Thursday, May 28, 2020
Dear Garry, Peter and family: Please accept our condolences in the passing of your dear parents, Fred and Irma. I first met Fred and Irma at the YMCA in 1980. Fred seemed a bit intimidating at first, with his strong muscular body, but it didn't take long to see that he had a soft heart and was always keeping the weight room up to snuff. As a new instructor, I soon met Irma and she was and always will be a a sweetheart. She has a beautiful heart and her smile was infectious. Fred would come to my 5:30 p.m. running class 3 times a week and Irma participated in a variety of morning and daytime classes as well over the years, depending on what she felt up to doing. We didn't who's class she was in and out of, we just wanted to be around her. Everyone seemed to love her, as her humour, friendly and positive outlook was very inspiring to many. The last few years Fred would accompany her, to help her along her way. He looked out for her and this allowed her to still be active and socialize with people who also cared for her. He would pretend to work out on the machines, all the while keeping an eye on her. Your parents were an amazing couple, who showed an example of what a caring couple look like; no matter how difficult things seemed to be; even in the winter, fussing with getting heavy coats, boots and bags organized. I take my hat off to them both as there was no other couple quite like them.
Please know, that it is not so much the passing of time that heals our sense of loss, but rather the understanding of life itself; for in the light of awareness, our loved ones are always alive, and only a heart beat and breath away.
Your mom and dad WILL be sadly missed, but ALWAYS remembered, for the kindness and love they spent on all of us.
Much respect and love, Lesley and Laurie Dunning.
