MILDON, Frederick Derek “Fred” - 24 December, 1930 – 12 June, 2021
Passed away peacefully with his daughter Barb by his side at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Saturday, June 12, 2021, in his 91st year.
Predeceased by his wife Barbara (neé Buckham).
Dearly loved dad of Barbara Mildon, Jennifer Howse (George) and Laura Lee Mildon. Predeceased by son Thomas Buckham and daughter Wende Campbell.
Grandfather of Tammy (Louis), Jennifer, Rachel (Jesse), Julia (Curt), and Deborah (Jeremy), and great-grandfather of Ravynne, Campbell, Jackson, Ava, Abigail, and Finley.
Survived by his loving sister Irene Rupolo and predeceased by his brothers Teddy, Ronnie, and Bobby.
Fred will be especially remembered for his passion for music. Once introduced to a trumpet, he found his calling.
A member of the Musician’s union in his prime, he travelled across Canada and parts of the US playing his horn.
In later years, he passed on his love of trumpet and jazz through teaching and band leadership including Swing Shift, Swing Street (often featured in the Beaches Jazz Festival) and the Motor City Jazz Band.
Once retired, with thanks to Judith and Tony Maxwell, he took on the leadership of the Clarington New Horizons music groups, a role that brought him great joy and meaning until they were paused due to the COVID pandemic.
Although he had several jazz heroes, Louis Armstrong was probably the first and most influential.
It was Louis who said, “My whole life, my whole soul, my whole spirit is to blow that horn...”
In keeping with COVID restrictions, a private Celebration of Life service will be held at the COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL , 1587 Highway #2 (905-432-8484) on Thursday, June 17, at 10:30 am.
The service will be live streamed via Zoom—registration via the funeral home.
Final resting place is St. James Cemetery, Toronto.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes Foundation, Adult Day Program (www.ccckl.ca).
Online condolences may be placed at CourticeFuneralChapel.com
“O! Didn’t he ramble.” *Traditionally played at the funeral of jazz musicians*.
{fastsocialshare}