Obituary of Ted Ferens

Ted Ferens July 28, 1933 - July 13, 2008 After a brief battle with cancer, and with his entire family at his side, Ted Ferens passed away on July 13, 2008 at Seven Oaks General Hospital at the age of 74. Ted is mourned by his beloved wife of 53 years, Marian, son Dr. Grant Ferens (Mona), daughters Karen Klos (Jerry), Kim Summers (Marlon), Shelly Ferens-Lizak, and grandchildren Kelly, Terri, Krystal, Jamie, Kara, Cameron, Fraser, Brendon and Taylor, all of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ted is also survived by his brother Tom (Evelyn) of Scarborough, Ontario, as well as niece and nephews Tracey, Greg, Tony and Rex. He was predeceased by his father Anthony and mother Mary. Ted was born in Winnipeg on July 28, 1933. He was very active in sports in his younger years with a particular interest in football. Ted began a career with the Canadian National Railway in Winnipeg in 1953 as a pipefitter apprentice. After becoming a qualified journeyman he held various local and national union positions representing railway employees, and in 1974 he was elected President of the Canadian Association of Railroad Pipefitters. Ted was successful in negotiating significant contractual changes related to employee health and safety, pay, and benefits. He was always glad to help when someone needed advice or representation with respect to employment issues or retirement planning. In 1980 Ted was offered a senior management position at CN headquarters in Montreal as a System Labour Relations Officer. Several years later he was appointed to the position of Manager, Labour Relations, which he held until retirement in 1989. No matter which side of the bargaining table he sat on, Ted was always respected for his fairness. Following retirement Ted returned to Winnipeg and purchased a Whiteshell cottage which he spent tireless hours expanding to accommodate his children and grandchildren. Many more happy times were shared. Even in "retirement", Ted was always busy. Only recently stepping down, he served several terms as president of the Whiteshell Cottagers Association, a position in which his negotiating and management skills continued to be well-utilized. Ted will be sadly missed by many. The family would like to thank the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital and Dr.'s Kreml and Gorski for their compassionate care in Ted's final days. A memorial service will be held on Friday July 18, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. A reception will follow at Canad Inns, Garden City, 2100 McPhillips St. Flowers graciously declined. Donations may be made in Ted's memory, preferably directed toward underfunded pancreatic cancer research. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.cropo.com CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044