Frederick Carl Webber

Frederick (Fred) Carl Webber, 71, of Ottawa, ON, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born November 16, 1954, in Sparland, Illinois.

Fred grew up in Sparland, Illinois, son to Richard and Julie Webber. Fred attended Western Illinois University where he attained his degree in Agriculture. Fred began his career in the USDA PACA branch as a Marketing Specialist- his start to a long and distinguished career as an impartial defender of produce industry contract law. As he progressed through his career, he held roles as a lead arbitrator and VP of Special Services before moving to Ottawa from the Chicago area and finding his home with the Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC). Before choosing retirement in 2021, Fred held the position of CEO and stood as a relentless fixture representing fairness and integrity within the fruit and vegetable industry.

A kind, honest, and modest man, Fred had a passion for his family and friends, fishing, and spending time away at his cottage in Quebec where he kept a long list of recreational projects that brought him joy. Fred made friends everywhere he went, finding the best in everyone that crossed his path. To know Fred was to know genuine character and turned every acquaintance into an instant friend.

Fred survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Diane McGowan; his mother, Julie Webber of Chillicothe, IL; children, Sarah Webber of Wonder Lake, IL, and Aaron Webber of Independence, KY; stepchildren, Cheryl Olmstead (Cory Olmstead) and Tracey Schaffel; his grandchildren, Lainey Webber and Allie Graff; step-grandchildren, Riley, Julian, and Avery; and his siblings, Jeff, Terri, and Pattie.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on November 30, 2025, at Tubman Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2A OE9 (between Bayshore and Baseline Road). The visitation will be held at 3pm before a formal service at 5pm, and a reception on-site with the family beginning at 6pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to The Ottawa Heart Institute to support continued work for the benefit of others living in heart failure.

Fred will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was truly one-of-a kind, a favorite to anyone who knew him and a presence that cannot be replaced.