Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Ring road tramp Fred dies
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The tramp who has famously lived in a tent on Wolverhampton’s ring road for more than 30 years has died.
The body of 87-year-old Josef Stawinoga, who was affectionately known in the city as Fred, was discovered just before 5pm yesterday.
A police cordon was placed around his green tent on Ring Road St John’s and officers today confirmed his death was not being treated as suspicious. It is not known who made the grim discovery.
Council leader Roger Lawrence described it as “very sad news”.
“Mr Stawinoga was someone the community took to their hearts and provided with a lot of support, even though it was extremely difficult given his circumstances and background,” he said.
“He gained everyone’s respect and the city’s social services supported him in a way that was sensitive to his wishes. It did attract criticism from outside the city but we did not treat him as a social problem.”
Fred, originally from Poland, has been a legendary figure of Wolverhampton since he opted to live under canvas, where drivers often saw him sweeping up leaves around his tent. Wolverhampton City Council’s Meals on Wheels service visited him every day while worshippers at the nearby Hindu Shree Krishna Mandir Temple also regularly brought him Indian food and pizza.
Few facts were known about him, but he was thought to have been detained in a Russian prison camp during the Second World War and came to Wolverhampton in the 1950s.
He worked at Stewarts and Lloyds steelworks in Bilston but one day did not turn up to work. The next his colleagues knew he was pushing a pram with all his possessions and had grown an ankle-length beard.
Police spokeswoman Joanne Hunt confirmed early indications showed Fred’s death was not suspicious.
West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman John Hawker said crews received a 999 call to the central reservation at 4.53pm and pronounced a man dead at the scene.
Only last month he became a hit around the world after an internet fan club was set up in his honour, attracting more than 6,600 members.
l Visit www.expressandstar.com to see a video tribute to Fred.
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We are extremely saddened by the news, hopefully a memorial will be placed at the spot where he lived.
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My day has just got worse!!
This man is like water to a fish to the people from wolverhampton!
I think they should name the ring round after him as a sign of respect or at least put a few benches when his tent lay for all those years!
RIP Fred (the best polishish/wolverhamtoner ever to have lived)
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sad day used to see him most days when i worked for BT. rip.
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i agree with 1 & 2, he shud not b 4goten, lets giv im the respect e deserves and remember im.
RIP Fred, enjoy yourself and put ur feet up, god bless.
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very sad news, lets hope a fitting tribute is placed in the spot where he made his home.
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saw the police there last night worried what might of happenend to him local telly new said nothing , very sad new he will be missed in and around wolverhampton ,i live in telford .
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i couldn’t agree more, some kind of tribute should be left to honour his life in wolverhampton
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this is very sad. RIP Josef
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What an absolute shame, he’s had a good innings though.
He’s been such a legend around Wolverhampton for all my life time, let’s hope that he has a great send off he certainly deserves it.
I think it would be a wonderful idea to put some sort of memorial, maybe a statue or something, where his tent used to be.
Rest in Peace Fred. x x
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Sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. I moved to the Chalfonts when he was first seen on his patch, and was pleased to see he had not been moved on 26years later as I returned back to Kingswinford. Never failed to look at the tent when ever I passed. RIP Fred. Truely a land mark on Wolverhampton.
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Well, I’m at work right now but once I’ve left here I will go and buy some flowers and lay them outside his home. I used to see him pretty much every day when I was at uni and when I worked across the other side of town.
Long may memories of the great man live on through the generations.
RIP Josef.
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well what can i say great man he never hurt nobody keeped his self to his self, well missed by so many people RIP Fred xxxx
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RIP legend…
Many facebookers and Wolves residents will remember you for the rest of their lives!
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its sad day our tramp fred has died we will miss him its not going to be the same on the ring road without you fred rest in peace
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A sad loss to the city.. Really hope that the council get their finger out and plan some sort of tribute/memorial. One of Wolverhampton’s Iconic people.
RIP Fred
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A great loss to a great city.
Josef was the best institution this city had, and now he has passed. We will forever miss and remember him.
If a memorial fund is set up, I will surely contribute.
R.I.P. Dear Fred/Josef
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hope mr moxey reads this as a minutes silence at the golden palace on saturday would be in order any one agree
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Brothers In Arms
RIP
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RIP Fred from us all at MMFC
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If he was a legand why didnt no-one help him, instead of walking past.
Get people off the streets!!!
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Sad to hear. One of those who ended up in Town folklaw.
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Very sad. My children always looked forward to seeing the ‘tramp’, thanks for making everybodys life a little bit more interetsing and colourful – RIP.
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Aww how sad, he was such an icon!
A memorial needs to be placed there! Everyone knew of him!
RIP Fred!
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I also agree on the 1 minute silence Baz!
Good idea!
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Its not always the people on the streets that do damage, its often peoples’ coldness and ignorance, Lisa you display both eloquently, he lived his way through choice and may he rest in peace.
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they should leave his tent up a a memorial.
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lisa …he would not have taken any help of anyone .rip
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I WILL MISS HIM SO MUCH GLAD HE LIVED THE WAY HE WANTED
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Big shock and a big loss, local legend and local celebrity, we should errect a statue in his honour
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awwwww i cur belive he as gone i see him evern weekend since iv been a child an i think that they should leave summert in memory for him r.i.p fred love yaxxx
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Well said Derek!!
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A memorial should be placed so people do not forget him as he did a lot for the community R.I.P. Fred you’ll be missed from the community.
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yes i agree leave his tent up. great guy, may he rest in peace!
RIP Fred
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Rest in peace.
I hope there will be a memorial statue created for him put in place on his ringroad home.
