

October 10, 2013

James Allan

Dear Kathy, Mark and Sara,
I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was an exceptional man. The three of you are a testament to that. You are all, as is your dad, in my thoughts today.
James Allan.

October 10, 2013

Gwenneth, Kathy,Sarah & Mark
Sharon and i were so saddened to hear of Fred's passing. Fred was a true gentleman and friend. We will always remember his gentle laugh and warm smile. Our sincere sympathies.
God Bless.
Blake / Sharon Davis

October 9, 2013

A wonderful shipmate, the best and fastest of friends and, to my mind, the smartest guy in the room.

Mike McCall

October 9, 2013

Gloria Konecki

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

October 9, 2013

Carol Roy

Sarah, Willie, Riley & Family
We are so sorry to hear your loss of such a Wonderful Husband, Father & Grandfather. It is never easy saying good-bye to our loved ones.
Our deepest sympathies to all.
Carol & Mike Roy

October 9, 2013

Carol Roy

Sarah, Willie, Riley & Family
We are so sorry to hear your loss of such a Wonderful Husband, Father and Grandfather. It is never easy saying good-bye to our loved ones.
Our deepest sympathies to all.
Carol & Mike Roy

October 9, 2013

Joe Fontana

Gwen and family,
Our heartfelt sympathies to you. It was a privilege serving with Fred in the House of Commons. He was a great MP and Cabinet Minister and a great banjo player too. So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Joe and Vicky Fontana

October 9, 2013

Marilyn Clay

Dear Gwenneth and family. Please accept my sincere sympathy for Fred's death. It is hard to absorb now, so give yourself time. It does help. I am happy to have know him and hope that you will be able to continue our friendship through NDC Course XXXV.

October 9, 2013

Stephanie, Andre & kids Delorme

Our love and affection to Coach Willie, Sarah and Riley who have lost a beloved family member and a big Cougars fan!

October 9, 2013

Carole Simpson

Mrs Mifflin (Gwen) and family,
Sincerest sympathies to you all.
Mr Mifflin (Fred) will be sadly missed on Grafton.
Carole Simpson

October 9, 2013

Scott Reed

I will always remember Fred as kind and generous man. My sincerest sympathies to the entire family.

October 9, 2013

"We were so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Our condolences to his family. Legion Br.16, Catalina, NL

October 9, 2013

"We were so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Our deepest condolences, he will truly be missed" Hayward & June Lodge, Port Union

October 9, 2013

Rear Admiral Fred Mifflin gave the full measure of devotion, duty and talent to Canada as a naval officer, parliamentarian and minister of the Crown. This country owes him an immense debt of gratitude. That gratitude extends to Gwenneth and his children who for so long made countless sacrifices so that he could serve Canada.

As a young man, I had the privilege of working for the Admiral while he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence and then Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. I learned and saw much while in his employ. What remains foremost in my mind was a man entirely devoted to his country, his family and his friends; a man who worked quietly to make things better with little thought of fanfare or accolades. On a more personal note the Admiral was very much a father figure who provided much valuable and patient guidance to an overenthusiastic young man. I shared many professional and personal moments with the Admiral many of which are amongst my most cherished memories.

Godspeed Admiral.

Martin Champoux

October 8, 2013

The Laflamme family

Our deepest sympathies to the Mifflin and Bloom families.

October 8, 2013

It is with sadness that I hear of the passing of Mr Mifflin.He was without doubt a gentlemen of the first order.I had the pleasure to work with him during my carrer with Ports Canada Police as Director of Police.His personality and knowledge was beyond reproach.My condolences to the family in his passing.Sid Peckford Director General Rtd

October 8, 2013

Chuck Connolly Jr.

I will be thinking of all the Mifflin's family. I have wonderful memories from back on Grafton where neighbourhood still had a lot of meaning.

