Frederick (Fred)  VIGLIETTI

Obituary of Frederick (Fred) Edwin VIGLIETTI


April 4, 1932 – Calgary, Alberta
May 12, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Frederick Edwin Viglietti passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the age of 89 years.

Born and raised in the Bridgeland-Riverside district of Calgary, Fred was a tall and athletic young man. He was a superb baseball player, football player, and competed successfully in track and field.

He started working as a dispatcher and, when he got his licence, as a driver for his father’s business, Arrow Taxi. After gaining purchasing experience at Mid-Continent Supply Co., he began building his own entrepreneurial career as a sales tax consultant/owner of PS Purchasing Services (1970) Ltd. He then expanded his business with the purchase of OAS Oilfield Accounting Service Ltd.

Fred and his new partner, Mel Jordison, created an atmosphere of innovation, quality, and respect that allowed OAS employees to flourish. The company proved to be the very definition of a “family” business, in the best sense of the word. Yes, both partners employed their own family members. But other employees recommended their family members, who were often hired. New immigrant families found work at OAS, several marriages came out of office romances, and students earned their degrees while working part-time. Celebrations for 20-year employees became commonplace. The frequent potluck lunches could rival any large family gathering. With the help of his colleagues, employees and clients, Fred found more success than he’d ever thought possible. He was well respected throughout his long career.

Fred was a generous volunteer, coaching many teams, many sports, and mentoring many players. He was among the dedicated volunteers who were instrumental in building the Fairview Community Arena. This was a first for Calgary and a remarkable achievement for the time. Philanthropically, he was always very supportive of the Canadian Cancer Society. But for Fred, acting as a VIP driver for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics was a special highlight of his volunteerism.

Fred loved sports and was a devout fan and season ticket holder of the Calgary Flames and Stampeders. He was a long standing, enthusiastic member of Silver Springs Golf and Country Club and cherished the many friends he made there.

Fred is survived by his spouse, Marlene (née Nuttall), and her children, Sherene (Graham) Crawford, of Smoky Lake AB; Cathy (Gerry) Donaldson, of Okotoks AB; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Fred is also lovingly remembered by his children, Nancy (Tim) Kanuka, of Calgary; Gerry, of Hatfield Pennsylvania; Donna (Megan O’Brien), of Calgary; daughter-in-law, Dawn, of Calgary; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret (née Stenton), and his son, Dan.

In keeping with Fred’s wishes and current Covid restrictions, there will be an opportunity to say goodbye at a relaxed, come-and-go gathering at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday May 19, 2021.  Family and friends of Marlene are invited to visit between 6:00 – 7:00pm, business associates and golf buddies between 7:00 – 8:00pm, and Fred’s family and friends between 8:00 – 9:00pm. A maximum of 10 guests are allowed at one time. Sorry, no hugging.

Alternatively, family and friends are invited to join Fred’s gathering streamed live (see below) on the date of Service. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Frederick Viglietti, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

Share Your Memory of
Frederick (Fred)