With great sadness the family announces the passing of Fred Howard Irvine on Saturday January 30th, 2016 at the age of 86. Fred was born on the farm in Mather Township on April 14, 1929. He lived on and nurtured that same piece of ground for his entire life until August 2014 when his health had deteriorated to the point that staying was no longer an option. After brief stops at the Golden Age Manor in Emo and Rainycrest in Fort Frances he took up his final residence in the long term wing of the Emo Hospital in December 2014. Fred is survived by his loving wife Edith of 64 years, sons Keith (Wendy) of Dryden, Joe (Maxine), of Stratton and daughter Kathy (Will Derksen) of Stratton and by his sisters Ivy and Eva Angus and sister-in-law Marg Irvine as well as 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Fred was predeceased by his youngest son Jack, parents John and Ethel, sister Ida, brother Sid, brothers-in -law Elwood and John Angus, sister-in-law Elsie, niece Heather and nephews Ross and Ira. Fred attended the Mather #8 one room school in the days when daily transportation was through a swampy trail pulled by workhorses regardless of rain, sleet or snow. On January 21, 1952, Fred was married to Edith Seed and together the couple raised a family of 4 on the beloved farm. In the earlier years Fred spent the winters working in bush camps logging, coming home occasionally on weekends. Throughout the years he continued to log in the winter months in various live in camps and eventually in wood lots closer to home. After 2 separate accidents involving breaking one leg at a time, Fred retired from his logging career in 1986. He continued farming until 1993 when the cattle were sold. Fred was all about salvage. Any trip to the dump involved a load in both directions. You never were sure which load would be the biggest. He loved gardening and growing things. If there was any bare soil in a potted plant, mysterious seedlings would keep popping up. It could be anything from a seed of an apple or orange he had eaten or a horse chestnut or acorn he had collected while visiting Lou and Wally in Baudette. The trees would be transplanted to his little sanctuary behind the old chicken pen. Other favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, attending local country dances and family gatherings where lots of games of smear were played. The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Drs. Whatley, Myers and all of the fantastic long term care nurses and cleaning and kitchen staff for their professional care of Dad in his last year. He really enjoyed all the jokes and hunting stories you all shared with him. You made that tough time the best it could be. As per Fred's wishes an intimate family gathering and interment will take place at a later date. If desired memorial donations may be made in Fred's memory to the Emo Hospital, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.0. Box 89, Emo, ON, P0W 1E0. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com