MCINTOSH: After a short illness, Wilfred Norman "Freddie Mac" McIntosh passed away peacefully, with family at his side at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, December 18, 2003. Wilf was born January 21, 1913 in Rapid City, Manitoba, the youngest of a family of seven brothers and one sister and was the last remaining member of his family. Wilf is survived by his daughter, Karen Lea and partner Robert Allen of Sechelt, British Columbia; his son, Gary, wife Judy and granddaughter Megan, all of Brandon; and granddaughter, Kelly, of Busan, South Korea; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Wilf grew up and was educated in the Rapid City, Cardale, Newdale and Hamiota area. He married Beatrice Jean Whyte in 1939 and they had 50 wonderful years of marriage prior to her death in 1989. Wilf started his working career as Manager of the Hamiota Co-op, as well as being a partner in the Hamiota Theatre. In 1951, Wilf and family moved to Manitou, Manitoba where he owned and operated the Pembina Theatre. In 1954, the family came to Brandon where Wilf commenced employment with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission where he worked until his retirement in 1978. He thoroughly enjoyed his 24 years in the Federal Civil Service and made a great many life long friends, not only with his colleagues but also with the many people he assisted in finding employment. One of the greatest sources of enjoyment for Wilf over the years was his music. Throughout the 1930's and 1940's, he played drums in a dance band with the Milne family, throughout Southwestern Manitoba. He was one of the founding members of the Hamiota town band where he played the trombone. With his move to Brandon, he enjoyed a 25-year association with the Royal Canadian Legion Band, playing both the drums and trombone. Wilf took great pride in not missing one concert or even band practice during that entire 25 years! Wilf's father owned car dealerships while he was growing up, and from this he developed a real love for automobiles of the 20's, 30's and 40's but particularly the 1950's. This love of cars culminated in his acquiring a superb collection of Buicks, comprised of one model of each year of car from 1951 through to 1959, which gave him and his family tremendous pleasure for many years. This hobby resulted in his participation in the Western Manitoba Pioneer Auto Club where he served in all Executive positions. Some really treasured memories and a wide circle of friends were developed that became very special to us all. Wilf's other source of pride and relaxation was keeping his home and especially his yard in beautiful condition. The big yard at his home of many years, 1335 Lorne Avenue, was always a source of joy and pride to him and those who saw it and enjoyed it with him. While Wilf and Bea did some travelling, they had no desire to be anywhere but in Brandon, on the Prairies, a place and land they dearly loved. However, the most important part of Wilf's life was family, and his love, kindness, support and generosity to wife Bea, his children and grandchildren will forever be cherished. Wilf enjoyed a very special bond with his granddaughters who truly were the joy of his life. Wilf was a very quiet, compassionate, patient and understanding man who would do anything to help family, friends, nieces and nephews. He was admired by a great number of friends and neighbours of all ages and walks of life, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Sincere appreciation is extended to Dr. Englebrecht and the wonderful staff of the Brandon Regional Health Centre for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, in memory of Wilfred, donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation. A celebration of Wilf's life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North, Brandon on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 2:00 pm. Honorary pallbearers will be all in attendance. A private family interment will be held at a later date at the McIntosh Family Plot in Rapid City. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.
Memorials
Bdn. Regional Health Centre Foundation