Webb, Frederick Leslie, 84, Fred Died peacefully Royal Jubilee Hospital, surrounded by family, on Friday, October 18, 2024. Fred was born 19 March 1940 in Victoria BC, Canada.
Son of the late Lieutenant-Commander (RCN) Frederick A. H. Webb and Florence Webb (née Walker). Fred grew up in a military family serving alongside his father. His uncle Horace survived the sinking of HMCS Fraser during the evacuation of Dunkirk only to be lost at sea in the sinking of HMCS Margaree two months later.
Fred Joined the Royal Canadian Navy at the age of 19 in 1959 as a gunnery mate serving on board HMCS Skeena, HMCS Stettler as part of the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis. HMCS Mackenzie, HMCS Gatineau and HMCS Restigouche. Fred retired after 20 years as a Master Seaman and only a couple days later found himself in a civilian role with Queens Harbour Master at CFB Esquimalt retiring as supervisor of jetty services 37 years later finishing his nearly 58 years of service to his country. Fred was always quick with a joke or a story of his adventures in the military, hunting in the back country or of historic Canadian military battle anniversaries. Fred was a regular at the Tillicum Mall coffee group.
Fred never married and had no children but adored his great nieces and nephews. Fred was a collector of Lionel toy trains for nearly 75 years, and was a member of the Canadian Toy Train Association. Fred was always patient and gave his time freely. Fred is predeceased by his Father, Mother and his sister Merle Farmer (nee Webb). Fred is survived by his brother-in-law Wayne Farmer of Virgina, niece Shelley Farmer of New York, great niece & nephew Grace, Jackson. Grant Farmer (Erin) great-nieces & nephews Madison, Isabella & Wayne. Cousins Gail McClymont (nee Webb and Freddy’s goddaughter) and William Webb Jr. and longtime partner Tammy.
“Fair winds and following seas, sailor. We have the watch”.
No formal service is planned. Remembrances may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, or your preferred cause.
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Sincere condolences to the family on the loss of Fred. He was a long time friend, starting in Rainbow Sea Cadets in approximately 1955. R.I.P. wings. Don Bendall
I was shocked to learn just now of Fred’s passing. I had known him for a number of years and always enjoyed his visits. We spend many evenings together watching movies & sharing popcorn
or sitting outside on the deck overlooking Langford Lake reminiscing about this & that.
He loved spending time with his group of friends who set up and ran the trains at various shopping malls throughout Victoria and always spoke so fondly of his family in The States. I am so truly sorry to hear of his passing.
Our condolences to the family from Fred’s classmates from Mount View High School.
Our family was very connected to the Webb family. My parents Vern and Mary Butler were longtime friends of Fred and Florence. Christmas night was always a time to gather and catchup with everyone. I remember visiting Granny and Grampa Webb’s home and see the Collies that they bred. Many good memories. Val and Phil
Fred’ grandparents were my Godparents, I knew all the Webb family well, he always had a big smile for everyone. My sincere condolences to all his family. Shirlee Browett (nee Butler)
My sincere condolences to his family near and far.
Fred was a one time character. full of colourful jokes.
We miss him at our usual coffee ger together at the
Tillicum Mall, Wed. & Sat..
Fair winds and following Seas ,
When you meet your Pilot face to face , As you have crossed the bar.
Freddy was a messmate of mine on HMCS Mackenzie and he was old navy all the way. We used to shadow box in the mess and he delighted in pushing his nose flat into his face. (He had no cartridge in his nose from his days of boxing) His favourite saying…we sail with the tide and thems what dies is the lucky ones. When our ship pulled into San Diego, he would head immediately to his favourite electric train store. All of us seamen carried knives on our belts and Fred prided himself on always having a sharp knife. He had a special stone for sharpening and he would spend a lot of time honing his seaman’s knife to a fine edge. His test for the perfect edge was to shave the hair off his arm with his knife. As mess mates we always chatted about life in general and looked out for each other. A good winger who will be missed. I recall the Queen’s visit in 1983and I was lined up with my fellow Mounties waiting at the inner harbour to welcome HRH on the Britannia. I looked down and there was Freddy scrubbing down a Dias. It was old home week for the next 15 minutes….he was working for the Queen’s Harbour Master at the time.