Obituary of Fred Wetmore

The death of Fred Leonard Wetmore of Kiwanis Nursing Home in Sussex occurred peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025; husband of the late Irene (Paget) who passed away in March of this year.

Fred was born in Saint John on July 8, 1932; the son of the late Huston and Agnes (Owens) Wetmore.

Although Fred was born in Saint John, his heart was in Codys where he came to visit his grandparents: Dan and Alberta Owens as a young boy. He later built a summer home on the property and came with his children often in the summer.

You knew Fred was in the room with his boisterous laugh and was a great storyteller, telling the same stories often “word for word”. He loved making friends with people and was great friends with Doug Phillps who was born the same day, same year – same hospital.

He finally made the move to Codys and began farming at close to 60 years old – raising beef cattle with Irene. He was a very intelligent man and could turn his hand to whatever task needed doing.

He was very proud of his ancestors on both sides and talked often of his dad’s brothers and sisters and their heritage back many generations.  As a young man he was very close to his uncle John (his mother’s twin) and loved to be around him on the farm.

Fred worked at Sobeys, Chan Foods and a Federal Inspector for the Canadian Government, as well as Canada Packers. He was a member of the Cody’s Baptist Church and was a proud member of the community.

He is survived by five daughters with his first wife, the late Audrey Ross: Laura (Pete), Linda (Eric), Nancy, Jennifer and Jill (Tim); He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; his sister, Lou Fitzgerald (George) of Quispamsis; his brother, Hugh Wetmore (Fran) of Yellowknife; his sister-in-law, Marie Wetmore; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also predeceased by his brother, Blair and an infant daughter.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). A celebration of Fred’s life will take place from Codys Womens Institute on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 1-3pm. The interment will take place from Oceanview Memorial Gardens.

Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com