Fred Alden Dobirstein

Fred Alden Dobirstein was born July 24th , 1936 and raised in Lacombe Alberta. During his young adult years Fred worked across central and southern Alberta climbing telephone poles, seismic testing, and water hauling, returning to Lacombe to work for Morrison and Johnson Hardware, later joining the Lacombe Police Service. Fred retired from policing as the Deputy Chief in 1995. 

Fred was a talented singer and musician and started his early entertainment career playing with Harry Binning and the Rangelanders. Thats where Fred played alongside his future brother in law Oliver, and met his wife to be Shirley. Shirley and Fred were married April 11, 1958. Playing for dances helped pay the family bills and Fred continued to entertain with friends and family bands at many events across Alberta. Fred always travelled with a guitar and was often called upon to play around the fire or entertain in some kitchen. 

Fred had a passion for the outdoors and was a skilled hunter, fisherman, and horseman. Fred was bugling in elk before elk calls were popular, and tying flies and flyfishing before the skill was in fashion. Fred loved his time in goose and duck blinds as well as upland hunting alongside any of his treasured hunting dogs. Fred cared deeply for those in his hunting circle and the stories of the times with Alho, John, Dale, Bob, Ron, and many others were always told with passion. 

Horses were always part of Freds life and he and his wife Shirley along with friends and family spent many years exploring the backcountry on horseback throughout the Ram, Clearwater, Hummingbird, and Ya Ha Tinda ranges. Fred had a special fondness for his horse Tramp.

Fred took his lifetime of experiences combined them with his musical talents and dedicated himself to songwriting. Four albums were produced including Swamp Spruce and Sleepless Nights, Saddle Dreaming, Dancing on the Wind, and The Man on the Horse. Many of the songs on those albums were written for family and friends that Fred shared time with and loved. Those songs have been enjoyed in many homes, vehicles, tractors, and combines across Alberta and will be cherished forever. 

Fred was a longtime volunteer member of the both the Lacombe Fish and Game association , as well as Ducks Unlimited

Fred was predeceased by his sisters Pauline, Alice, brothers John, and Charles. Fred is survived by his wife Shirley and sons Adam, and Jason (Jacqueline) as well as his younger brother Alvin Dobirstein. 

Freds family will be hosting a gathering to celebrate Freds life November 2nd, at 1:00 P.M. at the Lacombe County Room located in the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. 

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