Frederick William Tilley passed peacefully from this life, early Sunday morning July 13, 2025 in his 97th year at Seaforth Manor Long Term Care Home. He was the treasured father of Helen Southgate & Brian Oldfield of Seaforth and David & Joanne Tilley of London. Dearly loved grandfather of Katherine & Rick Meier of Clinton, Angela & Neil Douglas of Russeldale, Andrew Southgate of Kitchener, Matthew Southgate of Woodstock; Shannon Tilley of Stratford, PE, Derek Tilley of Seaforth. Adoring great-grandfather of seven – Aiden, Liam, Tenley, Jaden, Hailey; Charlotte, Benjamin. Predeceased by his cherished wife of over 70 years, Betty (Rowcliffe), daughter Barbara Ann, son-in-law Bill Southgate, sisters Ila Jory and Winnifred Crocker, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Donald Jory, Jack Rowcliffe, James Rowcliffe (Anna), and nephews Daniel Jory and Mark Crocker. Also survived by his brother-in-law Harry Crocker and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Fred was born in Stephen Township, Huron County to Alfred and Edna (Witzel) Tilley on October 4, 1928. His teen years were spent as a hired farm-hand as he helped support his family. He met the love of his life, Betty, at a dance in Exeter in 1950 and they were married in 1952. As a young man, he became a licensed auto mechanic, eventually working at Canadian Tire, Exeter. Soon after that he was hired as a clerk in the store. In 1967 after honing his skills in the retail world, he became a proud Canadian Tire Dealer in the Seaforth store with Betty at his side. In 1981 they sold that business, and soon took on another venture as the owners of the Blyth Mini Mart until their retirement in 1993.
Unassuming, gentle-natured, and hard-working, he enjoyed spending time with his family and was always available to lend a hand. He supported the community through his involvement with the Seaforth Hospital Board for several years and was an active member of Northside United Church for many years. His farming roots during his youth led to a love of the outdoors. Fred and Betty were avid lawn bowlers and made many friends and acquaintances across Southwestern Ontario throughout the years. They loved dancing, playing cards, travel, and dining out with their circle of friends. After retirement Fred enjoyed his daily coffee routine uptown and playing pool with ‘the guys’. The home they built in Harpurhey was a gathering place of love and laughter for decades for family, friends and neighbours.
His affection for his family was apparent to his very last day. And he was deeply loved.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street W., Seaforth on Wednesday, July 16th from 6 – 8 PM, with funeral service on Thursday, July 17th at 11 AM. Interment at Maitlandbank Cemetery. Refreshments will follow at Northside United Church, Seaforth.
A recording of Fred’s service will be available Thursday afternoon by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Easy Ride Transportation – One Care Home & Community Support Services, Clinton, or Northside United Church, Seaforth.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Joan Gowan
So sorry for your loss. Regardless of age, losing a parent is always painful
Jamie and Barb Caldwell
With deepest sympathy in the loss of Fred. Such a nice man! He will be greatly missed. Cherish your memories.
Grace Wiggins
Dear Helen and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Fred.
May your loving memories of Fred and Betty be with you and your family through this difficult time. Sending love and prayers.
Jane Austin
Helen and family: Sincere condolences on Fred’s passing.
Gordon Phillips
My sincere condolences to Fred’s family. I still recall the Seaforth Canadian Tire Store days like it was yesterday.
Cherish all the fond memories ❣️ 🙏
Gordon & Irma Pryce
Helen and family; Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this sad time.
Fred always had a smile for everyone.
Gordon & Irma Pryce
Carolanne Doig
Helen, Matt and all the family my sincere sympathy. Fred was a great contributor to our small town and I remember the thriving Canadian Tire with its many aisles of everything you needed. Fred and Betty were a good team. I also remember with shock and sadness the news of Barb’s accident and passing. Fred will be united with Barb again. Although Fred lived a long life, to nearly 97, it’s still difficult for loved ones to reconcile this loss. May your memories help you in the time ahead.
