John Fred Bowditch was born on Oct. 25, 1943 in Tisdale, SK to Ralph Sr. and Sadie Bowditch. He grew up in Sylvania, SK with older sisters Marilou, Rosemary and Karen and younger brother Ralph. He attended elementary school in Sylvania and high school at TUCS in Tisdale. Following graduation he attended the University of Saskatchewan School of Agriculture program and then came home to Bowditch Farms and a job as an elevator agent. He married Sheila Thomas in 1967 and together they raised their family just a little down the road from where he grew up.

Fred was always ready to welcome friends, old and new, in for a visit. He was quick witted and usually had a good joke or a fantastic story to share. He rarely turned down an opportunity to embark on an adventure or travel somewhere new and was happiest when his home was warmed by family and friends. He was truly admired for always being himself.

Fred was predeceased by his wife Sheila and his parents, Ralph and Sadie. Left to treasure his memory are Ryan & Joline (Sylvania), Danielle & Greg (Calgary), Renée and Terry (DeWinton), Leigh & Kristy (Tisdale) and granddaughters: Carlie, Amy, Shayla, Addison, Autumn, London, Indiana, Lindsay and Francis. Fred also leaves behind his siblings, Marilou (Denis) Delorme, Rosemary (Roger) Trottier, Karen Boxall, Ralph (Carol) Bowditch and their families, his mother-in-law Jean Thomas and sister-in-law Myrna Thomas as well as several nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID restrictions, a small family-only service will be held with a community celebration to follow at a later date. Gifts in memorium can be made to Tisdale Hospital Auxiliary, Heart & Stroke Foundation or STARS air ambulance.