He peacefully joined the choir in heaven on May 31, 2026. Fred was born in Paris, Ontario on August 19th, 1937, to John and Alice Moss (Johnston). He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Dorothy (Butler), his daughters Nancy Laanstra and Lisa Golab (Mike), his grandchildren Alex and Matthew Laanstra, Justin and Aaron Golab, his sister-in-law Shirley Cooper, brother-in-law Dave Butler (Marie) and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents John and Alice Moss, his brother Paul and sister-in-law Barbara, and brothers-in-laws Bob Cooper and Donald Butler. At an early age his family moved to Goderich. After secondary school he attended Stratford Teacher’s College and began his 35-year teaching career.
Frederick James Moss spent a year teaching armed forces children in Soest, Germany and then 31 years as a dedicated principal for the Lambton County Board. Upon retiring he continued overseas teaching twice in Nepal and ESL in the Czech Republic, China and Mexico. He had developed a love for adventure and travel and became a tour host for the Ontario Teacher’s Organization traveling to over 70 countries, 6 continents, 10 provinces and at least 35 states in the U.S. His pockets were always bulging with pins and candy to give out. Music was a passion of his starting in music festivals at an early age. He sang in numerous choirs singing and acting whether it was at a nursing home, the Nightingales, the symphony, a church choir or most recently the Georgian Singers.
He organized a barbershop quartet once at the church and the “Airmen” while he was in air cadets. He was so proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He loved taking them to parks, movies, on fishing excursions, to the beach, and on trips to Goderich. He taught them computer and the joy of reading. They loved listening to a “real” story as they called it. Fred was a retired session member at Paterson Church, on the mayor’s honor list, loved chatting with the sailors of the Mission to Seafarers and even critiqued movies suitable for children for the Observer. He will be truly missed but his memories will live on.
Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations would be gratefully accepted at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church or St Joseph’s Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Visitation
Smith Funeral Home – London Line Chapel
1576 London Line
Sarnia, Ontario
N7T 7H2
June 2nd, 2026 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Funeral Service
Smith Funeral Home – London Line Chapel
1576 London Line
Sarnia, Ontario
N7T 7H2
June 3rd, 2026 11:00 am