Luke and Bonnie Janmaat
Our memories of Fred go back many many years …good friends and neighbours to our families.. sending our sincerest sympathies to you Helen and your family . Fred will be missed by all who knew him .
Elaine Simpson
Helen, Dave and families
My condolences on the loss of your Father. He will live on in the memories that all of you will share.
Elaine (Roberton) Simpson
Bryan and Lynda Vincent
To Helen and Brian and to the whole family, our deepest sympathies in the passing of Fred. Our roots cross many ways with the Tilley Family over the years. We will missing Fred and Betty both!
Marlene & Dave de Vries
Dear Helen & Families,
Our deepest Sympathies on your loss.
Brian and Shelley McGavin
Thinking of you as you mourn your Dad and sending our sincere condolences
Ken and Brenda Empey
Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing…..he truly was an amazing man! Lots of fond memories of living next door in Harpurhey, working at Canadian Tire and friendly matches on the bowling greens. He will be truly missed by many. Thinking of you at this time.
Jane & Len Muegge
Helen and Dave and families
So sorry for your loss. Your father was an amazing man and always with a smile and warm personality.
Thinking of you
Carl and Penny Meikle
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father ,Helen. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Trish MacGregor
Thinking of you all as you celebrate the life, the love and the legacy of your Dad and Grandpa. He was a kind, friendly and caring person. Hold tight to the shared stories and good memories. There will be many.
Trish and Paul
Sarah, Ian & Katie, Sam &Kristen
Gerda Vanden Hoven
Dear Helen and Brian, we are sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father. It is a final goodbye but cherish the happy memories of a life well lived. Cor & Gerda Vanden Hoven
Allan & Karen Carter
Sending our deepest condolences on Fred’s passing. Fred always had a smile on his face, a very kind and caring gentleman. Helen, Dave and Families cherish your memories.
Judy Beuerman
Our deepest sympathy to the Tilley families on the loss of Fred. Remembering Fred at Canadian Ties doing shopping and getting vehicles repaired. May the memories that mean the most to you, live forever, in your heart. Betty will be waiting. Sincerely Warren and Judy Beuerman
Catherine Wick
Fred was a joy to meet on the street downtown and have a wonderful conversation with. He always had a positive energy about him with his happy demeanour. He was well loved by his family and those sweet memories will guide you through these troubling times. Sympathy to you, Helen, Brian and your families.
Peter McFalls
Helen and family.
Please accept my condolences having known him from working together in the 60’s and lawn bowling against him for thirty years. Remember all the good times he provided.
Fran
To Fred’s family
So very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I worked for Betty and Fred in Blyth, what a wonderful couple. Fred was a gentle man with a wonderful sense of humour and was kind to all!
He was proud of and loved his family.
My condolences, Fran Cook
BRUCE AUSTIN
My sincerest condolences to the family of Fred Tilley I worked for Fred for many years at Canadian Tire Fred was the best boss one could ever wish for R.I.P. Fred
Wayne Matzold
Helen, Dave and families;
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Fred a former Harpurhey neighbour. Think maybe Fred and Erich are now standing on a bowling green somewhere strategizing on how to approach the kitty or maybe around a pool table discussing the next shot? All the best to you and the family.
Wayne and Denise Matzold
Donna Bennett
Helen and Brian and your families.
Thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of memories will be shared around your table. A life well-lived!
Gord and Janice Carnochan
Deepest condolences to the entire Tilley family. We loved our time being Fred’s neighbour in Harpurhey and think of those times fondly. He was always up for a friendly chat or helpful hints with our garden. He and Betty welcomed our girls into the neighborhood and he was always up for a bit of fun.
Hold your memories close. He will be missed.
Ken and Joan Campbell
We were sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Father.Sending
Condolences to you Helen and Brian
and all the Family. I always enjoyed
a visit with your Mother or Father when I was calling for food or donations for our events at Northside Church. They were a pleasure to visit with on many occasions. May you treasure all the
good times and events you had with your parents.
