Death
Bernard Frederick Andersen in his 92nd year, passed away following a brief illness at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital in Dunnville, Ontario on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.Fred was born to Bernard and Leone (Jeppesen) Andersen in New Denmark, New Brunswick on February 2, 1935. He moved to Ontario in 1954 to work on dredging during the building of the St Lawrence Seaway and then worked as a Firefighter for the city of Sarnia. He met his soulmate Nettie (Crumb) in Dunnville at a Legion dance and they were married in 1964 and Fred became a step-father to her son Ben Ricker and daughter Kelly Logan (Ricker). He and Nettie resided in Sarnia until their retirement when they spent many happy summers at the cottage they built in Martin River. Until recently he often drove alone to New Brunswick and points in the Maritimes. He enjoyed driving his RV, stopping only for a good night’s sleep or a Tim’s coffee. Long into retirement Fred enjoyed his annual moose hunting trips with “the boys” in Northern Ontario. For many years his favourite pastime was horse racing eventually owning his own horse.
Fred is survived by his sister Elizabeth (George) Weiss of Ladysmith, BC, brothers Hubert (Anita) Andersen, Ray (Carol) Andersen of Bairdsville, NB and brother-in-law James Watson of Montague, PEI as well as several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Fred was predeceased by his wife Nettie, her son Ben Ricker, his sisters Norma Watson and Laura (late Dr Gordon) Baskerville, nephew Steven Watson. Also survived by stepdaughter Kelly (Ken Logan), daughter-in-law Kathern Ricker, grandchildren Kitty (Jim) Seager, April (Darrin) Johnston, Dan Ricker, Stacy Logan and Steven (Dawn) Logan, several great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and Nettie’s nieces and nephews.
Fred will be remembered by his family as a kind and gentle man who kept the history of past years alive with stories of his life experiences beginning in New Denmark and beyond.
Fred’s siblings are forever grateful to his granddaughter, Kitty Seager, her husband Jim & family for opening their home to him following the loss of his wonderful wife, Nettie and providing the love and excellent care he needed especially during his final illness.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. On line condolences at www.jwhartfuneralhome.com
Fred and Nettie were truly a beautiful couple who treasured their family. I have many fond memories of them coming in their camper and later Fred coming on his own.
Fred told a lot of good stories in that deep voice. I’m very thankful he was able to visit the island as late in his years as he did.❤️🙏
Thank you so much Kitty! My heart goes out to you and your family and your son 🙏🙏 Pam
I am so sorry for your loss Kitty and family. “Grandpa” was a kind soul and Im sure will be missed by those that loved him. My sincerest condolences!!
Kitty Jim and family
Thinking of all of you on the loss of a wonderful man grandpa will very much be missed
I remember Fred as a kind, soft spoken big man at the firehall until his retirement. Then seeing him occasionally at the firefighters luncheons when he would make the long drive for his home. Condolences to his family.
I remember Fred well from our days at Sarnia Fire. He was a really nice man and my condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP Fred.
I met Fred through my grandfather, Morley Willis. I first knew him as a horse race enthusiast and then we became moose hunting friends. In the 40 years+ that I knew Fred he was always a gentleman who could take a joke. He was fiercely loyal to you but hard to anger. In the last few years he could only make a few retirement lunches but it was a highlight of mine to see him again. My condolences, Mike Graham
Uncle Fred…. you were such a gem. Your memory, so sharp, the stories you could tell of growing up in New Denmark… with such clarity, I could visualize it all.
Much love to you Kitty and Jim.
Kristiane Baskerville