Passed away peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London on Friday, May 15, 2026 after a brief journey with cancer.
Fred was the most devoted husband to the love of his life, Phyllis (nee Pennell), a supportive parent to Janet (Jim) Beretta and Jacquelyn and a cheerful friend to those in all the places he lived. He was very proud of and adored his six grandchildren: Rachel and Megan Beretta; Samuel, Christopher, Jonathan, and Katherine Gray and spent many happy summers with them on the shores of Lake Huron. He had the pleasure of becoming a great grandparent to Eliot, Althea and most recently was so happy to meet little August.
Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland to Patrick Raymond “Ray” Doucette and Faith (nee Allan), Fred was predeceased by three of his siblings Bob, Gerry, and Gene and is survived by his sisters Margaret Farrell of Corner Brook and Ellen Griffin of St. John’s.
Fred was a talented hockey goalie and enthusiastic baseball player in his youth but turned in his skates and glove and pursued an active life as an avid tennis player, skier, and then golfer until his ninetieth year. Fred was a gourmet cook and took joy in entertaining and sharing traditions. He passed down many culinary practices to his family, most notably the story and devotion to Syrian recipes he learned in his youth from his best friend’s family, the Daniels. Fred and Phyllis travelled extensively throughout the world where they were fortunate to explore the culture, food and wines of many regions with friends, including winters in many different areas of Florida and later South Carolina, where they could pursue golf in the off season.
In his business career, Fred moved from Newfoundland to London to work with Labatt Canada, then Capital Foods, Gay Lea Foods, Lawson & Jones and then in Kitchener-Waterloo with Beckerman Kitchens, before the final chapter of his career with M&M Meats. In his retirement Fred and Phyllis returned to London to settle in the golf community of Riverbend where they spent many years happily living and playing on the golf course with friends.
Fred was known for his kind and gentle spirit, his sense of humour, his love of teasing his grandchildren and his devotion to his life partner and family. He will be missed but celebrated by his family and friends, especially his golf, pool and darts buddies. The love and devotion in the last few years of his cousin and best friends Mike and Marlene Doheney will never be forgotten. Fred and Phyllis’ 67 year love story changed forever when she became unwell and we now know he doesn’t need to live without her any longer and finally has peace.
We extend sincere gratitude to Fred’s care providers in the last year, especially his devoted family physician Dr. Elepano, the fabulous staff at Strathroy Middlesex Hospital – 1 South, Manor Village Retirement Community 4 W, Parkwood Palliative Care Unit, and the wonderful Dr. George Kim for his remarkable navigation with us and our father.
A private celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
We were so sorry to learn of Fred’s passing and extend our sincere sympathy to all the family. It was always fun golfing with Fred and Phyllis, especially sharing our Newfoundland connection. We will remember Fred for his deep commitment to Phyllis and his perseverance in the midst of so many challenges.
Very sad to hear of Fred’s passing. I had the pleasure of being an associate while at M&M Meat Shops, and was lucky to have counted him as a friend at the time. My deepest condolences to Phyllis and family. Fred was one of a kind, and we are all so fortunate to have crossed paths with him. Rainer Mueller
My condolences to the entire family. Fred’s care and dedication to Phyllis was beautifully evident at Riverbend in these recent past years. My sympathies and prayers are with you all.
We’re so sorry to hear of Uncle Fred’s passing. We heard from him each year after he was unable to travel home until the last couple of years. So sad to lose another of our uncles. Condolences to you all.
I was saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. As someone who had the privilege of working for Fred earlier in life, I found him to be a pleasure to be around and enjoyed his sense of humour.
I regret not staying in touch with him over the years!
Phylis and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Scott Tyler
We are so saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. He and Phylis were wonderful neighbours in Waterloo and then here in RiverBend as well. Such a wonderful and loving couple and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
He so adored his family. He lived a wonderful long life.
Our condolences to the family.
Nancy and Ken Fisher
Janet, Jacquelyn, and family. We send our deepest condolences, our hearts are with you in this sad time.
Love,
Sally and Ken Pennell
Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a good friend and golfing buddy and we had a lot of fun on and off the golf course. Be assured of our prayers now and in the months ahead. He will be missed by his many friends and especially his family.
Janet ,Jacquelyn and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so difficult to lose a loved one. 😢
My happy memories of Your Father,Uncle Fred, will always be your summer visits at Nana and Poppy’s. I looked forward to those visits all year and look back at them now with such fondness for you all.
May your memories help console you.
RIP Uncle Fred
Janet, Jacquelyn & all the family deepest condolences for the loss you must be feeling today. I have fond memories of all of you & your family. Wish I could be there today, to remember & to celebrate your Dad’s life with you all. Our thoughts & love are with you all.
Condolences to the entire family.
His warmth, compassion and laughter will be greatly missed.
A kind and gentle man to all.
Janet and Jacquelyn, Our thoughts are with you, as you grieve the passing of Uncle Fred. Maybe you will find peace in the thought “it is not goodby Dad, but so long for now, and we will see you later”.
Roy Pennell
Please edit our condolence.
Change We shall remember the good times with our sincere condolences to read
We shall remember the good times with our sincere condolences to our Sister, Sister-in-law Phyllis and the family.
Frank and Lorna Chaffey
Janet, Jacquelyn sorry to hear of Uncle Fred’s passing. Condolences to you all.
John
Janet and Jacquelyn sorry to hear of Uncle Fred’s passing. Thinking of you all.
Hi Janet and Jackie,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad‘s passing. Uncle Fred was a kind and generous man and I loved him and your mother and you gals. I remember coming to Corner Brook to babysit you both when you were a little girls and they treated me like a daughter. Wish I could be there love you,
Glenda
Today, when we read with sadness the obituary of our Brother-In-Law Fred Doucette, we think back to The Pennell Family Reunion at Killdevil Lodge at Lomond, NL August 11-13, 2006. The Reunion was largely organized by our Daughter-In-Law Ann Chaffey and our Son David.
We shall remember the good times with our sincere condolences to Fred, our brother-in-law and family.
Frank and Lorna (Pennell) Chaffey
So sad to hear this news, I will allways remember him as my mother’s little brother, his great wit, and his amazing devotion to his wife and family, he was a real man. My condolences to all the family at this difficult heartfelt time, have solace in the knowledge that he lives his life fully and honorably, God bless all the family.
I always felt Freddy was special, as was the relationship he had with Phyllis and his family! I know I strived in my own life to be more like Him. Personally he was one of my heros and the times i spent with him and the family will always be treasured. I haven’t shed many tears lately but today I did. I haven’t see him much in the last number of years but loved and respected him like a father. As we say in the fishing community…”Tight Lines Freddy” and God Bless!
I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Fred’s passing. The friendship between our parents was so heartwarming and sincere. So many special memories …
Michelle Daniels
Dear Janet, Jacquelyn, and all the family,
We know it has been a difficult journey. We send our deepest sympathy and look forward to hugs in person.
Love,
David and Ann
So sorry to hear of uncle Fred’s passing. Thinking of you all❤️
I’m heartbroken to hear of Uncle Fred’s passing. Sending love and condolences to you all.