Ушел из жизни Фред Стил — многолетний лидер и вдохновитель индустрии садоводства в Оканэгане

Orchardists lose longtime Okanagan fruit industry supporter Published 9:00 am Friday, August 14, 2026 The recent passing of Fred Steele marks the loss of an inspiration for many in the Okanagan fruit growing industry. Steele, an orchardist and former president of the BC Fruit Growers Association, died at Kelowna General Hospital on Aug. 4 at the age of 80. In his obituary released by Springfield Funeral Home, it described Steele as someone who lived a remarkable and varied life, embracing every opportunity that came his way. Those opportunities included working as a radio announcer, disc jockey, nightclub manager and orchardist. He also ran as an NDP candidate in a provincial election. He was born on June 19, 1946, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, before moving with his family to Winfield in 1948. “He carried his Maritime roots with him throughout his life. Whether through his stories, his values, or his love of old country music, a piece of his heat was always out East,” stated his obituary. “His creative spirit found expression through writing, and he was a novelist and poet, always eager to share his thoughts, stories and imagination with others.” In condolence responses to the obituary, writer Darcy Nybo said, “Fred was truly one of a kind. His joy and set for life were contagious at times. His love for his family shone through in everything he did.” Glen Lucas, former general manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association for 25 years, called Steele “a true character – I miss him already.” Writer Karen Davidson said, “I met Fred through my role as editor of The Grower, and will always remember his openness and generosity of spirit. He was a true champion of the BC Fruit Growers Association.” After a decade serving on the executive of the BC Fruit Growers Association, Steele stepped aside as president of the BCFGA in 2019, marking his end of involvement in the industry as an orchardist. In his final message to BCFGA members at their annual convention, Steele invoked the typical farmer’s upbeat perspective, that the potential for the fruit industry looks promising but the weather remains an uncontrollable catalyst on crop quality. Steele pointed to a reason for optimism in the industry, the ability to grow quality fruit at the right size that market buyers want, particularly concerning East Asia off-shore markets which have continued to expand since then. He also cited the importance of future airport expansion plans. “When that happens, we’ll have cherries and apples flying out of here every day bound for Asian markets,” he told the convention delegates. Steele is survived by his seven children, 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren along with his two sisters and many nieces and nephews.