Frederick Leonard was born on January 9, 1946, in Sullivan Township to proud new parents Leonard and Mina (Hager) Unruh. Six years later, Fred became an older brother to Richard. Living on a farm on the 12th of Sullivan, the Unruh boys quickly learned the definition of hard work. Fred could often be found following his father on the back of a 1946 Ford Ferguson tractor, on their way to pick stones. Fred attended S.S. #7 Grimston, and then continued to Chesley District High School. Fred continued on to Teacher’s College in Stratford for two years.
After graduating, Fred worked in Chesley as a vice principal for one year, before beginning in Tara, where he stayed for his entire teaching career. During his career, Fred returned to the classroom himself and ultimately received his Master’s in teaching. After every day of teaching, he would head to Richard’s to help milk the cows, and during his summers off, he would spend the day at the farm helping with the crops. In between, he still made time for his faith, attending St. Peter’s with Richard, and then going to McDonalds after for coffee.
In 1973, a friend of Fred’s set him up on a blind date at the movie theatre in Owen Sound. When he arrived, he met an incredible young woman by the name of Diane Agatha Groves. The two quickly fell in love, and were married on August 9, 1975 in Owen Sound. The newlywed couple lived in Owen Sound in an apartment for the first year of marriage, before moving to a farm across the road from his family farm. Here they welcomed their children, Trish in 1977, Derek in 1979, and Troy in 1981. Fred followed in his father’s footsteps, showing his own children the love of farming. Between Fred’s busy schedule of teaching and farming, they didn’t have a lot of time to take family trips, however they made sure to make the most out of every moment they had together.
Fred was a member of the Chesley Kinsmen and loved assisting with the duck races. He collected model planes, trains, lanterns, and antique tractors, with old John Deere being ones he gravitated towards. Fred owned an old convertible that he loved to take for drives. Later in life, Fred and Diane took a Caribbean cruise, which was a highlight for him. He also enjoyed going to the community centre in Chesley and playing euchre, and playing bingo at the nursing home. Fred enjoyed sitting down and watching the Grand Ole Opry, or really anything to do with country music. He loved the classics such as Johnny Cash, and also loved listening to Shania Twain.
Overall, his family was his biggest accomplishment. Fred was so proud of his children, and the lives they created for themselves. When his grandchildren were welcomed into the world, Fred discovered a new type of love. Although there was some distance between them, he still made sure to spend time with his grandchildren when he saw them. Within the last few years, Fred was diagnosed with dementia. In recent months, his health started to decline, and he passed away at Brightshores Health System, Owen Sound, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, in his 78th year.
Beloved husband of Diane (Groves). Loving father of Trish of Mississauga, Derek of Wellesley, and Troy (Michelle Timmerman) of Keady. Cherished grandfather of Noah, Christopher, Aiden, Riley, and Delanie. He was predeceased by his brother Richard and his parents Leonard and Mina (Hager) Unruh.
A visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 7 – 9 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Fred’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sullivan on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 1 p.m. Interment in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Diabetes Canada or the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Diane and Family
My Deepest Condolences to the Unruh Family.
As a kid we were always amazed how he could read a book upside down to a class in the library. He was a strick but fair teacher. So sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss, Troy, Trish and Derek and families. No more pain. Remember the happy mem.
Troy, Michelle and family, so sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss. Our condolences to Diane and family. Cherish your memories.
Dear Diane, So very sorry to hear that Fred passed away. My sympathy is there with you and your family. Never seem to see each other any more but thank goodness for memories at a time like this. Hugs from Jane
So very sorry to hear that Fred has passed. He was a great teacher and my kids loved him very much.
My condolences to the Unrah family.
I’m sorry for your loss. Fred was my grade 5 teacher at Arran Tara Elementary School back in 1990. He was a great teacher who genuinely cared about his students.
To Diane, Trish, Derek, Troy & Michelle and all the grandchildren:
No words can express the feeling of grief when you lose a family member. My sincere condolences to the Family.
From Wendy McKee & family.
Our sincerest sympathies Diane on your recent loss. Treasure the time you had together and the memories you made.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad he is at peace.
Condolences to Diane and the rest of the Unruh family.
Dear Unruh family,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Fred. Troy, I remember childhood dinners at your table with your dad — eating chili and ice cream for dessert. Specifically – I remember him joking around (hey, Troy, does this ice cream smell funny?? Smack! …face full of ice cream…). Anyway, sincere condolences.
Dan
To Diane, Trish, Derek, Troy & Michelle and all the grandchildren:
We were sorry to hear about Fred’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all of you.
My sincere condolences to the Unruh Family. I had the pleasure of being in the Chesley Rotary Club with Fred. He was dedicated to serving his community and hard working volunteer.
Sincere sympathy to.the Unruh family. Keep good memories close to your heart.
TO THE UNRUH FAMILY:
Sorry to hear about Fred was a well established member at St Peter’s for many years.May god be with you at this time.
Dear Diane and family…so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing, take comfort in knowing you have provided him with the best of care possible….deepest sympathy.
Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing.Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sorry for your loss, Diane. My condolences to you and your family!
We’re so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing!
I worked with Fred at the Arran Tara Public School in the 80’s ..
He was a very kind and caring man .. who always had his students best interest in mind.
He will definitely be missed!
Keep your memories of Fred close to your hearts and he’ll never be far away!
Thinking of his family at this sad time.
Guy Helwig and Tracey Bookham-Smith
Diane and family I am so sorry to be reading of Fred’s passing. He was a great neighbour and the conversations while I was out for a walk or just to stop and chat
Dianne and family, very sorry to learn of the passing of my old high school friend, Teacher’s College pal and fellow teacher. So glad we got together at our fiftieth class reunion in Stratford.
David and Lynn White
Diane and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sorry to hear of your loss Diane
A wonderful teacher at Arran-Tara Elementary School, so sorry for your loss.
Diane and family, so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane and family
Our deepest condolences.
Sorry for your loss, Diane & family.
Sending our deepest condolences to the Unruh family.
Troy, Michelle and family – so very sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences