FREDERICK (FRED) HARRY WARBURTON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FREDERICK (FRED) HARRY WARBURTON

December 15, 1933 - June 8, 2026

The family sadly announces the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa - Fred Warburton.

Fred was born and raised in Brandon, MB. During his youth he spent plenty of time helping at his grandpa’s farm at Carroll and at Grove’s farm. After working at several different places as a young man, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served from 1954 to 1959, something that he was very proud of.

Fred met the “love of his life” Helen (Arthur) and they were married in 1956. They celebrated 70 years on June 2. Following an honorable discharge from RCN, Fred and family moved home from Victoria, BC and spent some time working in the dairy with the Arthurs. They lost their house at the farm in a fire and thus moved on to a career with Anglo (Royalite, Gulf). There were far too many moves with that company, so Fred, Helen and family moved back to Brandon, and he went to drive for Paul’s Hauling Ltd. He made many friends at Paul’s and went on to log well over one million miles. The opportunity came in 1978 to purchase his Uncle George Stamp’s farm and Fred jumped at it as farming was his passion. In 1980 he created W3 Farm Enterprises with sons Kim and Shane. Fred would go back to Paul’s when things got slow at the farm and dispatch for them. After retiring from the farm, he spent more time at Paul’s which included dispatching potato trucks in Washington and Taber. That was an especially favourite time of the year for him, and he was known as “The Taber Potato Man.” After 59 years in the work force, Fred retired in 2008.

Fred was an avid hockey player but blew a knee out during tryouts for the Brandon Wheat Kings in 1952, so no more hockey save for coaching. Fred and Helen liked to travel and took an adventurous holiday every year when the kids were growing up. Over the years, Fred and Helen spent many winters in Texas with their 5th wheel camper. Fred took up the hobby of wood carving once they retired to Brandon and became a proud and award-winning member of the Wheat City Carvers Club. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are very grateful recipients of his beautiful carvings. Fred and Helen became residents of Brandon Lion’s Manor in 2011 where they were actively involved and made many longtime friends. An accomplishment he was very proud of, Helen not so much, was having owned 44 vehicles over the course of his lifetime!! Fred’s last few years were spent tending his beautiful flower garden and enjoying time with family and many friends. He really enjoyed the visits of his grandchildren and their families. Giving out hockey cards to the grands and greats and trying to convince them to become Toronto Maple Leaf fans gave him lots of enjoyment and laughs!

Preceded in death by parents Fred and Alice May (Stamp) Warburton, grandson Khody Shane Warburton (in infancy) and numerous sister and brothers-in-law and cousins.

Fred leaves behind a family who will carry forward a legacy of love, commitment and strength. Survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Moureen (Arthur); sister, Joan May Wesley; children, Kim (Sheree) Warburton, Lynne (Ron) Gallant, Wendy (Ron) Hiebert and Shane (Diane) Warburton; 12 grandchildren and spouses; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service will take place on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Carroll Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to attend. A time of fellowship will follow at the Carroll Memorial Hall.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Brandon Regional Health Foundation, Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB. R7A 7H8. The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff on the Brandon Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care during the last days of Fred’s life.

Arrangements entrusted to Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be shared on this memorial page.

Sadly, missed but fondly remembered – Forever in our hearts.

Rest in peace.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 27, 2026