October 8, 2013

Ken & Sue Bowering

Our sincere condolences to the Mifflin family on this very sad occasion. I had the privilege of serving with Fred when, in 1964, he was the Weapons Officer when NIPIGON commissioned. Always fun to be with, he was a great mentor, socially and professionally. That he was destined to make Admiral was unquestionable. In the mid-2000s, his mentoring continued when, in his role as Honourary Chairman of The Navy League of Canada, he helped us (NLOC) when dealing with politicians and others. A true gentleman, a friend, The Honourable Admiral Fred will be missed.

October 8, 2013

Alistair Sutherland

A good friend, a great character and a fellow member of the number one syndicate at the National Defence College in Kingston 1981/82, We had some great times and enjoyed many laughs on our sorties world-wide over our year together. Ah! so many happy memories
.

October 8, 2013

Kristen Whitehead

"We were so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Our deepest condolences, he will truly be missed"
Glenn,Kristen,Kayla and Connor Whitehead(O,ON)

October 8, 2013

Ian Gordon

Anne and I join the chorus of condolences for Fred. He was a wonderful man, warm and strong, a good friend in need, a mate. Our thoughts are with you Gwennyth and family.

October 8, 2013

Jodi Connolly

Many fond memories of my Grafton neighbour. Was always a great friend to the Connolly's.

October 8, 2013

With sympathy, you arein my thoughts and prayers. Pat Morton

October 8, 2013

Gary Garfinkel

Condolences to Mrs. Mifflin, Kathy, Mark, and Sarah. I will always remember Fred for how he made me and all of Marks friends welcome in his home.

October 8, 2013

Blaine Barker CD

There are no words to adequately express our sincere and deepest sorrow upon learning of the loss of Sir Fred. Our feelings are with you.

October 8, 2013

I was saddened to learn this morning of the death of Rear Admiral Fred Mifflin. My close association with him goes back to 1971 when I joined, as Operations Officer, HMCS SKEENA under his Command. We remained friends with only occasional contact in recent years. He was the consummate professional. SKEENA was one of the first, if not the first Canadian warships to deploy with the newly formed NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic. The Force was commanded by CMDRE John Fieldhouse RN (later Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Fieldhouse). To Cdr Mifflin it was a given that SKEENA was to be the best ship in the force in both work and play. He set very high standards; but, did so in such a manner that you were challenged to exceed them. He accepted the credit when achievements were gained and equally did not pass the buck but took responsibility when things went wrong. He was quick with recognition for tasks well done and quiet and private in discussing effort that missed the mark. He was always fair and did not hold a grudge. He developed a happy and professional ship's company and his guitar was always available to lead quiet recreation at sea or during a ship's company banyan. I will always be grateful for his mentoring and encouragement in my career. Gwenneth, both Jean and I cherish the times we shared together after SKEENA, particularly 1973 Thanksgiving dinner at your Ottawa home. I will miss Fred, I always felt uplifted after discussions with him. Gwenneth, Jean and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Wendall Brown, Halifax, NS

October 8, 2013

Monica Connolly

My heart and prayers go out to you Gwennyth and your wonderful family. It is truly a sad day when such a loving and caring husband and grandfather is taken from this world. I have such fond memories of Fred and the fun, music and laughter we had together as neighbours. Chuck and he were like two little boys again getting into mischief, when they got together. Just wanted to let you know that we care and send out our love and friendship to you and yours during your greatest sorrow.
With deep sympathy
Fondly
Monica and family

October 8, 2013

Janet & Lou McGuire

Our deepest sympathy to the family.

October 8, 2013

Dear Gwenneth and Family,
From our days together at "Venture" and beyond Fred has entertained us and impressed us with his ability to play hard and work hard.He was a natural for the Chretian Cabinet in that he could sing out of one side of his mouth and growl out of the other.
Sincere condolences, Denis and Shirley Briggs

October 8, 2013

Condolences for the family from a former shipmate.
John and Judy Fyfe

October 8, 2013

John and Shirley Day/Dyck

We will always remember Fred as a kind and gentle person. We feel privledged to have known him.

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