Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Frederick “Fred” Wiley passed away in hospital in Penticton, BC, age 94, on November 1, 2024. He was living independently and active in the Town of Oliver until he had a fall at home. Dad held on as long as he could, waiting for his daughters to arrive. He died as he wished, with family present, telling him stories and holding his hand.

Our sincere thanks to Dad’s neighbours, the paramedics in Oliver and ER staff at South Okanagan General Hospital, the High Acuity Response Team for transport from Oliver to Penticton, and the ER staff at Penticton Regional Hospital. Special thanks to physicians in both hospitals and nurses Sherry (Oliver) and Jason (Penticton) for their compassionate care.

He was predeceased by wife of 57 years, Eileen (Skelton), in June 2011. Dad was a devoted husband, and he supported Eileen through her struggles with Alzheimer’s disease. Dad will be forever missed by daughters Karol Elliott (Brian) in Kelowna, BC; Karen van der Hoop (Shaun) in Richmond, BC; and Sandra Harris (Farley) in North Vancouver, BC. Five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were loved deeply and treasure their memories of time spent with him. He is survived by brothers-in-law Ron Watson (Joan-deceased) (Jacqueline) and Ed Hunter (Dorothy-deceased) and their families, cousin Lynda Berchtold, and other relatives and friends.

Dad loved being with his family for celebrations and visits. One of Dad’s favourite memories was going on a cruise to Alaska with all three daughters and spouses in July 2013. He was a good friend to many and maintained connections through cards and calls. He was generous with his time assisting others. Dad enjoyed companionship with Shirley (deceased) and Jenny. He enjoyed dining with friends and attending performances at the Venables Theatre in Oliver and other events, including Music in the Park and the Rock Creek Fair.

Frederick William (Wadsworth) Wiley was born in Trail, BC, and moved to Vancouver with his mother Evelyn Rose (Hamblin, Wiley) Zinio and her husband James. Fred attended Kitsilano Secondary School, graduating in 1948. At one point he wanted to be a commercial artist, and we discovered drawings that demonstrate Dad’s talent. Fred went to meet with a pharmacist after talking to a friend that worked in a pharmacy. He wanted to help people and thought this career would be a good fit. Fred’s school counsellor laughed when Fred told him his plan to study pharmacy – telling him he was more suited to be an accountant!

Shortly after UBC introduced its Faculty of Pharmacy in 1946, Fred entered the program and graduated from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Class of 1953. He had a 40-year career in both independent and chain pharmacies in Greater Vancouver. Fred took pride in getting to know his customers and their families.

Fred was an integral member of the BC pharmacy community as a practicing pharmacist, respected preceptor, and frequent committee member, including a term in 1977-78 as president of the BC Pharmacy Association (then known as the British Columbia Professional Pharmacists’ Society). He made a point of attending the Past-Presidents’ dinner annually, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Association. Fred was the longest surviving Past-President at the last dinner he attended. Fred served two terms as president of the UBC Pharmacy Alumni Association.

Fred was a proud UBC alumnus and supported the Pharmacy program with annual donations. He gathered in Vancouver with fellow grads for over 70 years. Fred was honoured with a UBC Alumni Builder Award in April 2022. The following day Fred proudly participated as a 'Cloaker' in the White Coat Ceremony for first year students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, welcoming them into the profession and helping them don their white coats.

Fred retired from community pharmacy in 1993, and he and Eileen moved to Oliver, BC, in June 1994. They built a lakeside home, where Fred lived independently until his passing. Fred was active in the Oliver community over the years serving on the Economic Development Committee. He was a member of The Southern Interior Bluebird Trail Society, the Oliver & District Heritage Society, and of the group working to preserve and maintain the historic Fairview townsite in Oliver.

Mom and Dad were avid “Rockhounds” and longtime members in the Burnaby Laphounds. Many hours were spent along the sides of the Fraser River looking for agates, jade, and petrified wood. Family holidays usually involved road trips around BC and the Pacific Northwest searching for rocks particular to the area. Dad was most recently a member of the South Okanagan Rockhounds. He particularly enjoyed the connections he made at the annual “Rockhound Rendezvous”.

Fred was a loyal supporter of several charities, including Variety - The Children’s Charity of BC for many years. The family would be grateful for memorial donations to Variety at www.variety.bc.ca.

Dad always signed his cards to family 'with Love, Your Father, Friend, Fred…'

We miss you Dad.

Celebrations of Life to be held in Oliver and in Vancouver in Spring 2025. Details to follow.