11/24/2025
JOSEPH FREDRICK “FRED” TURCOTTE
March 5, 1935 - November 21, 2025
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Fred on Friday November 21, 2025, at Carleton Lodge. Fred Turcotte of Kemptville was born March 5, 1935, in Gananoque to William and Urieth Turcotte (Smith). Fred was predeceased by his loving wife Sylvia, in March of 2020 after 62 years of marriage. Loving Dad of Alan, Terry (Julie) John (Lana) Glen (Kelly). Cherished Grandpa of Matthew, Patrick, Jordan, Aaron, Kara, Kaitlin, Cameron, Ryan, Ashley, Joey, Sydney and Jared. Cherished Great Grandpa of Max, Charley, Nathan, William, Savannah and Alitzia. Loving brother of Wilma and Betty. Uncle to many loved nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his son Jeffrey, brothers Jim and Robert, sisters Bernice and Agnes. Also predeceased by grandsons Kyle and TJ.
Growing up on the farm in Gananoque presented many situations that required many skill sets. Fred was always tinkering and interested in how things worked. In his early teens he rebuilt his first tractor engine on the family farm tractor with success. He tried his hand at many different jobs over the years but early on he loved working on all things mechanical.
Fast forward to the 60s and 70s and after moving his lovely wife and boys to Kemptville, Fred challenged the Class “A” Mechanics exam and passed with flying colours. He worked at some local businesses repairing everything from highway tractors to farm tractors to go carts and everything in between. Ken Seymour Motors, Howard Wilson Motors, Kemptville Truck Centre and Carl-Don Equipment to name a few.
In 1980 Fred got a call from Dan Kane, Program Supervisor at Kemptville College, Power and Equipment Centre, to bring his skills and expertise to the classroom and the shop at K.C.A.T. For almost 18 years Fred helped develop some of the industries finest farm machinery and automotive technicians. He also continued developing his own skills earning more licences and certificates in order expand the curriculum at KCAT. He also taught the Air brake endorsement course, the heavy truck wheel course, chain saw safety course and small engine repair etc.
After retirement from KCAT in 1997, you may find him in a courier van, a tow truck, a vehicle at Rideau Auctions or possibly at home in his shop rebuilding his last tractor engine!
Fred was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and was always ready to help or volunteer. He loved the golf cart chauffeuring at Kemptville Live, Fall in love with Maple weekend at the Campus and the Knights of Columbus golf tournament in South Mountain!
An awesome Dad, brother, grandpa, great grandpa uncle and friend, you will be dearly missed!
Special thanks to staff at Carleton Lodge.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 503 Clothier Street West, Kemptville on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. By family request, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca