Frederick “Fred” Schneider

It is with great sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Frederick “Fred” Schneider, who passed away at the age of 87 years on November 3, 2022, in the comfort of his home surrounded by love.

Fred was predeceased by his loving wife Carole (2007). He leaves behind his children Lori and Jonathan, grand children CJ & Matthew, sisters Edith, Frieda, Rita, and brother Chris.

Fred was born in Budapest Hungary to Johann and Frida. World War II marked the early part of his life, and the Schneider family were refugees forced to relocate to Augsburg by cattle-car at wars end. Always eager to learn, Fred excelled in school but only in the subjects he thought were important. At the end of one semester, friends chided him about his straight A’s in every class but English. He quickly remarked, yes but when will I ever need to speak English? Three weeks later the family was on a boat heading towards a new start in England. Over the next few years while working alongside his father and still going to school, he finally got that A in English.

This would not be the last time fate intervened and altered the course of Fred’s life. The next move was even further westward when the family boarded a “luxurious ship” bound for Canada. During the voyage an unexpected wireless message arrived redirecting the family to alter course for a new destination. Once docked in Quebec, the Schneiders departed for Kitchener Ontario and the “luxurious ship” was towed directly to the scrap yard.

In Kitchener, Fred joined the insurance company Equitable Life of Canada in the mail room and started his journey up the corporate ladder. Fate popped up again in the lunchroom when he sadly announced to his friends that he had no date for the company Christmas party. Out of the corner came an unexpected reply, “I’ll go with you!” and with that began a lifelong love affair and adventure with his future wife Carole. Fred showed off his athletic side with many goals while playing soccer for the Kitchener Schwaben Club Green Shirts and bowling with Carole and Joe at the Elmira Bowl.

The young couple spent a few more years in Kitchener and then continued their journey west by hopping a train to Hollywood. Arriving in the early morning in LA, with no specific plans or connections, they ended up securing a job and an apartment all before 5 PM. Whoever said “LA is a tough town” did not know Fred & Carole! With Fred’s acting gigs during the day and writing movie and TV scripts at night they enjoyed the true California lifestyle. But then things changed, with their first child Lori on the way, they decided it was time to move back to family in Kitchener. After their second child, Jonathan, arrived a westward adventure continued with a move to the Stampede city of Calgary Alberta.

Fred flourished in Calgary working for Equitable Life again and they travelled extensively during those years. England, all the Rivieras, Europe, Tahiti, The Caribbean, Osoyoos, cruises, weekends hiking the back trails of the Rocky Mountains with lifelong friends Mike & Bertha, and the many month-long road trips across North America. When the kids were grown, a last move west found them in Vancouver where Fred started his own insurance company.

The next 20+ years were filled with business success and more travelling from Cabo, meeting Terry2Taco, to New Zealand with Carole and always to see the grand kids wherever they were as often as possible. Fred was also able to rekindle his acting career with numerous cameos on his son Jonathan’s movie and TV series projects including Alive, Jumanji, Look Who’s Talking movies, The Commish, and 21 Jump Street. Fred is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and winner of the 1st annual restaurant parking lot hundred-yard dash. A man of honour, drive, and commitment, whose word was his bond, and he always went out of his way to help whoever needed it. Fred’s family and friends will keep him in their hearts forever, he will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Fred’s terrific medical team including Dr. Lee, Dr. Kreisman, Dr. Jamal, Dr. Leone, and all the wonderful nurses from the Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre.

Frederick's family will receive relatives and friends from 12 - 12:45 pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, Ph. # 519-749-8467. A celebration of life will take place in the chapel at 1 pm, followed by a reception.
Those unable to attend may view Frederick's service on Saturday starting at 1 PM eastern time/10 AM pacific via the following live stream link: https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming
Fred will be reunited with his beloved Carole at Kitchener’s Woodland cemetery to finally rest.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Frederick's memorial.