Fred Martineau
May 3, 1984 ~ February 17, 2017
It is with great sadness the family of Fred Martineau announce his passing in Kelowna, BC. Fred died of a Fentanyl overdose at the young age of 32 after a lengthy battle with addiction.
Fred was born May 3, 1984 to parents John and Lori Martineau in Maple Ridge, BC. They moved to Canyon, BC in 1985 to be closer to family. That year Andy was born and the next year Moe. John and Lori separated when the boys were infants. In 1988 Mel Bennett came into their lives and raised the boys as his own. In 1990 younger brother Wes was born.
Fred and his brothers grew up on Duck Creek in Wynndel and attended Wynndel School. Fred grew up fishing and hunting with his brothers and Mel. He loved hard work, especially getting firewood and picking huckleberries to earn extra money. Fred was a great dog lover and always had a dog around.
In high school Fred met Nicole Trainor and a few years later, Brandon, Jordan and Mike came along. Unfortunately, Nicole also struggled with addiction and passed away in 2013. Lori, Fred’s mother, took over as caretaker of the grandsons, as Fred struggled with raising three boys and drug addiction.
Tearing down old houses and building things with the old wood and junk became Fred’s passion as he attempted recovery from drugs. He built anything from frames to cupboards with the old wood and junk he collected. He built beautiful "old" structures on their place including an amazing greenhouse and summer kitchen for his mom.
He loved his family dearly and always enjoyed big family dinners. Fred was a great cook and also enjoyed reading, especially to his boys. Fred took his boys on many adventures, like survival camping one rainy weekend with only a tarp, a little food and fishing rods. He passed on many skills to his boys, especially fishing. They would go out any chance they could, ice fishing on Duck Lake in winter, on local creeks, rivers and Kootenay Lake in summer.
In January, Fred temporarily moved to Kelowna for work in the construction trade. He quickly made new friends and came home weekends to be with his family. He was clean for almost one year when he had a "slip" and it was his last.
Fred was predeceased by his great-grandfather Fred; father John; aunt and uncle Cindy and Dave Martineau; Nicole Trainor in 2013, and great-grandmother Helen in 2015.
He will be greatly missed by his three young sons Brandon, Jordan and Michael; his mother Lori; brothers Andy and Moe; Wes Bennett (Brittany Schmidt); nephew Brody Bennett; grandmother Jo Romanycia; grandfather Larry Rauchert; stepfather Mel Bennett; uncle Larry Isaac and best friend Travis Monsen, all of Creston; foster sister Earlynn Prebeshuski; cousins and numerous close friends.
Fred’s funeral was held March 4, 2017 at New Life Church (where Fred had made many new friends) with special friend Don Tilling officiating. A potluck luncheon followed. Friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Wagner Hills Ministry, #801 - 264 St, Langley BC V1M 3M3.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, never give up hope.