Obituary of Fred Rousseau

May 28, 1930 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

November 10, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Fred Rousseau, born in St. Boniface, MB, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his wife ThuyHang and his four daughters on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the age of 94.

Fred was driven by academics, hard work, and success. Shortly after receiving his BSc in Pharmacy from the University of Manitoba in 1953, he married Norma and they moved to Pine Falls, MB. As they grew their family, they were adventurously on the move; Winnipeg, Headingley, Victoria, and Vancouver (where he earned his MBA at UBC in 1968). They settled in Calgary where Fred, ever the entrepreneur after running his own pharmacies and trying his hand in the stock market, started his commercial real estate and development company. In 1990, he received the prestigious BOMA Award.

After Norma passed away, Fred remarried ThuyHang in 2010 and they continued to live in Calgary until he passed. He took a special interest in his grandchildren, mentoring them along their career pathways. He loved the outdoors, an avid hiker into his late eighties. He continued to work from home, sharp as a tack, trading stocks up until his last days. His family will never forget the many expressions that define him as the eternal pragmatist, such as ‘Cripes’, ‘Shove It Through’, ‘Get the Lead Out’, and ‘Keep the Peace’. He had a practical solution for any problem.

A special thank you to Comfort Keepers and Southwood Hospice staff who showed Fred and his family incredible kindness and compassion. Much appreciation to the staff at Rockyview Hospital.

Fred is survived by his wife ThuyHang of fourteen years, his sister Eva, his children, Joan, Julie (Bruce), Jennifer (Peter), and Jane (Dan); his eleven grandchildren, Christine, Cale, Sheena, Lindsay, Dylan, Danielle, Janine, Nicholas, Martin, Jack, and Jenna; and ten great-grandchildren.

Fred was predeceased by Norma, his wife of 55 years, and the mother of his children. He was also predeceased by his son John.

Memorial Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre of the Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Cemetery (24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB).

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Rousseau's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Foundation, 105 12 Ave SE #1180, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1, Telephone: (403) 802-7700, www.calgaryfoundation.org. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Fred’s family here.

In living memory of Fred Rousseau, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

We apologize, we are experiencing technical difficulties with the live-stream and are working to correct it, there will be a full recording of the entire service available later today.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Fred's Memorial Service