Frederick Charles Driver "Fred" (30 Oct 1936 - 2 Jun 2018)

In loving memory of Frederick Charles Driver "Fred" who sadly passed away on 2nd June 2018

FREDERICK CHARLES DRIVER 1936-2018 EULOGY

Fred was the kindest, most generous, selfless man you could ever hope to meet. A real Gentleman in every sense of the word who was adored and respected by everybody he met. He had a natural charm and endearing manner, he was ultra polite and rarely lost his composure or had a bad word to say about anybody. Everyone whose life he touched loved Fred. Even in the last few dark months when he was pretty much unaware of what was happening those traits still shone through and he was immensely popular with the Doctors, Nurses and Care home staff whom became such an integral part of his final journey.

In his early years Fred was very academic and a gifted Sportsman who captained Wyggestone Grammar School Rugby team and was even selected to play in an England Probables versus Possibles rugby trial. Unfortunately his academic and sporting plans had to be set aside as firstly national service and then the untimely death of his father meant he was thrust into running the family Pickle business at the tender age of 18. The rest is history as they say! The business grew from strength to strength and provided, and continues to provide, a livelihood for several members of the family.

Whilst Fred lived and breathed the business it wasn’t the most important thing in his life – that mantle was reserved for Moss (MOZ). Together they blossomed through the difficult early years when times were hard and money was tight, they were once faced with the difficult choice a new carpet or a honeymoon after their wedding in 1960… They chose the carpet !!

In the years that followed when the business thrived they were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the spoils of that success. Fred loved his fast cars, the Jaguars and Lotus’s. He loved driving and he and Moss regularly made the journey down the Autoroute to the South of France or their favourite holiday destination of Roses(ROSASS) in Northern Spain. Later in life they got the cruise bug and ventured on over 40 voyages around Europe and the Americas making several life long friends along the way.

When Moss( MOZ) passed away in 2013 a large part of Fred died with her. It was as though his purpose in life had been taken away but typically of Fred he never moaned or felt sorry for himself he just did what came naturally – he went back to work at the Pickle factory this time donning a pair of overalls as one of the workers and although he was occasionally a menace on the Fork lift truck his constant cheerful whistling made him a firm favourite with all the staff.

The other major love of his life was his grandchildren, Emily, Sam, Katie, Charlie and Jack. He loved them all dearly and you could see the pleasure they brought to him whether it was just a visit to the house, cooking him a meal or taking him out for a trip to the garden centre. He always had time for them and was genuinely interested in their travels and achievements and massively proud of how they all turned out. They could do no wrong in his eyes.

Fred was the best dad a man could have. He was always there for Chris and Stuart, able and willing to give advice if asked but never intrusive or judgemental. He was placid, level headed and rarely wrong, when he spoke you listened and invariably realised that what he was saying constituted sound and logical advice… A true mentor.

The last 8 months have been a whirlwind for the family and friends with Fred’s condition spiralling downhill week by week. The only consolations for the family were that Fred was largely unaware of his actions and what was happening to him, he appeared to be relatively pain free and battled on bravely never complaining or accepting defeat.

He was looked after incredibly well firstly by the Doctors and Nursing staff at the LRI and latterly by the staff at Woodheyes Care home. The family would like to thank Helen, Claire, Sonia and the rest of the ladies at the home for their care and support and above all the compassion they showed to Fred. They could not have wished for him to receive any better care or treatment – you are truly angels in the family’s eyes – one and all.

Although the recent times have been distressing for all his family and friends we should remember Fred for the previous 80 years. He had a fantastic life, he was highly respected, built a successful business, nurtured his grateful family and above all had a beautiful loving wife with whom he is now reunited.