Joan Goddard
My sincere condolences to Fred’s family. He was a lovely man, gentle and kind. I would bump into Fred and Betty occasionally, usually at a restaurant where they were enjoying a Sunday dinner. They always knew me, a Hensall girl and Dr Goddard’s youngest.
May he rest in peace, once more with his beloved Betty.
Trish Nigh
Helen and Dave, I have just heard that your dear father, Fred has passed onto his heavenly, eternal home, where he will now be resting gently in the arms of the Lord. May you find comfort and peace in the wonderful memories of having him as your father. He will be missed by the community and I myself always remember the good ole days when I worked for him and Betty at CTC, he was a great boss and treated everyone fair and equal.
RIP Fred.
Liz Scott
Helen, Dave and family.
So very sorry to hear that Fred had passed.
He and your Mom, Neil and Edna, Tom and Helen, and my parents were so blessed to share such a great friendship for so many years.
I am sure they are glad to be together again.
Can almost see my Dad coming to greet him; smiling, shaking his hand, the other hand patting him on the shoulder saying “Welcome friend”.
As second generation of “the gang”, we were blessed as well to see such a great friendship endure. Like to think it taught us a thing or two about treasuring who we have in our lives.
Your dad was a wonderfully warm, soft spoken, pleasant person. He will be missed.
Love to you all,
Liz (Golding) Scott and family
Sandra Nicholson
My sincerest condolences to the family of Fred Tilly.
I worked for Fred and Betty in Blyth. Fred was a wonderful boss and friend.
I’m deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Hold your memories close, and know that he was loved and admired by many.
RIP Fred. ❤️
Judy (Jory) Hayward
We met Fred at the Jory family luncheon in Exeter a few times, what a kind and friendly gentleman. Sending our condolences. Dan and Judy (Jory) Hayward
Harry and Donna Arts
Helen and Brian, Dave and Joanne, and families.
Our very deepest sympathies to you with the loss of your Dad. May many fond memories of Fred help ease the sorrow in your hearts.
Harry and Donna Arts
Kylie Price
Fred was such a kind gentlemen to anyone he greeted. The first thing you would notice about him was how much he loved his wife. My condolences Helen and Brian, you were raised by such kind, caring, honest, and genuine parents.
Julie Bell
Helen, David and families;
The group, comprised of Tilleys, Bells, Goldings, and Wilbees has lost its final member. Perhaps they are back together, playing cards, dancing, and lawn bowling.
Your hearts must be full, to have had such wonderful parents. The stories you recall will keep Fred in your hearts forever.
We mourn his passing with you.
Gary and Dianne Bennett
With our deepest sympathy on the passing of Fred .
Rob & Tara Russell
Helen and family
So sorry to read that Fred has passed. He was a true friend to my father Bob when they were in Seaforth together. Dave and I had a great conversation with him, the day we went to clean dad’s room out. He was sad our dad was gone. A very kind gentleman!!! Take care RIP FRED
Rob & Tara Russell
Dave Russell
Carol maclean
Carol Maclean
Helen and Family
So sorry for your loss ,thinking of you and your family .
Gary Mote
Gary and Dora Mote send our sincerest condolences to the Tilley families
Hilrita Arts
Helen and Brian and all family member
May all your happy memories sustain
you through this difficult time. Let them bring
a smile to your face when you talk often of Fred
and Betty. Thinking of you at this time.
John and Hilrita Arts
Shirley Brugger
Helen, David and family,
We very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Dad/grand-dad. Your dad always had a smile on his face. Canadian Tire was a wonderful place to shop when your dad owned it. I’m sure your mom and Barb were there to greet him.