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Ref to Lisa’s comment
Fred was given a tent by the Council – that was how he wanted to live.
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RIP we will miss you on our way to the custard bowl!!!!
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I came past this morning to see the police tape and feared the worst, only the other day i said it would be a great loss to the city if he passed away, he may have been described as a tramp but he was a very proud man, never begged and used to sweep his ringroad of the rubbish to keep it clean, i think a tribute should be set up maybe a bronze version of his tent where it stands now with a statue of him and his broom sweeping the side of the road so its a memory of him forever, it will be a very cold hearted councellor who snubs or turns down a memorial or tribute to Wolverhamptons most famous celebrity
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Lisa #20
know the facts before you comment maybe Fred was allowed to live on the ringroad because he could not cope with living indoors maybe something from his past could be the war and I thank WCC for allowing this man to live the life he wanted and not forcing him to live in a residential home of which i have worked. RIP Fred
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R.I.P
Missed by many!!
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
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In reply to Lisa 20
It is a crying shame RIP Fred
He was offered help and did not want it he liked to live the way that he did.
He was quite looked after by people of Wolverhampton.
I agree that a memorial should be raised for him after all he has lived there for 30 years.
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RIP Fred. I memorial would be a lovely way to remember him.
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rip dear fred you will be missed by many ..lets hope they have a tribute for him he deserves one!!!!!
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RIP Josef Stawinoga.
I hope a memorial is erected to honour this man.
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I was so sad when i heard about this. He was such a legends here in Wolves. RIP.
Naome xxx
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To Lisa… who asked if he was such a legend why no one helped him – he has been offered help for years, and a roof over his head! He just didn’t want it, simple as that. And if you knew the facts then you wouldn’t ask such a stupid question!
RIP Mr Ringroad Tramp
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RIP to a Wolverhampton legend, for as long as I can remember he has occupied that spot on the ring road, it will be eerie going past not seeing that tent. Surely a memorial of some nature is in order. Take it easy now Fred.
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Absolutely devastated at the news, lets hope that theres a tent waiting for him in heaven.
rest in peace Fred x
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everyone will miss u from the st.eddies scholl in compton, everyone knew him and loved him in wolvo
R.I.P he died the way he wanted is his tent
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FRED WAS ONE OF MY MATES, ILL MISS OUR FRIDAY NIGHT CHATS. R.I.P ILL MISS U BUDDY!
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I totally agree with richard, “they should leave his tent up as a memorial”. He was a great human being, above all a man with a beautiful soul. He will be missed very much by all.
R.I.P Fred
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Jack says
good on yer Fred Despite this crazy world we live in You still did it your way RIP
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I remember him when we were kids!
A true legend of Wolverhampton.
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A legend! So sad to see him go! I think a park bench with ‘Fred’ on it would be a great tribute to him. He has a massive following on Facebook also!
RIP Fred
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Very sad news – this man was an icon. Everyone in Wolverhampton knew of him. Drive past his tent everyday coming to and from work.
Hope there is a memorial for him.
RIP Fred.
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1 DAY I LEFT HIM MONEY THE NEXT DAY HE WAS GONE RIP
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It is a sad day for tthe city of Wolverhampton, It is pleasing to read so many nice messages on here today. Fred will be missed by all that had ever seen him or heard of him. I think aswell as the minutes silence at Molineux on Saturday, the Express & Star should launch a collection around town & at there Queen St office. All donations should go towards giving Fred a proper funeral with perhaps the Service to be held at St Peters Church. All extra proceeds from the donations could be given to local charities.This is the least this true gentleman of Wolverhampton deserves after all he has been through in his long life. RIP Fred you will long live in our memories
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What a legend, shame to see him go!!!!!!!!!
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Such sad news. He’s been part of the city’s landscape ever since I’ve lived here. Part of or history is now legend. RIP Fred.
I don’t think leaving his tent up would be such idea as the lowlifes would probably go rifling through his possessions. Best take it down.
A bronze statue of him sweeping the leaves I think would be a fitting tribute.
I just hope people don’t take risks in laying tributes on the ring road and end up getting run over.
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very sad news that he has passed away i hope he gets a fitting memorial at the spot he lived
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I love the ring road tramp and im very saddend that he has died. RIP Hunni xxx
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very sad he lived his life how he wanted to live and was no trouble to anyone rip fred sadly missed
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RIP xxx
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He was no trouble to anybody,RIP FRED
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RIP fred
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Maybe as a city we should have a collection – he deserves a PROPER funeral and I think as a community we owe it to him to find the money for this and possibly a gravestone. I know we’re looking at about £4000ish but I’m sure it’s viable.
If we all contributed to a fund and anything left over went on a long term memorial to the man such as the suggested statue.
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Im soo sad i love him :( miss u bbe xxx
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He hadn’t been well for a while.
An ambulance was out to him one night a few weeks back.
Still,to reach 87 living like that is an achievement.
RIP
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HOW ABOUT BUREING HIM THERE WHO WOULD SAY NO……
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Very sad news. RIP Fred.
A legend and iconic figure for Wolverhampton.
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R.I.P fred we all love you deeply. i never saw you but heard alot about you true legend. dont think the bench idea will work though!
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How about a polish flag as a reminder
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RIP Fred/Josef.
They definitely aren’t going to be leaving his tent there as a memorial…it’s gone.
Wolverhampton Council have deemed it a health hazard and dragged it away already. Pity they don’t clean the streets that quickly.
A Statue of him sweeping seems a good idea though.
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It was strange how people where proud of this lovely man, he was part of the black country greats and always will be
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I also think we should have a tribute to this gentleman, as a well loved Wolverhampton character.
