Obituary of Frederick Wilson Briggs

25 July 1937-01 June 2023 

Peacefully on June 1^st in his 86th year. Beloved husband of nearly 64 years of Carolyn and much-loved Father of Adrienne (Ian). Papa was the best Grandfather to Vanessa (Calvin), most patient Great Grandfather to Effie, and the devoted brother of Nancy. Dad will be missed by Sisters and Brothers-in-law Marilyn and Robert Ogilvie and Brenda and Brian (recently deceased) Long, as well as a niece and nephews and their families, and Cousin Bertha and family. Dad was predeceased by his Parents Agnes and Frederick Briggs. He was a good friend to many, always wanting to lend a hand, share his knowledge, and become involved. Dad was born in Hamilton and grew up on The Hamilton Beach Strip. He cherished his childhood with his Parents and Sister in their little house on the beach where he attended Beach Bungalow School. He was a Sea Scout and Sea Scout Leader on the beach and an important mentor to his Scouts.  As a teenager Dad moved with his family to Stoney Creek, where he lived for the rest of his years except for the last few months. He graduated from Saltfleet Highschool, where he met Mom, Carolyn. He was proud to be a lifelong resident of Hamilton and of Stoney Creek and loved researching and sharing his knowledge of local history. Dad had a few jobs as a teenager including The Fox Theatre in Stoney Creek, Stoney Creek Dairy and Canadian Tire on Ottawa Street. At age 18 Dad started his career at Dofasco, working his way up to be a Supervisor in the Metallurgical Department, where he remained until retirement at age 54. Dad was proud of his Honours B.A. earned from McMaster as a part time mature student. Dad spent many years and received great enjoyment from working on a project researching the history of The Hamilton Beach. He was honoured to be the subject of an article in The Hamilton Spectator about his project by Paul Wilson in November of 2019.  Dad had a lifelong love of photography and cinematography and was a member and past President of SCCA, as well as a long-time member of The Hamilton Video/Film Makers. Mom and Dad helped organize many conventions for SCCA and were very active in the promotion of amateur film making for pleasure and competition. Lifelong friendships were made in the various clubs in which Mom and Dad were involved throughout North America.  Dad, along with Mom was very involved in Beach Canal Light House Group, The Head of The Lake Historical Society, Stoney Creek Historical Society and Burlington Historical Society. Travel fueled his imagination for Dad’s unique decor ideas, and his beloved pool and its tropical landscaped glory. Dad loved to host parties with Mom around the pool or in the large second floor addition he designed for movie production, viewing and parties. He was the person you went to for all things camera or computer, the person you wanted on your trivia team and the owner of a vast music collection. If you wanted a recording: he had it.  He was a great debater and always enjoyed a political discussion. Until the last few years, Vascular Dementia and Kidney Disease did not stop Dad from having a full enjoyable life. Recently a move to St Joseph’s Villa in Dundas became necessary where he made good friends and received wonderful care. Dad's was a life well lived, full of accomplishments, challenges met and discoveries made. We think he enjoyed it.  We will all miss him immensely.  

The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses, PSWs and support staff at St Joseph's Villa in Dundas for their compassionate care and for helping us walk this path with Dad. A special thanks is given to RNs Shonie and Kelly. Angels walk among us. Friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation to follow. Donations to The Kidney Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Notes of sympathy and condolence may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca