Frederick McCAHON

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McCAHON: Frederick James, leftus on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at the age of 87 years. Fred was born in Harding, Manitoba on August 25, 1923, the second oldest child of Hugh and Ellen (Buckley) McCahon. Fred attended school in Harding, and worked various jobs around the community and on farms until volunteering for service in 1943. Fred served asa mid-upper gunner on Lancaster bombers. Fred, in recounting this part of his life, would often state that he and other crew members sighed relief when they made it back after the unlucky # 13 bombing mission in September of 1944. As fate would have it, they would be shot down on Mission # 14, with Fred and only one other crew member surviving. During the rest of the war, Fred, along with other Allied soldiers endured the hardship of POW camps, which included gruelling marches as they moved camps during a cold winter with little food and warmth as the war slowly came to an end. If Fred had even entertained the idea of leaving Harding beforethe war, he certainly had no intention after he returned. He settled down, married the love of his life (Eunice Chambers) and raised six children. He was employed by Charlie Howell until he bought the business in 1967 where he worked his six days a week without fail. He spent his time fixing cars, trucks, and farm equipment around the area. He especially loved those Cockshutt tractors!! Fred was a loving husband and father who always took time for his family. His children fondly remember ” doing the rounds “ which always included keeping the ice ready at the rink, fires burning when townspeople were away, caretaking at the church, and hauling water from the well. Fred was a real hands-ondad who had a true partnership in his marriage. Arriving home from work each night, he would feed his oldest daughter Irene, help get the kids ready for bed, and throughout the year would entertain his brood. He would play ball with his and the neighbourhood kids during the summer, go for bike rides, and take his kids skating and tobogganing. He had the touch when it came time to warm up those frozen feet at skating! Fred loved his games, and if you were in the McCahon house on a Saturday night, there was a good chance you would be sitting around the kitchen table playing cards or dominoes. Fred was also an enthusiastic curler in the 50s and 60s and enjoyed watching the sport on TV in his final years. Sadly, in 1966, and then, in 1969, Fred lost his two eldest children. Fred stoically took his licks and moved ahead in his life, never once saying hewanted to quit. He and Eunice put the pieces of their lives together and moved on as best they could. They ensured their children all graduated from high school and Fred took pride in the fact that all his children attended post-secondary education. As time moved on Fred had more time on his hands, enjoying his grandchildren as work slowed down and he and Eunice took some trips together until her death in 1995. Fred was always active in his community andwas an avid Harding supporter. As the population dwindled, he carried on believing in his small community. He never missed a Harding Fair with the exception of his time overseas. In his later years, you would often see him out for drives to check the crops or sayhi as he picked up the paper in Kenton. He was a quiet, humble man who simply wanted his family happy and safe, a warm place to layhis head at night, and food in his belly. As his health declined, his last remaining wish was to stay in his own home until the end. You got your wish, Dad; you died in the home you were born in. The entire McCahon family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who attended Dad’s Celebration of Life on Monday, March 28. Thank you to Barbara Rediker for leading the service and prayers. Thank you to the members of the Kenton and Rivers Legion who honoured us with your presence. Thank you to Dwayne Campbell and staff for your guidance and support. We were especially touched by the strong support of the Harding community both past and present. Thank you to the Harding Community Club and to all the extra volunteers who helped serve lunch and who helped in the many preparations. No wonder Dad never wanted to leave! Fred leaves to mourn his children Cathy (Wayne) Foster of Brandon, and daughters Cheri (Julian Day) of Winnipeg, Cindy (Martin) of Switzerland, Harvey, of Winnipeg, Mary McCahon of Harding and son David (Vicky) of Calgary, and Julie McCahon of Harding, brother Sid (Ivy) of Duncan, B.C., sister Alice of Winnipeg, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Fred is pre-deceasedby his wife Eunice, son Hugh, daughter Irene, parents Ellen and Hugh. If so desired, donations may be made to the following: Harding Community Club, c/o Janice Hunt, Harding Manitoba, R0M 0V0, Royal Canadian Legion, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0, Royal Canadian Legion, Kenton, Manitoba, R0M 0Z0.Be at Peace, Dad and Grandpa. We will miss you.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 02, 2011