RIP sir you will be sadly missed.
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R.I.P Fred!!!!
Post number 20 you obviously know nothing about Fred or you would not have said that.
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RIP Fred,!!!!! it’s sad to see you go! :(
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Fred was respected by everyone in the midlands Wolverhamton Council should erect a monument to this very larger than life character of the Midlands.Big buedro has the right idea a Statue Of Fred sweeping.
R.I.P Josef/Fred.
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We are very sad to hear this news. I remember back in the december of 1998 when us 3 went up town and got sloshed in the varsity (u).. Good old days. We love him dearly and will miss his presence as we drive down the ring road.. The ring road will never be the same :( rest in peace Jo our good old pal :D lv u x
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RIP Fred
And to Lisa – you obviously knew nothing about Fred or you would not have made such a comment. Are you from W’ton? He accepted the help he wanted and lived the life he wanted.
We will always remember him.
A statue would be nice
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Amazing that he survived so long in that tent. A sad day none the less and a memorial would be a very fitting end. Did a better job than the council in sorting out the rubbish and leaves! RIP Fred
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Used to see him regular with brush in hand sweeping up, when I lived up the road from him.
A part of Wolverhampton folklore now gone. A sign of defiance to the modern world, he refused to buckle to any convention or demands and lived his life without troubling anyone.
He will be missed by all true Wolverhampton folk, and I agree with the tribute idea. He needs to be remembered.
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Totally saddened by the news :’( RIP
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What an amazing response, it just shows how the city took Fred to its heart and how the community and the council helped him live the life he wanted. Many years ago some business people asked me to try to remove him as he was ‘bad for the image’ well I think your responses show Wolverhampton as a city that cared and that’s a far better image.
I’m afraid the tent had to go in response to a police request but if we want some memorial to remind us perhaps we should consider that in due course but thank you Josef and thank you Wolverhampton for caring. Cllr Roger Lawrence
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R.I.P FRED..
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God bless fred the wolverhampton tramp, So may god take him into his kingdom, look after him and praise him for the man he was. God Bless Fred the wolverhampton Tramp xxx Rest In Peace xxx
you’ll sadly be missed in our hearts and remain in our memory for many years to come.
Sara & Emma Kettley
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A FREE SPIRIT! Good for you Josef. You will always be remembered, always missed. R.I.P. xxxx
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RIP Fred
you were an icon
I agree a memorial should be an idea
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its very sad to hear that fred has gone he was the heart and soul of wolverhampton and he will never be forgotten and is always in our hearts every one new wolverhampton was where the old man lived and when anyone asked about the ring road if you mentioned where freds tent was they would know. R.I.P fred xxxx
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I now Live In Middlesbrough
born in Bilston.fred/josef
was a legend not just in Wolverhampton but on facebook on the internet god bless you Josef
long may your memory live on
I agree that a memorial should be raised for him
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I’m am very upset that you are dead.You will never be forgotton in wolverhampton. R.I.P
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really sad news and im sure the people of wolverhampton will miss him alot. i think his tent shud be left there in memory of him
RIP Fred
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RIP Fred you lived your life the way you wanted to I hope your passing was peacefull.
A memorial is a very good idea as is a collection for a proper funeral for Fred. Another star shines in the sky.
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its very sad, he was happy where he was or he would have gone into a flat he was a free spirit and was always sweeping up around the ring road, god bless him and may he rest in peace. we will always remember you fred you touched alot of people’s hearts. RIP FRED.
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if the council dont take the memorial offer up couldnt the Express and Star set up a coupon for us (the public) to send donations to them and have them organise it, if the paper can liaise with the counicl on what they plan to do and keep the public in the loop? I for one would love to see a statue of him.
If a statue/memorial on the ring road is not going to be approved could we give the man a decent funeral?
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we will all miss u fred u will never be forgotton i thing a memorial should be put up so that we dont forget u rest in peace
hayleyxxx
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My wife and I often drive past (FREDS)place where he lived. we spoke of him saying what a tough old bird living like that when we had some rough weather also we think kindly of him we had a Polish brother-in-law….God Bless Fred
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I grew up with him always being there and we all took him for granted. At least he lived his life the way he wanted to. A memorial would be fitting as he will be missed by many. RIP Josef.
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It will be awful driving along that part of the ring road now, he was always sweeping around his tent every time we passed.rip fred
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I was saddened to here, like others the death of Fred. What a character of Wolverhampton over the last 30 years. He will be solely missed by many.
A memorial should be placed in his Honour
RIP Fred.
Barry. Wton
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God bless you Josef you will be sadly missed R.I.P.
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IM very upset man!
He was the man! straight G… wolverhampton wont be the same without him… R.I.P
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A sad loss he will be missed by all in Wolverhampton.I remember my brother asking if we could take him some food because he felt sorry for him.He was only 3.I agree with naming the ring road after him.He was Wolverhamptons legend.
R I P Fred
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what sad news, he will be missed
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RIP, FRED
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I very often saw Fred whilst on my way to Sunday morning fishing trips.
Ok, Fred wasn’t very communicative , but in my case, he always found a ‘cheery wave’as he also did with other anglers, and which isn’t easy to do at 4am !
Long may your memory remain in the hearts of Wolves people.
God bless you Fred.
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rip fred
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no will forget you in wolver hampton
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What a sad day!
