Dr. Fred Ceresney
June 26th, 2018
Dr. Fred Ceresney, 91, died peacefully at Langley Memorial Hospital on June 26, 2018, surrounded by his family. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Fred was one of 5 children of Benjamin Ceresney and Bella Moscovitz.
Fred lived a life devoted to service. As a teenager, he joined the Queen's Own Rifles, the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and served for 3 years. He returned home, got his high school equivalency, and began his medical training at the University of Toronto. He re-enlisted in his second year of medical school, graduated from medical school in 1954, and interned until 1955 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Toronto, where he met his beloved Ina. From his re-enlistment in 1952 to his honorable release in 1959, Fred served as a member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, based from 1955 at CFB Chilliwack. He saw service in Egypt in 1957-58 and received a United Nations Emergency Medal.
In 1959, Fred and Ina moved their family to Langley, where he opened his medical practice. Over the next 42 years, in his office and at Langley Memorial Hospital, he cared for the people of Langley. After open-heart surgery in 2001, he closed his own office; however, after a 4-month 'retirement', he returned to medicine as a locum until 2007, at age 81.
His commitment to medicine extended beyond his practice to his involvement in policy through his committee work within the British Columbia Medical Association, the Canadian Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
Fred believed in the value of education, and served on the Langley School Board, and on the Douglas College Council.
He also provided service to the community through his appointment as Lt. Surgeon for the Aldergrove Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps "Columbia" as well as being involved in the St. John's Ambulance.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ina; his 10 children, Karen, Kim, Brian (Chari), Kathryn, Alison (Tom), Monique (Ben), Benita, David (Angela), Alan (Connee), Maureen; his sister, Esther; 6 grandchildren, Tim, Denis, Ben (Carly), Dan (Sandra), Ariel (Matt), Simon; 4 great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Sterling, Lincoln, Sasha; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Morris, 2 sisters, Helen and Mildred, and his grandson, Kirin.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Nicholas' Church, 20675 – 87 Ave, Langley BC.
Fred will always be remembered for his acts of love, care, and devotion to his community. In his honour, the family asks that you perform a random act of kindness to continue his legacy.
Messages:
Roger and I shall miss seeing Fred walk down our street using his walker and accompanied by dear Ina. We were happy to chat with him and receive his loud " Many Blessings on your head" comment. May God continue to strengthen Ina as she pursues her "walk" alone until they meet together in God's presence.
Benita, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Although I never met him, his legacy shows that he was a wonderful father and outstanding member of his community. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
To the Ceresney Family: All our love and friendship to you Kim dearest friend, and your family. We will join you on the 7th in our thoughts and hearts and prayers. To continue his legacy we will perform a random act of kindness. With all our love our best condolence, We are with you always, Nicole and Stephan
Dear Kim I am thinking about you and sending love. Please accept my deepest condolences for your famaly’s loss. You know uncle fred has left me deeply saddened Please remember that you are not alone... I always here for you. Love Nasra
It is with great sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to the Ceresney family after the loss of Fred. As distance 'framily' from Australia, after meeting Kim in 1985, a number of members of our family were privileged to have met Fred, Ina and other members or the Ceresney family whilst visiting Canada. The welcome and generosity shown by Fred and Ina will forever be dear to our hearts, as will the memories of time spent together. We will be thinking of you all as you celebrate Fred's life, and his gift of service to others, on July 7th, 2018. RIP
Our deepest condolences. What a great man. Remember him always walking in Fort Langley holding hands with his wonderful wife. Truely a kind a gentle soul. Heaven has another Angel. RIP Dr Ceresney . Love the Gola family.
i remember for his 89th birthday i toasted him with some ginger ale in a cup i had and he was very touched.
It was a pleasure to work with Fred as he assisted in the OR at LMH. Also to have gotten to know him socially through the various functions at St. Joesph’s Parish. Condolences to the whole family, Fred was a wonderful caring doctor.
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
So sorry for your loss. May he RIP. He was my doctor from 1959 to 2001. He also delivered my son in 1960. Attila Vincent.He was a wonderful person a great dr, and a true friend. Our love to his family, in this sad time and for ever. Judy Lahay. 4