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Frederick Upshaw Obituary

Frederick Arnold UPSHAW

After a lengthy battle with cancer, Frederick passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Rose-Marie. Much loved father of Charlotte (Larry), Frederick Jr. (Sherry), John Glenn, Ken (Flo) and Terri-Lynn (Dwight). Cherished grandfather of Michael (predeceased), Cory, Kirby, Alisha, Marci, Janaye, Dustin, Taylor, Brianna, Natalie, Tristan and Darius. Brother to Sylvia (predeceased), Charlie, Nancy, Gerald, Donna and Susie. Frederick will be sadly missed by his many great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. Frederick was a former President of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Sunday, March 5th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Monday, March 6th at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Lakeridge Health Foundation – Cancer Care would be appreciated.



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Published by Toronto Star from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Upshaw

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44 Entries

Ellen Belfon-Moodie

February 24, 2019

Fred is at peace with no more suffering. Gone but not forgotten

Linda Chin-Yee

April 28, 2017

Condolences to the Upshaw family. I had the pleasure of meeting him years ago.

March 12, 2017

Rose-Marie, my deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss of Husband and Father Fred. Growing up in Toronto in the "50's it was an honour to see one of our Spee & Dee people aspire to such heights. He made us proud to see we could achieve our goals if we tried. I was a member of OPSEU when he was President, which made me so proud. Blessings to you and the family and may Fred Rest in Peace.
Ellen Belfon Moodie

March 8, 2017

Rose Marie sorry to gear of Fred's passing I will always remember you and Fred attending our wedding with Fred being our master of ceremonies and being in 1962 Fred more than once asking me are sure you want me to be the master of ceremonies for you. And how we sneak into the hospital when John Glenn was born. Great times when we were in the Jr. Jaycees. Know that you're in our prayers Ed & Marion Jones

Brenda Dickie

March 8, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Upshaw family. Charlotte my friend, may your pain be dulled and your memories sharpened.
Love you always Brenda Dickie

Julia McCrea, Oshawa Provincial New Democratic Party Constituency Association

March 7, 2017

To all of Fred's Family,
On behalf of the Oshawa Provincial New Democratic Party Constituency Association, the executive would like to extend our sincere condolences on Fred's passing.Fred was a valued long time member and supporter of the NDP in Oshawa. In his work in the labour movement and the NDP, Fred was exemplary at upholding the values of social democracy and striving to improve the lot of working people. We were honoured by his on-going support. May he rest in peace knowing his contributions and efforts have made an important difference to so many in Oshawa and Ontario.

Mark Parent

March 7, 2017

Dear Charlotte,
My deepest thoughts of condolences go out to you and your family regarding your father's passing. May there be comfort in knowing that all your friends at OHCOW share your sorrow, and may your family find solace in the great many special memories of days shared.

Wayne Hingston

March 6, 2017

Charlotte, Fred Jr., John, Ken, and Terri-Lynn: My sincere condolences on your father's death. He was significant in making all of you the quality persons you became. Remember fondly all your family memories and extend my best wishes to your mother. Wayne Hingston, retired teacher.

Julia McCrea

March 6, 2017

To all of Fred's family,
My sincere condolences to you on Fred's passing.
I knew Fred as an OPSEU leader when I was a member. I knew Fred as an awesome role model and inspiring speaker for young people when I invited him and he agreed to speak to my class and middle school in the Jane Street area of Toronto. When I moved to Oshawa, I got to know Fred as a member of the NDP and Durham Region Labour Council. He was a wonderful man who has had a truly inspiring life of leadership in the labour movement in Ontario and Canada. His work on equity issues have transformed the labour movement. Thank you so much for sharing Fred with so many and it was wonderful to hear more about Fred's personal life in all the loving remarks you made about Fred at the service today. It was an honour to have known Fred and his legacy is to carry on his work in standing up for working people and in promoting human rights and greater equity in our society.
Peace be with you.