This man has been imprinted on my childhood memories, i always thought of him as a fairytale character,because who else lives in a tent in a city centre, tucked behind bushes. Like a mystical old magician, with his long white beard. The local legend seems to have had a hard life with reference to the pow camp, the reason why he prefered the outdoor life, But god bless him he lived his life the way he chose,and enriched all our lives in the process. i am proud, that the people of wolverhampton, took him into their hearts the way we all have.He was a amazing character, and the drive in rush hour traffic along the wolverhampton ringroad, will never be the same. Goodnight, god bless and you will not be forgotten. x
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I’m saddened by the passing of Fred, I think the council should put a plaque up because he was part of wolvo.
R.I.P Fred
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Wolverhampton was very lucky to have such a celebrity. Mr Stawinoga was a man who will go down in the city’s history books, he will be sadly missed and I agree with other people that some sort of memorial should be placed where he lived the last years of his life.
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Very sad loss, rest in peace. Good idea about raising money for a proper funeral and buriel. Maybe the council could set up an official fund for people to donate rather than a load of cowboys using it as an excuse to rob people due to their kindness.
Lisa, clearly you are know nothing and just wanted to look clever in front of your friends, think before you speak.
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What a pity such a wonderful man ,who gave a wonderful example to the people of wolverhampton is no longer amongst us .Fred ,as I always knew this lovely ,shy man, should be afforded a civic funeral in keeping with his place in our hearts.
If everyone took a little less and gave a little more in life then things would be better for everyone .
Stuart all the way from rhyl. R.I.P
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i remember seeing fred sweeping and often thought about him during winter nights.
I have only lived in wolverhampton for 7 yrs and he was and icon in wolverhampton.
he will be sadly missed by old and young and our future generation.
R.I.P FRED
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FRED A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE TO US ALL R.I.P . STUART, OLD WULFRUNIAN RHYL. NORTH WALES
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he should have a statue next to billy wright
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Bury him where his tent is, raise a memorial over the grave and rename the ring road. I think the sheer feedback here should say it all and I’m not even from the midlands. RIP Fred, always used to look out to see if you were around whenever I passed.
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Rest in peace Fred so sad to hear you go. From childhood I used to see him sweeping up the dual carriage way. He became the icon of Wolverhampton and will be sadly missed.
A statue would be a nice memory
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RIP In Peace. Sadly missed.
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RIP Fred you beat the system.
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Give this man a statue. put it next to that rubbish one by the molineux.
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Very sad news today hearing that a man who has not had any problems from anybody as sadly died. He will be missed by everyone in wolverhampton
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Fred was an institution in this city-a man to be respected,in that he lived life in a way he wanted and NOT how society thinks we all should.
Ironically,in this regulated age of `health and safety`and systematization and subjugation by the state,Wolverhampton is to be congratulated for allowing this wonderful character the freedom to live as he wished.(not many councils would do that).
A statue would be a fitting tribute to this fine gentle man who touched so many hearts.
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remebered fred from a child,will miss the sight of him on wolverhamton ring road….r.i.p…
steven
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This is really sad, no journey to wolverhampton will ever be the same.Fred is a ledgend.
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A true legend of Wolverhampton.
yoo will be missed by many and it will neva be the same driving dwn the ring road without your tent
r.i.p fred xxxxx
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RIP in peace big fella. Massive awooga from all of us. Have a sip of 20/20 with God for us.
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wat a wounderful man he was r.i.p
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i hope people will remember fred for a very long time.he was a very wonderful man. that lived his life as he chose to. god bless u rest in peace
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Sleep well.
You will be missed by many.
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Sorry to hear of his demise – he was a legend known far beyond his bit of the ring road. I remember the day in the early 90’s when someone put a satellite dish up on his tent. A priceless moment. I salute you sir.
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what a shame a private man RIP fred
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RIP Fred, the ring road will never be the same.
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never had the chance to meet you but in my appinion you where more famous than anyone in wolverhamton god bless you fred may you rest in peace in gods hands. xxxxxx
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This is a great loss to our City. In my opinion he was a Saint. He kept himself to himself and did what he wanted to do, living 30 years outdoors, it takes a person with strong will power to do that. I think the statue idea is brilliant. RIP Fred.
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I will always remember Mr Stawinoga. Some time around 1993 he crossed the road especially to stroke our little puppy. His face at close proximity was spiritual like and full of kindness, I felt quite honoured this reserved and gentle man crossed the road to see us. God bless you Fred, if only more people in the world were as humble as you.
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I never got to meet Fred, but to have survived outdoors for over 30 years he was a superb fighter. It makes me feel very proud of him.
R.I.P.
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Wow! I would not normally bother with these on line type things, but feel very sad at Fred’s passing. He has been there for as long as I can remember. i would gladly give a small amount towards his funeral and memorial, I can’t afford much, but I really feel it’s the right thing to do. Please make sure his funeral details are published as I for one would attend to say goodbye to this gentleman!! R.I.P.
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rest in peace such a nice person i use to see him as i drove past
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Rest in Peace and God Bless.
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Sad news about Fred He will be sadley missed by everyone in wolverhampton and surrounding areas
R I P FRED
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woundid :( RIP to a man who lived life to its full in his own way god bless u fred….
R.I.P
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Good-evening all!
It takes a damn lot of courage in
our day to live the life of a hermit!Beggar is not the right word
for this gentleman!It is a way of
life he chose to live somewhere
during his life,without any creatue
comforts whatsoever!Fancy living
in a tent the whole year,spring,
summer,autumne ,winter,and that at
his age when he should have been in
an old peoples home!I salute him!
FJ Bartling,Hilversum,Holland,once
a Dudley lad,still proud!
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what a nice man and always kept the ring road clean and tidy.
if we can make a donation to his funeral then please let me know so he can have a good send and a nice funeral
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Really saddened my day to hear this. RIP Josef. Hope that a suitable memorial is put in place.
