Friedrich Wilhelm von Althen
January 11, 1925 - October 5, 2022
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
Friedrich Wilhelm von Althen was born on January 11, 1925. He passed away peacefully and contentedly surrounded by his loving family on October 5, 2022 at the age of 97. He is survived by his loving wife Karin, to whom he was happily married for 62 years. Karin’s love and support made every day a gift. Together they had five wonderful and productive children Isabelle, William, Nicole, Peter, and Victoria who gave them 10 grandchildren. Friedrich lived a long and extremely fulfilling life.
He was born on a country estate in Pomerania Germany named Kriwan. He attended boarding school in Berlin, and obtained the rank of second lieutenant while serving in WW II. Friedrich was wounded in battle. He was unable to return to his home after the war ended when Pomerania was annexed by Poland and all Germans were expelled. In 1952, Friedrich immigrated to Canada. He began his new life in Canada as a farm worker in Saskatchewan, and later worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company. With the urging of his English tutor Madam Buruada he attended UBC, and despite not having the academic background for many courses, graduated with first class honours from the Faculty of Forestry. This is an accomplishment of great personal pride. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Berkley in California. Friedrich joined the Federal Department of Forestry as a Research Scientist and over his distinguished career published more than 100 papers on Hardwood Afforestation. Fred and Karin as they were known moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1966 where they raised their family and made many lasting friendships. The Soo quickly became their home. In the summer months the family moved to the Grand Bend area where Fred had numerous research plots and hardwood plantations. Karin and the children spent countless hours playing on the beach in this lovely community. Family was the cornerstone of Fred and Karin’s life. Most of the family was very involved in the Sault Horse and Pony Club. Friedrich drove the horse trailer to horse shows all over Ontario supporting his children’s hobby. He was instrumental in helping the club grow to include two indoor arenas. Every activity, and interest was encouraged including playing the drums. Following his retirement Friedrich had the opportunity to pursue many personal goals. Together with Karin they travelled the globe, visiting and exploring 16 countries over the coming years. Egypt, Africa and the Galapagos Islands were some of their favourite trips. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge with respect to news, history, and geography.
Friedrich took up cross country skiing at Kinsmen Park and set a personal goal of skiing a minimum of 1000 km each season, with 25 km on his 85th birthday for good measure. He knew every twist and turn on these trails, his favourite being the Crystal Creek. Friedrich became a skilled woodworker, and produced many beautiful pieces of furniture. Fred loved the outdoors and enjoyed an annual hunting trip to Chapleau, with friends and later with Karin. He always felt at home in the forest amongst the trees. Fred and Karin moved to a retirement residence in Barrie in 2021 to be closer to their children, and grandchildren. Sadly, his health declined in the last year. Friedrich lived a wonderful life, and was truly happy in every aspect of his life. He loved to reminisce about the many happy memories that defined his 97 years. Despite his privileged upbringing Friedrich stayed true to his character, hardworking, modest, down to earth, loving and kind. He will be forever missed as a friend, mentor, teacher, and above all a husband and father who loved by his wife and family dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie at a later date. Donations to the Salvation Army, a favourite charity of Fred’s are encouraged.
Online memories and condolences may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Doreen Marinovich
Posted on: Sunday, October 9, 2022Karin and family, l am so sorry to read of Fred’s death. I have such fond memories of Fred , my neighbor.. What a great life and a special person. He is a great example to all of us. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Sending lots of love from 30 Florwin Drive. Xxoo Doreen Marinovich
Jim and Christine Wood
Posted on: Sunday, October 9, 2022Dear Karin and family, deepest sympathies on Fred’s passing. Fred was a wonderful mentor to me when I joined the Canadian Forest Service in Sault Ste. Marie. I fondly remember being included in morning and afternoon tea with Fred, John Scaratt, and Roy Sutton, the tea was strong and discussion was wide ranging from forestry practices to current affairs. Fred taught me a great deal about conducting field research and I had the privilege of collaborating with him on reforest experiments in the boreal forest. Both Christine and I enjoyed getting to know you and Fred socially as well. Keeping you in our thoughts at this difficult time. Jim and Christine Wood
Gayle and Paul Sohi
Posted on: Tuesday, October 11, 2022Dear Karin and family. We were very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Both fred and Karin were such great friends of Paul’s family over the years. It certainly sounds that Fred had a wonderful life full of purpose and love. Please accept our deepest condolences. Paul and Gayle Sohi
Maria Coccimiglio
Posted on: Tuesday, October 11, 2022Fred was such an unbelievably inspiring human being. His smile was infectious every morning at the GLC. The love between him and Karin made me want a love like theirs. I can’t imagine a life where I wouldn’t have had the blessing of knowing them both!
