Obituary of Frederick James Vaters

Frederick (Fred) James

Vaters

November 4, 1952 – March 28, 2021

Frederick James Vaters, known to all as Fred, passed away at the Western Memorial Regional Hospital, on March 28, 2021, in his 68th year, surrounded by family and friends. Fred was born, raised and educated in Corner Brook, the 5th of 6 siblings. He worked the majority of his life as a chemical tester at North Star Cement Plant. He was very involved in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Corner Brook, Lodge # 505, joining them on June 20, 1973. He served as the Exalted Ruler for several years and received from the Order a Lifetime membership. Fred will be sorely missed by all the family and friends he often entertained with his quick wit and wry sense of humour. Although he was limited physically for many years, he enjoyed the love and company of family and friends.

Fred is survived by his siblings: Ruth Crummey (NB), Reuben Vaters, Jr. (Julie), Ivor Vaters, and Evelyn Rowsell (Kenneth), and sister-in-law, Annie Vaters, all of Corner Brook; nieces and nephews, Ramona Noseworthy (Tony), Gary Vaters (Marilyn Snook), Todd Vaters, Rhonda Janes (Bruce), Lisa Marshall (Gordon) and Stephen Rowsell (Amanda Brushett); and many cousins, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Rueben James Vaters, Sr., and Eliza (Antle) Vaters, his brother, George Vaters, and his brother-in-law, Clyde Crummey.

The family wishes to acknowledge with special thanks his devoted home care worker, Brittany White, who was a Godsend to not only Fred but also to his family.

Special thanks are also extended from the family to Dwayne Greenham, Community Public Health Nurse, who attended to Fred at his home.

The family extends a thank you to the doctors and nurses of the 4th floor and ICU of the Western Memorial Regional Hospital for their care and attention to Fred during his times in the hospital.

The family also extends a special thank you to Rev. John van Vliet and Rev. Jocelyn Cook for their care, attention and support during this difficult time.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no visitation and a private family service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Fillatre’s Funeral Home Chapel, St. Mark’s Avenue.

As expressions of sympathy, there are no flowers by request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Fred Vaters to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children or to a charity of one’s choice.