Obituary for Dr. Frederick Harold Poulter
It is with heavy hearts that the Poulter family announces the loss of Fred who passed away at Joseph Brant Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the age of 75. Fred was real soldier who fought cancer admirably over the last year.
Fred was a devoted husband to Sue and cherished father to Erin (Louis) Mantis, the late Scott (2012), Tyler and Bobby. Proud grandfather to Alexandra, Savannah and Xavier. Loving brother to Valerie (Dan) Zeleny, brother-in-law to Steve (Jacque) Newton and predeceased by his parents Fred and Francis Poulter and siblings Larry and Linda Poulter.
Fred was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. As a kid, he spent his summers at his family’s camp on Loon Lake hanging with friends, swimming, waterskiing, and playing tennis. In high school, he was president of the science club and captain of the high school football team. In university, he played water polo for the University of Toronto. At the age of 12, Fred knew he wanted to be a dentist and followed his dream. He graduated from the University of Toronto and returned to Thunder Bay to practice dentistry. He honored his love for dentistry and caring for others by serving on the Thunder Bay Dental Association, Thunder Bay District Health, and Board of Directors for the Ontario Dental Association. He practiced dentistry for over 40 years before selling his practice and moving to Burlington to be closer to his family. He continued to practice dentistry as an associate in St. Catharines before retiring in 2019. In addition to serving the dental community, Fred accrued countless hours of charity work with the Make a Wish Foundation.
People that were close to Fred knew what a kind and gentle soul he had and how he had a way of making others feel comfortable around him even if that meant resorting to silly dad jokes. Fred loved his family and had great pride when he spoke about his kids, grandkids and even his dog Charlie. Fred was loved for so many reasons. It was his nature to always offer a happy helping hand in whatever way he could. From coaching his kid’s hockey games, driving them around town, to helping them with homework. Fred was an amazing father to his four kids, husband, brother, and a true family man who wanted to give everything he had to those he loved.
Fred was an avid traveler and he cherished the memories he had of taking his daughter Erin on trips to Disney world when she was young and his times cruising and traveling to Hawaii with Sue, Scotty, Tyler and Bobby. In addition to his love of travel, Fred enjoyed playing tennis, cycling, scuba diving, and skiing for many years. He also had a taste for fine food and wine. One of his favorite things to do was to go nice restaurants and enjoy time with family and friends. Anyone who spoke with him was quick to realize that he had wealth of information about wine. And oh yes, when we think of Fred, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention his fond story of how he wrestled a bear. (Yes, apparently this is true and we are sure that someone can vouch for this).
Fred may be gone from this world; however, he lives on in all of us with his stories, the memories we have shared with him and how he has touched us during his lifetime. He will remain forever in our hearts.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. So loved, so missed, so very dear.
As per Fred's wishes, and that of his family, a private cremation service has taken place. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON, 905-632-3333.
Fred was a devoted husband to Sue and cherished father to Erin (Louis) Mantis, the late Scott (2012), Tyler and Bobby. Proud grandfather to Alexandra, Savannah and Xavier. Loving brother to Valerie (Dan) Zeleny, brother-in-law to Steve (Jacque) Newton and predeceased by his parents Fred and Francis Poulter and siblings Larry and Linda Poulter.
Fred was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. As a kid, he spent his summers at his family’s camp on Loon Lake hanging with friends, swimming, waterskiing, and playing tennis. In high school, he was president of the science club and captain of the high school football team. In university, he played water polo for the University of Toronto. At the age of 12, Fred knew he wanted to be a dentist and followed his dream. He graduated from the University of Toronto and returned to Thunder Bay to practice dentistry. He honored his love for dentistry and caring for others by serving on the Thunder Bay Dental Association, Thunder Bay District Health, and Board of Directors for the Ontario Dental Association. He practiced dentistry for over 40 years before selling his practice and moving to Burlington to be closer to his family. He continued to practice dentistry as an associate in St. Catharines before retiring in 2019. In addition to serving the dental community, Fred accrued countless hours of charity work with the Make a Wish Foundation.
People that were close to Fred knew what a kind and gentle soul he had and how he had a way of making others feel comfortable around him even if that meant resorting to silly dad jokes. Fred loved his family and had great pride when he spoke about his kids, grandkids and even his dog Charlie. Fred was loved for so many reasons. It was his nature to always offer a happy helping hand in whatever way he could. From coaching his kid’s hockey games, driving them around town, to helping them with homework. Fred was an amazing father to his four kids, husband, brother, and a true family man who wanted to give everything he had to those he loved.
Fred was an avid traveler and he cherished the memories he had of taking his daughter Erin on trips to Disney world when she was young and his times cruising and traveling to Hawaii with Sue, Scotty, Tyler and Bobby. In addition to his love of travel, Fred enjoyed playing tennis, cycling, scuba diving, and skiing for many years. He also had a taste for fine food and wine. One of his favorite things to do was to go nice restaurants and enjoy time with family and friends. Anyone who spoke with him was quick to realize that he had wealth of information about wine. And oh yes, when we think of Fred, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention his fond story of how he wrestled a bear. (Yes, apparently this is true and we are sure that someone can vouch for this).
Fred may be gone from this world; however, he lives on in all of us with his stories, the memories we have shared with him and how he has touched us during his lifetime. He will remain forever in our hearts.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. So loved, so missed, so very dear.
As per Fred's wishes, and that of his family, a private cremation service has taken place. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON, 905-632-3333.