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FRERICK CALICH Obituary
FREDRICK RADE CALICH 1951~2025
In his home, after years of failing health, "Fearless Fred" Calich, age 74 years, has taken his final checkered flag.
Born in Fort Frances, he came to Thunder Bay where he earned his BA at Lakehead University, and served as a Junior Officer in the LSSR for a number of years. His entire working life was at Provincial Papers until the mill was permanently closed - but his passion was fast cars and racing.
Whether it was driving, crewing, wrenching or watching, Fred was all about auto racing. As a member of CSSA, the International Ice Racing Association (IIRA) and a Life Member of the Thunder Bay Autosports Club, he ice raced for over 30 years, locally and at venues throughout NWO, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was a fierce and determined competitor in his Austin Mini, even long after the Mini's were considered out-of-date. Without heat or a working defroster, he would be seen driving with a racing glove on one hand and a scraper mitt on the other to keep the windshield clear.
Likewise, he was no stranger to the occasional rollover, hence his nickname "Fearless Fred". He also competed in hill climbs, slaloms, road rallies, and time trials at Gimli Motorsports Park.
Anyone that knew Fred, knew he was extremely independent, and a bit of an eccentric character - with his long hair, bandito moustache, coke-bottle glasses, ever present cigarette and his rum and coke - but he was also a great mechanic, and a loyal friend to those than knew him. For many summers he wrenched weeknights and crewed trackside for JB Gardiner on his GT road racers, travelling 5 or 6 weekends a season - with lots of pizza and barbeque as his payment.
While Fred ice raced a series of Mini's, he was a devout Ford Man! Over the years he had a Cyclone with a 429 Cobra-Jet engine, an '87 Mustang GT, and several Ford trucks. If he drove it, it had to either go fast or be able to tow hard!
Fred also enjoyed reading books and magazines, and before declining health took over, he loved tending to his yard and trees, and also bowling. His basement was full of bowling and racing trophies, along with a large paperback book collection.
About 20 years ago, Fred was diagnosed with severe advanced Crohns & Colitis which began to control his life and eventually made him virtually housebound. He had also been waiting since mid-Covid for one surgery and 2 1/2 years for another surgery, neither of which happened, resulting in his quality of life going downhill very quickly in recent years.
Fred's only family were his parents who predeceased him, and with his health issues, in retirement he became rather reclusive. However, in his heart and mind all of his racing and autosports friends and associates from over the years were his true family and in his own way he loved you all!
Please join us for a gathering in honour and memory of "Frearless Fred" on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Solarium of the Slovak Legion. All friends, neighbours, former co-workers, and past/present racers are welcome and invited. It will be a time to catch up with old friends, talk and joke about the old days, and have some fun and refreshments at Freddy's expense!
If friends so desire, donations to Crohn's and Colitis Canada or the charity of your choice would be most fitting.
Arrangements in care of the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
When the green flag drops, the Bulls t stops. But it ain't over, Till those checkered flags fly! Rest easy Freddy, your race is over JB
Please sign the Online Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
In his home, after years of failing health, "Fearless Fred" Calich, age 74 years, has taken his final checkered flag.
Born in Fort Frances, he came to Thunder Bay where he earned his BA at Lakehead University, and served as a Junior Officer in the LSSR for a number of years. His entire working life was at Provincial Papers until the mill was permanently closed - but his passion was fast cars and racing.
Whether it was driving, crewing, wrenching or watching, Fred was all about auto racing. As a member of CSSA, the International Ice Racing Association (IIRA) and a Life Member of the Thunder Bay Autosports Club, he ice raced for over 30 years, locally and at venues throughout NWO, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was a fierce and determined competitor in his Austin Mini, even long after the Mini's were considered out-of-date. Without heat or a working defroster, he would be seen driving with a racing glove on one hand and a scraper mitt on the other to keep the windshield clear.
Likewise, he was no stranger to the occasional rollover, hence his nickname "Fearless Fred". He also competed in hill climbs, slaloms, road rallies, and time trials at Gimli Motorsports Park.
Anyone that knew Fred, knew he was extremely independent, and a bit of an eccentric character - with his long hair, bandito moustache, coke-bottle glasses, ever present cigarette and his rum and coke - but he was also a great mechanic, and a loyal friend to those than knew him. For many summers he wrenched weeknights and crewed trackside for JB Gardiner on his GT road racers, travelling 5 or 6 weekends a season - with lots of pizza and barbeque as his payment.
While Fred ice raced a series of Mini's, he was a devout Ford Man! Over the years he had a Cyclone with a 429 Cobra-Jet engine, an '87 Mustang GT, and several Ford trucks. If he drove it, it had to either go fast or be able to tow hard!
Fred also enjoyed reading books and magazines, and before declining health took over, he loved tending to his yard and trees, and also bowling. His basement was full of bowling and racing trophies, along with a large paperback book collection.
About 20 years ago, Fred was diagnosed with severe advanced Crohns & Colitis which began to control his life and eventually made him virtually housebound. He had also been waiting since mid-Covid for one surgery and 2 1/2 years for another surgery, neither of which happened, resulting in his quality of life going downhill very quickly in recent years.
Fred's only family were his parents who predeceased him, and with his health issues, in retirement he became rather reclusive. However, in his heart and mind all of his racing and autosports friends and associates from over the years were his true family and in his own way he loved you all!
Please join us for a gathering in honour and memory of "Frearless Fred" on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Solarium of the Slovak Legion. All friends, neighbours, former co-workers, and past/present racers are welcome and invited. It will be a time to catch up with old friends, talk and joke about the old days, and have some fun and refreshments at Freddy's expense!
If friends so desire, donations to Crohn's and Colitis Canada or the charity of your choice would be most fitting.
Arrangements in care of the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
When the green flag drops, the Bulls t stops. But it ain't over, Till those checkered flags fly! Rest easy Freddy, your race is over JB
Please sign the Online Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Jan. 17, 2026.
Memories and Condolences
for FRERICK CALICH
Sponsored by Everest Of Thunder Bay.
2 Entries
Andy Peloza
January 19, 2026
Sad to read of Fred´s passing, and even sadder to hear of his health issues since Provincial Papers shut down.
Worked with "fabulous Freddy" as we called him on #5 paper machines.
A wonderful obituary, whoever is responsible, thumbs up for capturing exactly his personality, appearance and how he loved his passion for cars and racing!
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Rod Guzzi
January 17, 2026
Saddened to hear of Freddy's passing. He was always a pleasure to be around and work with. My condolences to his friends and former co-workers.
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