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I’m so sad to hear the sad news about Fred- the man who changed the way we Wolverhamptoners saw that ring-road forever. Goodbye Fred. Forever in our hears, RIP
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you,ll never be forgotten josef RIP A MEMORIAL WOULD BE IDEAL
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RIP fred,
never meet you but i always waved when i went passed your home and you always waved back. ring road wont ever be the same again xxxxx
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RIP Fred life round the ring road will never be the same sleep tight
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rest in peace frd wolverhampton will not be the same without you x
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im so sorry of the loss:( of a great w-ton man who never hurt ne 1 in his life its such a shame that it was only a few months ago he was becoming famous so whats going to happen now with the website? i hope something is put there in the spot he lived for 30 yrs as a tribute to him . xxx he will be sadly missedxxx
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RIP Fred, the ring road will never be the same.xx
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A true character of Wolverhampton. I’ve always had a look to see if I could see him when passing. From now on it will feal like theres somthing missing. Sadly Missed
I hope they build a memorial their in respect.
RIP Fred
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RIP Josef, it’s sad that you’re gone. (maybe, being such a private man, his new-found celebrity was too much for him)
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hiya ive only saw the tramp 1ce and i thought it was a shame tht he was out side in a tent!
why wasnt he in a nursing home??
im very sad that this man has died
R.I.P mate
Sleep well.
You will be missed by many.
age 13 xxx
and it will neva be the same driving past wiv my mom or dad or family!! dwn the ring road without your tent
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R.I.P
a sudden stop for all wolves fans.
we will dedicate our league performance to fred/josef.
cmon the wolves.
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R.I.P fred.you were a brave hearted man.wolvo will never be the same without you.we always use to see u sweepin up the leaves.never forgotten.god bless xxxxxxxx
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We all heard at work this afternooin and all thought what a loss.
RIP.
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I Didn’t Personally Know Fred But Everytime We Drove Down The Ring Road We Would All Watch Him Standing Outside His Tent.
You Will Be Missed By Many!
R.I.P Fred –>> May The Angels Take Care Of You
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Rest in peace Fred.
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I’m proud of my hometown for letting Fred live as he wanted. End of and era. Sad day. R.I.P. Josef.
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r.i.p “fred” ring road wont be the same without you now.
we should start a petition for a memorial for him to be put forward to the council
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I have lived in Wolverhampton for some 15 years. The warmth felt towards Fred by the people of Wolverhampton is something they should be proud of. Very sad news and as someone earlier said lets have a memorial. It would be very befitting of this unique man. May god be with him.
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I left for Southsea 12 years ago and now live in Dubai but have never fogotten the man who lived his life the way he wanted despite his advancing years. Some kind of memorial is appropriate.
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Cant believe your gone Fred! You will be sadly missed by us all. RIP XXXXXX
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first noticed him when i was three
to think he used to scare me
but over the years i realised how much he meant to wolverhampton
a memorial statue or something of that nature should be placed on the ringroad
and i believe his tent should be preserved
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I agree with some of the blogs that we should all put a collection together to make sure he has a good send off, and what better way than st peters church!!!! Cllr Lawrence – I hope your reading this!! RIP fred xx
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I agree with all on here that a statue or a memorial should be placed where Fred lived.I have known him to be there all my life virtually and he is and was part of Wolverhampton. It is a crying shame in his passing but at least he can set up a new tent in God’s care. Who knows God may even get him to have a shave lol. R.I.P Fred from all of Wolverhampton and beyond.
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Have a good journey, Fred. Rest well.
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fred u will be missed,, we used to leave u fags when we were younger, a tribute is needed, after all billy wright got one!! and a legand like yourself deserves one too RIP matey
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Apparently he was in the SS!
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P.S
Who is paying for is funeral and where will it be. I think a fitting thing would be for W.B.C to foot the bill and invite all comers through the E&S if they want to attend i for one would want to pay my respects to a Wolverhampton Legend!
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R. I. P. FRED. YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY A LOT OF PEOPLE XX
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!
___!___ R.I.P
!
!
!
!
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RIP Fred, A very sad day x
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I have been reading about the tramp for the last few months, very sad that he has passed away,
what pees me off is I have to now read the full story in the Star, I can’t do that – living in Ohio USA !!
Guess I will turn you off and listen to radio WM instead
expats missing out again !
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He used to wave at our school bus when it went round the ring road..goin to and from school will never be the same without you, and i know for a fact half my class will be payin tribute to him. God bless Fred the ringroad man xxx
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r.i.p never forgotten
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When we had our Polish shop Roma Deli he was a customer but never entered the shop always waited outside. A very sad day. RIP.
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R.I.P fred….i agree with these people something should be put on the ring road where he lived for the past 30 years
xxxxxx
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R.I.P FRED YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE :( SHAME TO SEE YOU GO :(
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R.I.P
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what a black day for wolverhampton.
i was shocked and saddened to
see the news on the express & star
boards in wolverhampton today
that fred had died, wolverhampton
and its people have lost a true
legend of its history, i agree
to all sugestions that
wolverhampton council should
do something in his honour, he
was a very much loved and
respected wolverhampton resident,
(regardless of how he wanted to live, it was his choice and people
respected that)
his memory should be honoured for
current and future generations,
fred, wolverhampton’s ring
road will never be the same
without you
may you rest in peace
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RIP Fred,always looked out for him when i passed the ring road,i think they should put a statue up where he lived god bless you.
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Wolverhampton will never be the same.
