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Obituaries

Fred Rinne

July 04, 1965 - August 01, 2016

Text:

Obituary For Fred Rinne

Frederick Christopher Rinne, 51, of Grande Prairie passed away peacefully at the QEII Hospital on Monday, August 1, 2016, after a brief battle with liver and kidney failure.

Born July 4, 1965 in Winnipeg, MB, Fred was a lover of sports, fishing, politics, food, travel and journalism.

After achieving a Political Science/Journalism/History degree from Carlton University in 1988, Fred embarked on what would be a 28 year career as a newspaperman with a job as the Sports Reporter for the Kenora Daily Miner and News. He quickly rose to rank of editor, moving to Peace River to take the helm of the Record-Gazette in 1989. It was there he met fellow journalist Diana; office romance bloomed and they married in 1991. Daughter Caitlyn was born in Peace River in 1994 before the young family was again on the move back to Fred’s hometown of Kenora where he took on the role of Managing Editor at the Daily Miner and News.

Son Jackson was born in Kenora in 1996 and it was just under a year later that the Rinnes were again on the move back to Diana’s home turf of Grande Prairie, where Fred was named Managing Editor of the Daily Herald-Tribune.

In 2008, Fred became Western Corporate Community Editor for Sun Media, returning to the paper as Editor-in-Chief in 2010. A two-time recipient of Sun Media’s Edward Dunlop Award of Excellence, Fred believed strongly in the ideals of journalism and story-telling and was a great supporter of young, up-and-coming journalists.

Fred took great pride in being part of the Grande Prairie community, serving with a number of organizations including Grande Prairie Minor Hockey, and as a director and ambassador for the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta. He volunteered for numerous organizations over the years, most recently helping out with the Special Olympics curling this past winter.

An avid sports fan, spent many a night in rinks as a radio colour commentator for the NPHL and then the Grande Prairie Storm broadcasts, as well as working with Curling Canada over the years.

A lover of music, a culinary adventurer, and trivia wizard Fred will be incredibly missed by wife Diana, children Caitlyn and Jackson, mother and step-father Mariann and Robin Roper, and brother Jeff Rinne.

Fred also leaves behind a strong and loving extended family and a wealth of great friends and colleagues.

He was predeceased by father, Fred Rinne Sr., in 2003.

A Celebration of Life for Fred Rinne will be held at the Bowes Family Gardens at Revolution Place on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta (Centre 2000, 11330 106 St #200, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X9).

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Condolences

  • June 24, 2021

    Blais Kathy

    Thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  • June 24, 2021

    Scott Leslei

    I am extremely sorry to be sending my condolences to you. Never did I imagine that this would happen, as I know you also did not see this coming. I went to high school at Beaver Brae with Fred, and as soon as he found out I was from Keewatin, the razzing began..but all in good sport! I was lucky to catch up last year at Perch Bay when he made his visit home. He was still the same Fred I remembered in high school! There are no words to ease your pain, no cards or flowers to make this time easier on you. Life has many forks in the road...Fred has simply taken a fork ahead of you. One day your roads will converge and he will be waiting for you...same smile you remember, same husband and Dad! Maybe the Leafs stand a chance now with a die heart fan cheering from beyond! Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

  • June 24, 2021

    Olinger David

    As a former journalist, I admired Fred's ability to balance fairness and objectivity with his vast capacity for community support and involvement. Fred will be missed greatly as a team member on the City of Grande Prairie's municipal election night TV coverage for his insight and knowledge. I respect that he was renowned as a mentor to young journalists. What a great legacy. RIP and deep condolences to Diana and family.

  • June 24, 2021

    Ducharme Jeff

    My condolences to you, the children and Fred's family. You will be in my thoughts.

  • June 24, 2021

    Hotte Joanne and Arden

    Our deepest sympathies to Diana and family. One got to know exactly what a kind, compassionate, dedicated and funny guy Fred was...especially with his "roses and raspberries" column. Will really miss his curling and editorial articles....he had such a way with words.

  • June 24, 2021

    Robbinson James

    Diana and family -- Fred had such a strong positive influence on everyone he dealt with here in Barrie, even though we live so many provinces apart. Always professional, always caring. Please know our thoughts are with you.

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries.  We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  Our apologies for any inconvenience.

 

To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

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