Jim Tait Family (OPSEU/OPSSU)

March 6, 2017

To Rose and family... On behalf, of the late Jim Tait, his family sends our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

March 6, 2017

My condolences to the Upshaw family, especially to the remarkable children whom I met at G. L. Roberts Collegiate.
Judy Powers

Joe Fusco

March 6, 2017

My condolences to Rose,Fred Jr and families. I played horseshoes with Fred for 9 years. He was always a pleasure to play against or play with. Always a good sport. Bailey's Bay horseshoe club will miss you

Ann Spry

March 6, 2017

My deepest condolences to Rose, Charlotte, Fred, John, Ken & Terri-Lynn as you mourn the loss of your loved one. Fred was a nice man, funny, helpful, smart & friendly & a good nurse. Always enjoyed working with him at Whitby Psychiatric. Also enjoyed being a neighbour at 275 Wentworth & meeting Rose as she would come to Happy Time with Terry on occasion.
May God comfort & give you love & strength at this sad time.
Ann Willman Spry

Marie Clarke Walker

March 6, 2017

Rose, deep and heartfelt condolences to you and the family. I considered Fred a mentor and friend. He always had advice for me and never held his tongue. I loved him for his strength, honesty and willingness to remain involved to ensure workers rights were upheld. Sending love and hugs from Bev (mom) and the rest of my family.

March 5, 2017

Dear Rose & Family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Fred,with loving thoughts & prayers.RIP Fred.
Ken&Joan Holford.

Tammi Upshaw

March 5, 2017

My sincere condolences to Rose-Marie, Charlotte, Fred, John, Ken, Terri-Lynn and all the family. May the beautiful memories of Fred bring you some comfort in the days ahead and know that his spirit will always remain with you.

Kent Mitchell

March 5, 2017

I was so sorry to learn of Fred's passing. He always was a "worker" for the workers he represented so well. It was a pleasure to work with him on the Workers' Health And Safety Centre Board. Kent Mitchell, former ARD, CUPE Ontario

Jay Nair

March 5, 2017

So sad to lose a Brother and Comrade such as Fred
My condolences to the Family and the Labour Family, especially those persons of colour.
The Family should be proud of Fred's fight for those that he represented. He has served humanity to his best and I am sure his soul will rest in peace. God bless all

Carrie Brookes

March 5, 2017

Charlotte,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Father was clearly a great man. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

March 5, 2017

Dear Rose, We have just read of Fred's passing in yesterday's paper. It is about 60 years since we have had contact with you two, but old acquaintances are never forgotten. I think I have your correct address from Google and will write to you immediately, but Tom and I just want you to know that you and all of your obviously lovely family are in our hearts at this sad time of life. Our love goes out to all of you. Most sincerely, Diane (Mackey) Veater

William Pearn

March 5, 2017

So sorry to hear, was a great man and coach of sports, thanks for the fun of my youth Fred , my condolences to the family!

Cameron Walker

March 4, 2017

My condolences to Fred's family for the passing of your husband, father, grandparent and great-grandparent. Many of us trade unionists who worked with him, and learned so much from him, also deeply appreciate the family time given up to accomplish so much over many years. Because of him, good work continues on issues of social justice and equity.

Paul Hill

March 4, 2017

So very sorry to hear about yours and your families loss. Your father was a very good man. He left his mark on many that knew him and he will be greatly missed. Fred Jr, our families were neighbors in the Jackson Apts on Simcoe St when we were just babies. My parents were Helen and Chuck Hill. I will be out of town for the services but my thoughts and prayers will be with you and all of your family.

Jeff Goodall

March 4, 2017

I was at a convention some thirty years ago, and went to the OPSEU table to ask him about an issue he brought up, and he wasn't there so I left. Later, he came over to my table and asked what he could do for me. An absolute gentleman, he will be greatly missed.

Alice Hayes

March 4, 2017

Dear Rose and family I am out of the country and have just heard about the passing of Fred.I have many memories dating back to the seventies.I remember cottage 15 and Fred taking his RN program and all the years after with his union involvement.He encouraged my own union involvement.I will not return ìn time for his service but want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.He has left his mark and will surely be missed.