Sending so much love to Karin and her family. Although a sad time, I hope that you’re all able to reflect on the amazing memories you have all shared. Every time I look at the plant Fred gave me before leaving the Sault, I think of him doing pull-ups and using the bike in the early mornings!
Ellen Basham
Posted on: Tuesday, October 11, 2022Dear Karin and family. My deepest condolences on the loss of Fred. Such a wonderful man. So many happy memories of the Pony Club and all that the two of you did to improve the club and of riding with Isabelle and William. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.
George Leach Centre friends
Posted on: Tuesday, October 11, 2022Dear Karin and family
We will miss Fred’s warm smile early in the mornings at GLC.
Know that we are thinking about you.Wishing you many happy family memories.Sincere condolences.
Giblin Family
Posted on: Wednesday, October 12, 2022So very sad to read this news today…..what a huge loss of a super great husband and dad….we offer to you all, our sincerest sympathy……Peter and Marlene Giblin and Family.
Giblin Family
Posted on: Wednesday, October 12, 2022We are all so sorry to read this news today……our sincere sympathy to you all.
Peter, Marlene, Jo-Anna and her brothers.
Giblin Family
Posted on: Wednesday, October 12, 2022We were very sorry to read this news today..our sincere sympathy to you all,
The Giblin Family
Paul Sohi
Posted on: Wednesday, October 12, 2022Dear Karin, Gayle and I send you and your family our sincere condolences on your loss of Fred.
Selena Caputo
Posted on: Thursday, October 13, 2022Karin and family,
Sincere appreciation to Fred for helping to make Strathclair Farm a successful and thriving place. Your family has always brought kindness, ethics and intellect into all you are involved in. I am happy to hear that he lived such an active and fulfilling life while enriching the lives of everyone around him.
Sending love and peace to your hearts.
Antje Herdrich, geb. Conrad
Posted on: Monday, November 28, 2022Liebe Karin,liebe Familie von Althen,
ich möchte Euch unser Beileid zum Tod von Friwi ausdrücken.
Er war ein guter Freund meiner Eltern Renate und Joachim Conrad aus Göttingen, Deutschland. Nicht nur fachlich durch den Beruf als Forstwissenschaftler, sondern auch als Paten von Viktoria blieb die Verbindung über die Kontinente jahrzehntelang bestehen.
Auch ich habe noch lange nach dem Tod meiner Eltern Kontakt zu Karin und Friwi halten können . Wie sehr haben mich seine lebendigen Erzählungen in seinen mit schöner Handschrift geschriebenen Briefe erfreut, stets mit den aktuellsten Gruppenphotos seiner großen Familie.
Er war sehr glücklich mit Dir, liebe Karin, den Kindern und Enkelkindern!
Ich umarme Euch!
Herzlichst
Antje
William Collins
Posted on: Tuesday, April 11, 2023I just found Fred’s obituary today and am sad to know he is gone although I knew him for only one day. Back around 1989-90 I was a member of the Michigan Forest Association. Another member, Fred Prince, and I, along with other MFA members from the Lansing, Michigan area, made a trip over to Ontario to meet Fred and look at all of his tree plantations where he was experimenting with different methods of afforestation, a term I learned from Fred. He taught us a lot that day, including how critical grass and weed control is for tree seedling and sapling growth, the use of “nurse crops” to shade seedlings, and the importance of achieving “crown closure” as rapidly as possible to shade out grasses and weeds. I was honestly amazed by the positive results that Fred achieved with his tree plantings. Fred showed us trees that he planted about 10 years prior that were about 15 feet tall and about 4 to 5 inches in diameter with grass and weed control, while the same trees planted at the same location and time without grass and weed control looked like sticks about 4 to 5 feet tall. Since that day, I have integrated Fred’s training into everything I have written about afforestation and reforestation in my work as a private ecological consultant. I have mentioned his name many times in discussing and writing about forest restoration. Several years after our MFA field trip to see Fred’s work, I sent him a letter expressing my appreciation and requesting sources for his various publications. Fred replied with a very nice personal letter and several printed publications. Fred was, as many have said here, a kind and generous man. My best wishes to his family and friends. William Collins, Executive Director, Thumb Land Conservancy, Marlette, Michigan, ThumbLand.org
Kelly Kuczak( Phillips
Posted on: Tuesday, December 19, 2023I am saddened to hear of the passing of Fred. I have been so grateful for the kindness and inclusion that the Von Althen family offered to me and my grey gelding, Max . It was so fun to compete ate the local shows and to travel and work with them at the Maple Equestrian centre. My condolences and great appreciation to the family.
Kelly