Fred Thomassen (inset)
September 6, 1937 ~ March 16, 2022
and the Circle B Trailer Sales and Repairs Wagon with Kevin Baird driving
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is saddened by the passing of longtime active supporter Fred Thomassen on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from natural causes at the age of 84.
Always was a fan of chuckwagon racing, Fred and his wife Lil first got involved as a canvas sponsor as part of the “Wild Mustangs” group that sponsored driver Jim Nevada starting in 1991. Over the next 12 seasons, Fred got his company – Circle B Trailer Sales and Repairs involved in sponsoring a plethora of chuckwagon drivers at a number of different shows on the WPCA Pro Tour.
Fred always gave his support to the drivers that he felt truly needed it. Between 1991 and 2002, an awe-inspiring 15 chuckwagon drivers – Jim Nevada, Bob Dimmer, Don Chapin, Reg Johnstone, Hugh Sinclair, Wally Shingoose, Dave Shingoose, Floyd Bradshaw, Kevin Baird, Herman Flad, Doug Green, Wayne Dagg, Bruce Ridsdale, Edgar Baptiste, and Cam Shaurette – benefitted from Fred’s generosity and carried the canvas of Fred’s Circle B Trailer Sales and Repairs.
After he retired, Fred and his wife Lil continued to support the WPCA as “Super Fans.” Their whole summer centered around the chuckwagon season. They loved to go to the races whenever they could, which meant travelling the circuit in their fifth-wheel and attending as many races as possible in person. When they were unable to make the races in person, they were avid listeners of the WPCA Radio Program, and never missed a race. For all of their efforts, in 1996 Fred and Lil Thomassen were honored by the WPCA with its “Active Supporter Award.”
Fred is survived by his wife Lillian (nee Vance), daughter Debbie Dyer (Mike), grandson Garrett, son Don (Coleen), granddaughter Jasmine Henry (Steve), great granddaughter Layla, brother-in-law Ralph Vance (Diane) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, father and sister.
A Gathering will be held in Celebration of Fred’s Life at McInnis & Holloway Hospitality Center (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Fred Thomasson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
Fred will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Thomassen family.
Billy Melville