God Bless -x-
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Fred, we never actually met you but knew of you since we were little. You are, and always will be a part of Wolverhampton’s history, and we hope God had your tent pitched ready for you in heaven! RIP Fred xx
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fred was a legend. a memorial statue is a good idea
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Rest in peace fred wolverhampon will not be the same with out you
sad to think when we drive past your nt there
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i knew fred when i was little twenty years on now havent seen him in a long time thoe what a shame rip fred
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I’m quite happy to admit that one of my earliest memories of Wolverhampton as a child was of Fred, and I think comment number 106 hits the nail right on the head. An almost mystical character that lived his life precisely how he wanted, with the support of the people of Wolverhampton. I don’t think he ever wanted us to pity him as we drove past, he was more than happy with his tent and precious belongings – and I for one raised a smile when the Satellite dish went up!
Fred may you rest in peace – Wolverhampton will not forget you.
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Bye bye Fred/ Jo! R.I.P
xXx
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An unforgettable land Mark to Wolverhampton that will be sadly missed by many.
xx
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I wonder how many people would think so highly of him if they had known that he was once a member of the S.S.?
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Nowhere else in this country was a tramp so well liked and respected. His like will probably never be seen again. Rest in Peace ode un
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Fred has died n gone somewhere far,
To write his name on every star,
So all folk of Wolves look up n see,
What a wonderful man he was to thee.
R.I.P Fred, god bless ya, xXx
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It would be a great idea if someone set up a tribute to him where he lived to show how much we will all miss him!
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This is amazing! People from the West Midlands really make me laugh. Yeah, lets build a memorial to someone who excluded himself from the rest of society. If people wanted a memorial to him for his war years and to honour him in his prime than fair enough. But all he’s famous for in the majority of people’s eyes, is being a quirky old man who lived on the ring-road.
How many of you on here would’ve actually given the guy the time of day when he were alive and not crossed to the other side of the street? It makes me sick!
No wonder the West Midlands is the laughing stock of the rest of the UK.
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Josef was a relative of mine he was my dads aunties husbands cousin. He was a very much loved person around wolverhampton and it will never be the same without him
rest in peace xxxxx
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i like many other’s remember fred from my childhood im now 26 and moved to lincolnshire 6yrs ago. It’s warming to see how many ppl cared and left nice msg’s for him if only he knew how ppl thought of him just proves wolvo folk r the best!
R.I.P memorial should b done
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I don’t know how you feel now it has been alleged that this man was a former SS guard and not a prisoner of war after all. Still the matchdays won’t seem the same without him.
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night god bless Fred, will be sadly missed by everyone. What better memorial could there be than letting him be buried on the Island, to remain for ever where he certainly would have chosen to be. Would gladly donate to a proper fund, perhaps set up through the E & S ?
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sorry to hear the news
he was a legend to wolves
will miss him very much
even though we never spoke we always made a detour to see if he was about when going out for the night or driving through wolverhampton
this person needs to be remembered
“Never forget”
asked for zero & never bothered anyone if only all could follow his example . rest in peace Fred ( Josef Stawinoga )
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how very sad, joseph(fred)the polish gentleman has passed away,i often stopped at the lights where he would be sweeping the road,and gave him a packet of cigs,which he accepted.a sculptor in memory of fred would be an asset to wolverhampton as a piece of art. rip fred.
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R.I.P FRED GOD BLESS
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Post 118 – Villa Martin, You are a disgrace!!
RIP Mr Stawinoga!!
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well its very sad the he has died he was a wonderful man and said thank you and please
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rip fred, from all at gold directors.
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r.i.p fred ,you have allways been on the ring road since the day i was born,you never botherd noone or thow your tent was tourn .you will alwas be rememberd by all wolverhampton people pad day , and can i add fred sould have is own stone or statue wher his tent stood , thanks ,
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A Sad loss to Wolverhampton. I will miss coming to see you every Sunday with your little goodies.
R.I.P Fred
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R.I.P FRED
a legend in wolverhampton the ring road won’t be the same now.
strongly agree with deedee 92
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It’s sad to see you go.Me and many more will miss you.
R.I.P Fred/josef
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what a shame he’s gone he really was a credit to us sweeping the leaves every morning! It’s just not the same anymore. I hope the council will now put a remoriall there for him!! R.I.P FRED. GOD BLESS!!
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What a helpfull hand we’ll miss you!!!!! R.I.P FRED. GOD BLESS
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An iconic figure of Wolverhampton, “Fred” was a man known to all Wulfrunians yet ironically very few really knew him. He will be sadly missed in this city but will never be forgotten. R.I.P. “Fred”
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Well his secret, just published on BBC news is that he was a member of the SS.
I certainly hope this is not true.
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Wotcha.
I will be raising a glass in his memory tonight.
RIP Fred.
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why oh why do u want his tent left up!
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My friend and i was just chatting over the internet and the first thing she told me was the news of Fred´s Death.I jus felt sadness….. Living in Germany i often told my friends here of my home town and about this wonderful man who CHOSE to live his life the way he did. He will never be forgotten…..
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RIP Fred
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wil be sadly missed.r.i.p fred.xxx
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god bless u fred xxx
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Wow – I’m Polish but I’ve never heard but this man – what a great story… RIP Fred
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R.i.P…Forever In Our Hearts…
Light The Skies..
You Were A Tru Legend..
You Will Be Missed Dearly x/
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going to town wont be the same anymore…
rest in peace mate
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So sorry, Fred you are gone but yet, you live on in the hearts of many people.I believe you were a War Veteran.I hope that you will be honored as one.
God Bless you.
Charles Haig
American Legion Chaplain
Florida,U S A
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Interesting comments. I guess no one knew he was a member of the SS until now. I wouldn’t name a bench after a Nazi.
