Tribute

Fred Jones passed away Sunday November 14th at South Okanagan General Hospital at the age of 96 years. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ethel ; his sister Betty (Keith) of Chilliwack ; “The Jones Boys” – sons Terry (Dina) of Woodbury, Rick (Heather) at Mirror Lake, and Lex (Gail) of Kaslo.
Five grandchildren: Terry (Karla) in Seattle, Alicia of Richmond, Casey, Nick, and Chad, all of Kaslo; and great-grandson Jason in Seattle.
Fred was predeceased by daughters Susie in 1958 and Annie in 1972, and his brother Harry in 1959.
Fred was a hard working man who operated many businesses with Ethel including “Westlake Lodge” at Hollyburn Mountain in the 1940’s, and Motels in Nelson and Okanagan Falls. Fred and his brother Harry were partners at Westlake, and together they built Kaslo Marine Service.
Fred could fix or build almost anything. His carpentry skills were put to good use in the construction of Westlake Lodge, the family home in Kaslo, and many smaller projects in South Okanagan homes, and Baldy cabins. Many pieces of strong, functional furniture were produced in Fred’s shop.
Retirement for Fred was filled with growing potatoes on their two acres in Willowbrook in the summer, puttering in his garage, and skiing at Mt. Baldy in the winter until his knee wouldn’t let him anymore. Fred could be found shovelling pathways for others well in to his 90’s, and he walked to the edge of the ski run every day to watch the skiers go by.
Fred was a founding member of the Willowbrook Fire Department, and often volunteered his time and skills to Borderline Ski Club.
There will be a gathering of family and friends at Mt. Baldy at a later date, and a Memorial in Kaslo in the spring.