Bob & Shirley Brugger
Pat, Cindy & Victoria Nigh
Sending my deepest condolences to Helen and Fred’s entire family. As I hear of Fred’s passing I can’t help but remember his soft and kind personality. His beautifully thick white hair and how much joy he will be having as he is reunited with the love of his life, Betty. He will be missed by many. May those fond memories provide you comfort now and in the days ahead. Love and prayers ❤️🙏🏻
Cheryl (McClure) Johnston
My deepest condolences in your loss of Fred. He’s was a soft spoken man who always took time to greet you at his door. He’s will be greatly missed but will be a peace with Betty now. Huge hugs to all
Barry and Brenna Vincent
Dear Helen and family,
Our sincere condolences in the passing of your dear dad. Always such a kind man. May all of your wonderful memories give you strength and peace in the coming days.
Marg Dale
Memories of Fred will always have a warm spot in my heart. After I came to Seaforth, he was one of my favourite people I got to know. My Mother in law Jean Dale worked for him at CTA. Her feelings were the same, and always had great stories to tell from him and the gang there. I hope you, the family will find comfort in knowing the world was a better place, because he lived. God Bless you all. Marg.
Kevin, Mary, Curtis(Nicole) and Courtney Bennett
The Tilley Family. So sorry to hear about the passing of Fred. He was such a kind man. Always had a story to tell. He was a pleasure to take care of during his last years, especially taking him on the bike for a tour through Harpurhey. I hope you find comfort knowing he is reunited with Betty. 🤍
Jim & Danica McNichol
We are sorry for your loss of Fred. He was such a soft spoken gentleman. A friend to everyone he meet. Our sincere condolences.
John Munro
We would like to extend our condolences to the Tilley families. John and Rose
Ken Papple
Helen and family for everything there is a season – a time to acknowledge your loss but also a time to celebrate and cherish a life so well lived. Your parents were such wonderful models to so many in our community. May they rest in peace and may you treasure the many positive memories
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Helen and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Jack and Trudy Groothuis
Our condolences to the Tilley family on the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. Fred was true gentleman, quiet and unassuming. May your many happy memories guide you through the coming days.
Charles Campbell and family
Fred always had a smile. He was a good boss. I had the pleasure of working for Fred and with his family.
Jerry & Linda Traquair
Condolences on the passing of Fred. He and Betty were lovely people…now reunited.
Audrey O’Rourke
Helen, Brian and family, My condolences on your dad’s passing. May you cherish your memories of him.
Connie Trotter
Helen and family. So very sorry for your loss. Fred was such a kind, thoughtful man. We miss both him and Betty at Northside. Please know I’m thinking of you all and holding you in my prayers.
Laurie Harron
Dear Tilley family
We are so sorry to hear of my dear friend Fred passing, he was a great guy and wonderful friend to the whole Bell family, may he rest in peace.
Love always Dave and Laurie (Bell) Harron
Gerry & Cheryl Mclaughlin
We send our condolences on the passing of Fred
Rose Feeney
I was so saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. I will miss him greeting me at the door! My deepest sympathies to Helen and the rest of his family! May you rest in peace my dear friend!! Your friend and caregiver Rose.
Marissa (Scott) Berdan
I was sad to hear that Fred had passed, but I find joy in knowing he is with Betty again. Helen and Dave, your parents were such lovely, kind people and I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in all of the wonderful memories you have.
John van Vliet
Our sympathies to all Fred’s family!!!
John & Dee
Andrew & Madelaine
Joyce Ribey
Wishing you and your family and Fred’s friends strength and peace.
We cannot feel life’s losses without first feeling the blessings of it’s fullness.
Noelle Thompson
My deepest condolences to the family.
Anne dayman
Helen and family: Our condolences. A well lived life!
Ralph and Dianne Wood
It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to Fred who sold us his property to build our home and was the best neighbour one could ever ask for. He always was available to lend a helping hand when we needed one on each side of the old lawnmower to replace the belt. He kept my roses free of pesty insects. We will always remember our many good visits back and forth across the lawn. RIP Fred. Betty will be waiting for you with open arms. Our condolescenses to all his family. Helen you have been a very caring, dedicated daughter.