June 26, 2018
Dr. Fred Ceresney, 91, died peacefully at 91原创 Memorial Hospital on June 26, 2018, surrounded by his family. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Fred was one of 5 children of Benjamin Ceresney and Bella Moscovitz.
Fred lived a life devoted to service. As a teenager, he joined the Queen's Own Rifles, the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and served for 3 years. He returned home, got his high school equivalency, and began his medical training at the University of Toronto. He re-enlisted in his second year of medical school, graduated from medical school in 1954, and interned until 1955 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Toronto, where he met his beloved Ina. From his re-enlistment in 1952 to his honorable release in 1959, Fred served as a member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, based from 1955 at CFB Chilliwack. He saw service in Egypt in 1957-58 and received a United Nations Emergency Medal.
In 1959, Fred and Ina moved their family to 91原创, where he opened his medical practice. Over the next 42 years, in his office and at 91原创 Memorial Hospital, he cared for the people of 91原创. After open-heart surgery in 2001, he closed his own office; however, after a 4-month 'retirement', he returned to medicine as a locum until 2007, at age 81.
His commitment to medicine extended beyond his practice to his involvement in policy through his committee work within the British Columbia Medical Association, the Canadian Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.EEFred believed in the value of education, and served on the 91原创 School Board, and on the Douglas College Council.
He also provided service to the community through his appointment as Lt. Surgeon for the Aldergrove Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps "Columbia" as well as being involved in the St. John's Ambulance.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ina; his 10 children, Karen, Kim, Brian (Chari), Kathryn, Alison (Tom), Monique (Ben), Benita, David (Angela), Alan (Connee), Maureen; his sister, Esther; 6 grandchildren, Tim, Denis, Ben (Carly), Dan (Sandra), Ariel (Matt), Simon; 4 great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Sterling, Lincoln, Sasha; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Morris, 2 sisters, Helen and Mildred, and his grandson, Kirin.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Nicholas' Church, 20675 - 87 Ave, 91原创 BC.
Fred will always be remembered for his acts of love, care, and devotion to his community. In his honour, the family asks that you perform a random act of kindness to continue his legacy. 