On January 14, 2012 Fred Cross passed away with his family at his side. Fred was born on April 15, 1922 in Port Talbot, Wales. He was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Clarice, his stepfather Phillip Igglesden and his beloved brother Clement. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Connie, daughters Glynis (Terry) and Diane; grandchildren Michelle, John (Stacy), Brett (Steve) and Paige; his great grandchildren Zoe, Deven and Molly; his sisters Edwina and Susan (Dennis), sister-in-law June, nephew Malcolm and niece Elizabeth (Gerald). Fred began his military service by volunteering for the RAF in 1940 and served during World War II in England, India, Ceylon and Cocos Islands. Following the war, Fred joined the London Metropolitan Police Force and worked there until he and the family immigrated to Canada in 1957. From 1957 until his retirement Fred was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in posts across Canada and Europe. During his lifetime Fred always remained very physically active, exercising regularly and using the ‘Fredmill’. In his early years he received national medals for race walking, and over the years has enjoyed exploring Canada on numerous road trips with Connie, golfing and fishing. Even though the distances were great, Fred remained very close to his family. He loved getting back to England every year or so to ‘lift a pint’ with his dear brother Clem and reunite with his sister Susie. As well he was thrilled when Edwina made the trip from Australia to visit. He was a lifetime member of the Steinbach Legion #190 and a member of the Masonic Keystone Lodge #185. Fred and Connie have resided in Steinbach for over thirty-five years and Fred treasured the many friendships he made there. The family would like to give their sincere thanks to the nurses, aides, orderlies and palliative team of Bethesda Hospital who showed so much compassion to Fred and his family over the last four months. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Bethesda Foundation, 316 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9 or a charity of your choosing. In accordance with Fred’s wishes cremation has already taken place and a memorial service will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive in Steinbach on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.