Alfred Ernest (Fred) Bingham, a much loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. on January 13, 2003, in his 84th year.
Fred was predeceased by his brothers T.D. (Don) Bingham in 1995 and Rev. W.J. (Jack) Bingham in 1997. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita, sons Paul (Rosemary), David (Linda), Doug (Jan), Don, daughter Beverley Dodd (Chris), 20 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Fred was born March 24, 1919 in London, Ontario, the second son of Rev. Albert Carey Bingham and Emily May Bingham. After starting school in Edmonton, Alberta, Fred moved to Vancouver in 1928 with his family.
In 1945, Fred was employed by the Children's Aid Society of Vancouver, and joined the B. C. Government as a social worker in 1947. He worked for the Department of Social Welfare first in New Westminster and later in Fernie, B.C. Fred accepted a position as District Supervisor for the department in the Fraser Valley, and moved to Abbotsford, in 1951. He was promoted to Regional Director for the Fraser Valley in 1957, a position he held for 22 years. Fred served as Regional Director for the Surrey-Delta area for 3 years and retired in April 1982.
Following retirement, Fred undertook several trips to First Nations communities on the coast to consult on children and family services and later served on a number of volunteer social services boards. He and Rita also volunteered as M2W2 visitors and were members of Abbotsford Golden K Club. The Bingham family was one of the first to support Keats Island Baptist Camp and Fred enjoyed over 70 years of summers at Keats Island commencing in 1928. He and Rita enjoyed many happy family times at Keats and were very generous in sharing the family cottage with children and granchildren.
Fred will be remembered by colleagues, friends and family for his life of service to others, his strong faith, his sense of humor and support of family and friends. The family wishes to thank the staff of Tabor Home and Menno Hospital for their kindness and care shown to Fred and Rita over the past four years.
A service of thanksgiving for Fred's life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 2597 Bourquin Crescent E., Abbotsford,
In lieu of flowers, donations to Calvin Church Building Fund or Keats Camp.