Frederick Thomas Lane was called to the Lord on August 7, 2025. He was 78 years old. He died at home surrounded by those he loved.

Fred was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, the second of Frederick and Marguerite’s two children. In his early childhood he spent years receiving specialized treatment in a hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. While there he was taken in by the Petrie family, whose kindness he never forgot.

Fred moved away from Cape Breton at age eighteen to attend Catholic seminary but left before joining the priesthood. Instead, he went to university in Ontario and then headed west for a child welfare job with the Alberta government.

The little town of High Prairie in 1971 was the setting of the two most important events of Fred’s life: he dedicated himself to Christ and met the love of his life, Joyce Anna. They married in 1973 and had their first child in 1974.

The young couple lived in Ontario and Scotland while Fred attended graduate school. In 1975 they returned to Alberta, moving from Calgary to Blairmore to Delburne to Innisfail while growing steadily in number. They found their church home at Balmoral Bible Chapel in 1981.

In 1984 Fred took a leave from work and moved his family of now six to San Leandro, California, to attend a church leadership course where he formed friendships and values that would sustain him for decades to come. The family returned in 1985 and settled in the Red Deer area.

In 1994 Fred retired from social work after a 24-year career to become a full-time pastor at Balmoral, where he served faithfully for the next 17 years. In his second retirement he continued to provide counselling, preaching, chaplaincy and leadership to churches and charitable organizations.

Fred was an avid reader and a terrific walker. He was a fan of vinyl records, baked goods of all kinds, card games, the Toronto Blue Jays and camping. Chopping and stacking firewood gave him more enjoyment than one might expect.

Fred was a man of integrity and full of love. Love of God, love of his wife and family. He saw all people as God’s children and gave support and guidance to anyone in need. His highest calling was to be a servant. He would definitely have tried to make this obituary less about him.

Fred leaves behind Joyce his beloved wife of 52 years, his sister Lorraine, his six children Leisha, Leo, Lindsey, Rachel, Fred and David, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

All are welcome to attend a service remembering Fred at Balmoral Bible Chapel, 2700 – 55 St, Red Deer AB on September 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm. The service will be followed by dessert and tea and coffee.

Instead of flowers you are welcome to donate to Crowsnest Lake Bible Camp or Care for Newcomers (formerly the Central Alberta Refugee Effort).

Psalm 34:3

Glorify the LORD with me;

let us exalt his name together.

Condolences to Fred’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net . Please indicate “Fred Lane” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2025-09-01
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"