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we live in dudley but we go to see our daughter and our grandchildren in wolverhampton,we sometimes saw fred,you will be sadly missed mate by everyone,so rest in peace fred.
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r.i.p fred you will be missed in wolvo god – bless you xxx
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When and where gonna be memorial ceremony?
RIP Fred
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I first saw Fred in Wolverhampton in 1965 whilst I was working. I left the area and returned to see Fred in the late 70s sweeping the rear of St John’s Church, early one Christmas morning. It was freezing cold but that didn’t seem to bother Fred, who looked as hard as nails and quite contented with his life on the Ring Road. I have to add that Fred was in those days not the only character on the streets of Wolverhampton. When you would regularly see a similar type man throwing his shoulders to the traffic as it went by, which seemed a curious thing to do. It turns out that he was apparently a survivor of the Katin Massacre when thousands of Polish officers were murdered allegedly by the Russians. RIP Fred.
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R.I.P Fred you will be sadly missed ..looking at that ringroad will not be the same again.
I hope they send you out in style.
God Bless
FRED
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R.I.P fred we will miss u
i think the council sud put sumot were his tent was as a rememberance thing
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A sad loss to Wolverhampton.I will miss seeing you every Sunday when I bring you your little goodies.There should definatley be a memorial of some sort.
R.I.P FRED
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r.i.p Fred you will be sadley missed.
loved by evre1.
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wolverhampton will not be the same, you will be sadly missed rest in peace fred xxx
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What a sad day for Wolverhampton folk … I remember that when my Grandad was still alive, he used to visit Josef and take him the odd cigarette or two and stay for a chat with him. He was a very intelligent man, who never begged or expected anyone to help him. It will be strange not to see him as you drive past his ‘home’ now.
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wolverhampton will never be the same again,the heart of wolverhampton died when fred died……GOD BLESS YOU FRED.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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RIP ‘Fred’ xx
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time to rest fred xxx
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The City has lost a legendary character.Eccentric, stubborn,unconventional.Nice one Josef.
You will live on as part of Wolverhampton folklore.
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While on holiday in W-ton from New Zealand i saw your tramp and was told his story. it was very sad to recive an email to say he had died what a man . i do hope the city will remember him. i have told many of his story and will always remember him may he rest in peace
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Just won’t be the same driving down that part of the ringroad ever again. Passed by at 6pm yesterday saw the police there and feared the worst.
It’s so strange,some things you don’t consider will ever change. Comes as a real shock when they do!!
I think he should have a good send off and would certainly contribute. Some type of memorial would be good too.
RIP Fred. X
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I will miss hearing the good old tales of the ring road tramp
Rest in peace Fred
Now lets all put money in to erect a statue in honour of this wolves legend
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fred though i nether new you. my hubby met you twice. even though you didnt speak your smile said alright. you will be sadly missed god bless you. you were a wonderfull man rest in peace fred xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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MAY FRED REST IN PEACE I HOPE THE COUNCIL CREMATE FRED AND SCATTER HIS ASHES WHERE HE LIVED AND DIED AND A PLACARD IS PUT THERE SO THAT FRED’S MEMORY IS KEPT ALIVE AND PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY KNOW THAT HE IS WOLVERHAMPTON’S FAMOUSR TRAMP WHO CHOOSE LIVE AS A TRAMP ON THE RING ROAD
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what ever freds history was, the fact is he bothered nobody children and adults alike loved to see him outside his home….he will be much missed…r.i.p fred.
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RIP Fred….
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I am really sad to hear of the death of Josef. I passed the ring road often and I always said hello or waved when I saw him sweeping the ring road.
I spoke to him sometimes and I was always warmed by his gentle manner and his so full of feeling gentle eyes
I think Josef represented to so many of us what has been lost in a
modern society. The freedom to be is own original self without the
pretentiousness, falseness and servility which is so common today.
I live on the Penn road and I was always proud to have such a
honourable and unique man living at the beginning of the road I lived on.
I can honestly say outside of my own immediate family and friends I am more saddened by his death than I would be of anyone famous or not so famous or grand or not so grand.
I agree with many of the other comments here that a statue or symbol of his living in wolverhampton should be erected so the town can say thank you to this man for his original lifestyle.
R.I.P Josef
Brian
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Very sad news i use pass his home many times when i drove on nights , good night fred i called as i went by now no more fred , we must have something to remember his years. come on wolves city you looked after him for so long just by letting him stay now is the time to truely honor this manwho very few knew much about . rip fred
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may you rest in peace,god bless. thank you for looking after the ring road all these years, you’ll be missed by many. you’re a hero in more ways than one.
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I think that Fred should be cremated and his ashes spread exactly where his tent stood. He choose to live there and he should remain there, where he was obviously happiest.
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Rest in peace Fred,
A Great Free Spirit,Some Men talk, Fred Did it, He was a Giant.
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RIP Fred…
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its a sad day to hear fred has gone i saw him regularly sweeping the carriage way he will be missed by many lets not forget him
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R..I..P
..FRED..
GOD BLESS
………
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You will be sadly missed !! I remember when me and my sister were kids and we used to go up Wolverhampton every weekend and I used to ask if we could stop and see ‘FRED’.
I agree that a memorial should be put up in his honour, he lived his life the way he wanted and was happy. I would put to the collection. I think it is a good idea to let him rest where he has been happy and living his life for 30 years, that ring road has always been his home and always will be.
