July 9th, 1934 – Dec.19th 2022
Suddenly on Dec.19th 2022 we lost our Husband, Dad and Papa. Fred was born in Winnipeg on July 9th, 1934 to William (Bill) and Evelyn Kouk. Fred lived in Birch River MB for a short time, growing up In Elmwood on Riverton Avenue surrounded by a large household of brothers and sisters. After an adventurous childhood he met the love of his life Veronica Demetrioff. They were married in 1958 and then settled in Transcona where they raised their three boys on Kootenay Crescent.
Fred was in the food brokerage business his entire working life and later owned his own business. Fred was a true salesman with the gift of gab and made many relationships that lasted a lifetime. Fred and Veronica were fortunate to retire early and were inseparable in their retirement, rarely seen apart. They travelled to many destinations with Hawaii being one of their favorite destinations. Later they spent 17 winters down in Weslaco Texas at their trailer in Magic Valley Park where they enjoyed many activities in the park including baseball leagues which Fred loved.
Dad was involved with his sons as they grew up in Transcona, coaching them in hockey at the local community clubs. He always loved the sport and especially adored watching his son Randy play goalie for the Transcona Railers. He never missed a game. Later he enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s games and most recently watched his great grandson play.
Dad also loved the game of golf. He was always seen at Shooters Golf course either working in the pro shop or playing in his beloved senior’s league known as “Freddie’s Back 9ers”. The Cerasani Family (Shooters) held a special place in his heart.
Fred was predeceased by his parents Bill and Evelyn, siblings Rick, Jim, Pat and Joyce. Also leaving this world too early was his son Randy, grandson Kurtis and his daughter-in-law Evelyn.
He is survived by his wife Veronica, son Ken, grandson Kyle (Kendall), granddaughter Kelsey (Eddie); son Greg (Liane), granddaughter Courtney, grandson Rowen; Randy’s children, grandson Ryan (Samantha), granddaughters Ashley (Chris) and Stephanie (Cole); great grandchildren Gavin, Maddox, Nickson, Bentley, Jaxson, and Kayden.
Fred is also survived by his younger brother Tom in Victoria and older brother Bob in Winnipeg. Dad and Bob enjoyed sharing many afternoon beers together talking about the Jets or solving the world’s problems; they were the best of friends.
Special thanks to the staff and patrons at Shooters Golf Course for tending to Dad and paramedics who did everything to try and save him. Also thank you to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital ER.
Funeral service will be held at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 710 Roanoke St. Winnipeg on January 4th 2023 at 1pm. A celebration of his life will be held at Transcona Legion 117 Regent Avenue after the service.
We are sad that you left us so suddenly and find it hard to believe that you are gone. Love your Family.
17 thoughts on “Frederick Leo Kouk”
Sincere condolences for your loss. May he rest in peace. Ali & Gilles Cournoyer
Our heartfelt sympathy to Ronnie and family. Fred was a lifelong friend of our brother Carl. We have many fond memories of our two families growing up in Elmwood. Rest in Peace. Jean and Gail Rau
Thinking of the entire family. We always enjoyed Fred’s stories when he would boat over with Ken. Lots of laughs and good memories of Fred. My heart goes out to Veronica…they were such a great couple together.
Rene and Laurie Lacroix
Rest In Peace Uncle Fred.
The Shooter Wednesday morning gaggle of mixed golfers created our group name as Freddie’s Back Niners many years ago. He was always there with a smile, a story or two and zipping around in a golf cart to keep an eye on us. He quite often arrived with a spare golf ball or two if he had witnessed anyone had hit a ball into the pond! (Which was often!)
He was a kind, generous and happy person and will be much missed.
My sincere condolences to his family and to everyone who called him friend.
Our deepest condolences to Freddie’s family. We will miss him and his bubbly personality on our Wednesday morning golf. Barry and Norma Martin
Dear Ronnie and family. I was saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. Many great memories of good times in Magic Valley. Fred loved life and was bigger than life. Fred calling out “Rodney me boy” when we would walk by your trailer in the park comes to mind. He loved his family and will be truly missed by his friends. My sincere condolences
Met Fred And Ronie at Magic Valley Park in Weslaco,TX and had many good times together.
Condolences to the family.🙏
Sincere sympathy to Ronnie and your family. We enjoyed our time spent with you and Fred. He’ll be busy talking baseball with Ralph in heaven.
I was so sorry to hear of Freddie’s passing. I was one of the original member of Freddie’s Back Niners. I left the group after a few years but I would return to play golf every now and then or come to the monthly lunches. Freddie would always come by and give me a hug. I am really glad I stopped by last summer to play golf with my sister and friend and there was Freddie coming by on one of the holes we were playing and was joking around with us as usual! I stayed for lunch that day and Freddie came and sat with us. I am so glad I saw him then and had a nice talk with him. I will truly miss his laughter and his sense of humor. It will be strange not to see him driving around the golf course talking to everyone. My sincere condolences to his family.
Cathy Campbell
Greg,Liane,Courtney and Rowan.
My deepest sympathies to you all during this difficult time.
Cam Bakker.
Sincere condolences go out to Freddie’s family.
We will miss him on golf Wednesday mornings. ( our fearless leader). He knew all our names and was always driving around to check on us and giving us golf balls. A sweet and kind man who always smiled and joked.
🙏🙏❤️❤️ Farewell ..
My sincere condolences to his family. I will miss Freddies funny friendly way. he always came to visit everyone on those Wednesday mornings. I will miss him testing my French Fries to make sure they were alright. He often brought some cool liquid out to our group and cheered us on. We will miss hjm dearly.
Bruce Goodall.
Remembering a very special family from our days on Southam. You all left a lasting impression of love and joy in my heart. Going to miss our chance meetings on grocery outings! My deepest condolences to Veronica and the family. Sheryn Smith
We had many laughs throughout the years in Majic Valley Park and the past number of years at Shooter’s Golf Course . My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We’ll miss you uncle Fred, will always have such fond memories of you rough-housing and playing with me and Shalen when we were kids. Love to the family.
I have no words. I cannot believe he is gone. Fred was one of a kind. Fun, considerate, caring. He always had a smile. Will miss him on the Tuesday morning golf meetings. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace Fred. Gonna miss you.