Fred Prichard, resident of Grande Prairie, formerly of Strome, Alberta, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the age of 66 years with family at his side.

Fred battled many health issues in his life but kidney failure was the major one. In 2007 he was given a gift of life with the donation of a kidney by his daughter Kari Ann. She was his special angel. With a new skip in his step he went on to proudly build â??his cabinâ?? at the lake. He and Brenda spent endless hours enjoying their simple dreams of early morning coffees, feeding birds and late night fires with family and new found friends. Days between would find Fred in his greenhouse, â??his placeâ??, where prize tomatoes were grown with pride and enjoyed by many.

Fredâ??s family was his life. He was a man of few words until he told you proudly about his son Trevorâ??s coaching skills at football. A true fan and only a â??bad dayâ?? would keep him away from a game. His grandchildren were what lit up his eyes. Each one can tell you stories of special times watching western movies and eating candy with PAPA (probably right before supper!). He will forever be a fan of his grandson Kyleâ??s hockey skills â?? words weren`t necessary because his eyes beamed with pride at every game.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife Brenda, son Trevor (Melanie), daughter Kari Ann (Grant). Proud grandpa to Cassidy, Paige, Carter, and Kyle; and his forever companion Bailey, mom in-law Bernice Lewis; brothers Dave (Jean) and Jay (Lois); brothers in-law Wayne (Brenda) Lewis and Gordie and (Kathy) Lewis; nephews Dan, Murray and Vaughn Prichard, Derek, Corey and Bob Lewis; niece Jill McClements, and their families.

Fred was predeceased by his parents Wayne and Ruth Prichard, father in-law Charlie Lewis and nephews Garry and Merlin Prichard.

The family would like to send sincere words of thanks to Dr. M. Moreau and Dr. J. Hattingh and staff at the Grande Prairie Cancer Clinic, Dr. P. Miles and staff, Homecare staff, and Points West Hospice Staff, for the outstanding care and compassion in the past year. Everyday someone made Fred feel special and let him know they were fighting his battle with him. Also Dr. Akinbiyi, Dr. Denkema, Dr. Wessel, Dr. Weins, Carrie, Charmaine and Linda who became family to Brenda and generously allowed her to walk the last few days with Fred.

A Celebration of Fredâ??s life will be held on Monday, June 8, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Oliverâ??s Funeral Home in Grand Prairie (10005 107 Ave.), with lunch to follow.

As per Fredâ??s famous words â??Do I have to wear a suit?â?? - please leave yours in your closet and dress comfortably as we gather to share stories.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society (P.O. Box 21215 Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6W7), envelopes will be available at the service.