Fred White - Hometown Hero

Onoway and District Historical Guild is recognizing Fred’s accomplishments through the “Hometown Hero” exhibit currently on display at Onoway Museum.

Fred grew up in the Heatherdown area, started school in Pine Ridge then was bused to Onoway when the school closed, completing his schooling at Beaupre High School. Later, he returned to Onoway to pursue his career in pharmacy.

Visitors to Onoway Museum will see Fred’s shooting vest (well used!) along with numerous medals from his trapshooting career. As a member of Canada’s trap shooting team, Fred competed in East Germany, Brazil, Argentina and many other countries. He came home from the Pan American Games in Indianapolis in 1987 with a silver team medal. And that’s just one of them!

Also on display is the racing helmet Fred wore. Some Onoway residents will recognize “Mr. Clean” on the helmet and on the cars he drove. Fred began drag racing in 1967 and chose Class NHRA Superstock cars, including a 1966 Fairlane Ford 427, one of only 67 built.

Fred opened his first pharmacy in Edmonton and, not long after, opened Onoway Pioneer Pharmacy. He has been a leader in the pharmacy business in this area and has provided much needed service in Onoway, Alberta Beach and Sangudo.

Onoway and District Historical Guild salutes Fred White: low key and unassuming but always aiming for the gold medal, Fred is definitely a Hometown Hero.

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