Sandra Vazquez

March 4, 2017

Charlotte, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this heartbreaking time in your lives. May you always find peace and comfort knowing that he is at Our Lord's banquet table for eternity, as promised. May he rest in peace, until you all meet again......Sandra Wiseman Vazquez

Tracy Gillespie

March 3, 2017

Rose, Charlotte and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Fred's passing. When I was delivering Rose's Avon a couple of weeks ago she mentioned the entire family had gotten together that past weekend, which was soooo nice, I think it meant the world to her and Fred. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times.

Tracy Gillespie

Darlene Gibson

March 3, 2017

My deepest sympathy for the entire Upshaw family at this difficult time. He was an awesome man and I was honoured to have him as a lacrosse coach many years ago because he was wise beyond his years. Please take comfort in knowing that you now have an extra special angel watching over your family.
Love and Thoughts, Darlene Gibson, Courtice Ont.

KINDER SIDHU

March 3, 2017

My deepest condolences to Fred's family.

Herb and Doreen Bedford/Stickwood

March 4, 2017

To the Family of Fred:
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Wishing you strength for today and comfort in the days ahead. Cherish the happy memories.

Lucie Rondeau

March 3, 2017

Having joined OPS/OPSEU in 1990, I met Fred at several Conventions. I found his calm spirit and tremendous determination to overcome the many difficulties and challenges of that time, a good lesson for me and many others to follow and get involved in the Union. I am ever so grateful to have been a "sister" during his 5 years with us. I send my condolences to his wife Rose-Marie and his family. Will not forget you Fred!

National Union

March 3, 2017

We have made a donation to the Lakeridge Health Foundation (cancer care) in memory of a great man who, as President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) and Vice President of the National Union, dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of thousands of both unionized and non-unionized workers throughout Ontario. I, Elisabeth Ballermann and our staff at the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) wish to thank you for sharing Fred with us and all the members of the National Union. His work was so very valuable in helping to ensure that workers and, all people in Canada, especially the disadvantaged, had a better life. Thank you. Larry Brown, President

Kevin Ballantine

March 3, 2017

My thoughts and prayers to you Ken, and your family in this difficult time..
Kevin Ballantine

Evelyn Anger

March 3, 2017

I am forever grateful to you Fred for encouraging myself and all minorities at a momentous time in OPSEU history. My sincere condolences to your family. Rest in peace my friend.

David Ruth Nathan Lee

March 3, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your happy memories guide you through this difficult time.
David, Ruth and Nathan Lee

Helene Scott (L611)

March 3, 2017

My deepest condolences to Fred's family. Although I didn't personally know him - I know of him and some of the good things he did. I want to thank his family for supporting and sharing him while he was raising the working standards for the rest of us. Thinking of you during these sad times...

Joe Van Overberghe

March 3, 2017

Ken, Flo and family. So sorry to read about the loss of your father. It has been a long time since we have been in touch. Just a note to let you know Lori and I are thinking of you at this time.

Robert Bell

March 3, 2017

Condolences from myself & my Mom, Beryl Bell.

Steven Murray

March 3, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Upshaw family. Fred (Coach) was a great inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Judy Schneider

March 3, 2017

My sincere condolences to Fred's family. Thank you Fred for all your years of service to OPSEU and its members. You were a wonderful leader and a gentle man.

Don and Sharon Hepburn

March 3, 2017

Our condolences to Rose and family during this difficult time.
We have been fellow campers with Fred and Rose at Bailey's Bay Resort for many years. Fred will truly be missed.
Rest in Peace.

Deborah Jarvis

March 3, 2017

My thoughts are with the Upshaw family & their friends at this difficult time. May Fred R.I.P.

March 2, 2017

My thoughts are with Fred's family in this time of great loss. I have known and worked with Fred for more than 30 years most recently as a member of the retirees division. You could always count on Fred to have well thought out arguments and to disagree with good humor. You will be missed on the Retirees Executive Committee. Brian Sharp Region 1 Retiree Chairperson

Joe Ferreira

March 2, 2017

My condolences to the Family and friends.. And a big thank you for all your hard work that you did for us Opseu members...Rest in piece MR Upshaw Sir!!!

Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results

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for Frederick Upshaw

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