Rest in Peace ‘Fred’ take care and enjoy yourself now xx xx
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A very sad day-RIP Fred enjoy your eternity in heaven
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Comment for 194 Karl… what a sad, bitter twisted man. Yes, many people didnt personally know Fred, but for you to say that people would cross the road to avoid him just shows what sort of person you are. It ovbiously shows that you would do this to think such thoughts. People want to place tributes here to a city’s icon and legend out of respect, which is clearly a word that you know little about. I always go by the motto that if you have nothing decent to say then dont say it. Rest In Peace Fred. I didnt know you as many didnt due to you being a private person, but you lived how you wanted to and that is more than most of us can do in a lifetime. It would be very fitting if Fred could be buried where he lived and a headstone erected for him on the Ringroad. He lived there, he died there, his soul should stay there. I dont think a big fancy funeral would be fitting as he lived a simple life and should have a simple funeral. Perhaps a book of condolences would be good though for people to place their comments? And again Karl, how can you cross the ringroad to avoid him? Unless you are some plank walking down the grass centre of the ringroad, you arnt going to come into contact with him…..the pavements either side are of equal distance from his tent you idiot. Fred rarely left his tent so it’s unlikely that you got to see him anywhere but the ringroad anyway. RIP Fred.
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shocking revelations that fred was alledgedly an ex nazi stormtrooper i just presumed he was an ecentric missunderstood loner defying authority. i dont really want to believe that he could have been a proud ex nazi.
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Sad news indeed. I’m currently living in Australia and the people I meet over here who have been to Wolverhampton ask me “Is that bloke still living on the main road in town?” I shall now have to say he has passed away. Hopefully he will get a fit and proper funeral befitting the legend he became.
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Fred – OLD MAN WOLVO
1 of the few icons of Wolverhampton!
Can’t imagine what he went thru in the war
He lived his life how he wanted to live it
Car believe he was 87!!
Complete Legend!!
Won’t be the same wifout you and ur tent on the ringroad :(
WE WANT A MEMORIAL STATUE!!!
COMPLETE LEGEND!!!!!
Rest In Peace
God Bless
xxxxx
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Good grief, talk about band wagon jumping!
Yes, let’s build a memorial to someone we knew nothing about. Let’s build a memorial to a former staff sergeant of Nazi Germany’s SS! What a roll model for our children and our grandchildren. A man who turned his back on his own countrymen and women, to join the army of occupation who were committing and went on to commit atrocities against said countrymen and genocide to boot. The later attempted reinvention in another country and became a dirty, unkempt tramp who would not grasp any hand of help that was thrust his way! A truly remarkable inspirational man!
No doubt there will be those who deny or fail to accept the testimony of those who did know him. Those who see something romantic about rejecting society and living as a tramp.
The city of Wolverhampton would do itself a service by channeling any money raised for memorials and funerals etc to something worthwhile and someone worthwhile who has actually done something for the city and not for this man who has done nothing for the city and possibly did a great deal of harm in WW2. He has brought no honour to the city and the city owes him no honour either.
A little perspective people. Please!
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oh my gosh hes been there for over 30 years and hes turned down loads of housing offers but thats how he wanted to live his life till he was 87 he had 3 years untill he would become 90 he was always known as the ring road tramp and wont be forgot. he will be missed looking for every saturday and sunday and he will be a loss to wolverhampton and he way of life has taught us loads.his loss will cause wolverhampton a loss of the man everyone new as Fred.
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Cannot believe it. Clicked on the FaceBook group to see what he was up to. What a legend
Rest in Peace
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kids always looked out for you to give you a wave as we went by, who is gna sweep up the leaves now that your gone?
RIP Fred, will be greatly missed by many.xxx
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I for one would like to say how proud I am to belong to such a Magnanimous City……
The tolerance and respect shown to this man by the people he chose to live with…. (well, without mainly)
is proof of our acceptance of others
Yes, Mr Stawinoga may once upon ‘a long time’ ago have been an S.S. man…. (unproven)
he may also have the person Tolkien based Gandalf on… (of course… unproven)
Or… the man who invented Pot Noodle!(who knows?)
Nothing changes the fact that he lived out his last 30 years on a ring round in Wolverhampton, and that he was allowed to do so by the powers that be, and the people who live there
R.I.P. Fred of the island
xx
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i agree there should be a statue Im cure the uni art students would be proud to do it.
it would be a fitting reminder for the people sitting in thier cars queing to remind them that thier material goods are not the most important things in life.
here lived a man with nothing and who asked for nothing.
maybe he’s now camped in heaven.
R.I.P. Fred
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HE was a GOOD MAN!!!!
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I did not really know fred but heard he was respected by many people in wolverhampton .He will be sadly missed by all. R.I.P FRED… Sally Brown wolverhampton.
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You will go down in history, mate, and never be forgotten.
Good night and God Bless, Josef x
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RIP Fred, the ring road will never be the same.xx
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you people….I think living the life of a hermit and recluse with little contact with anyone says alot for his time as an “SS Guard”. Perhaps his lifestyle reflected his choice to turn his back on what he may have done and been involved with….the man was less trouble than anyone else in the Midlands, so what if he has a past many many years ago, didnt exactly harm anyone in the last 35 years of his life on that ring road. Wind your necks in about the SS thing….its past.
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a great loss to wolverhampton, RIP
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very sad day.i agree there should be a memorial in his honour. God Bless you Fred, we’ll miss you.
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oh man, rest in peace mr ring road ledgend! hopefully youre in heaven now:).. i rememba when my dad use to drive past the ring road when i was little, and we use to always look out side the window to try and spot the tent and him, we use to try and wave at him. i defo agree with the idea of a statue, whats wolverhampton without the wolverhampton ring road tramp? proper sad! i wonder if he knew that so many people respected him, it makes me feel proper sad that he must have passed away alone. ok ill shut up now. does any1 know the funeral date? and who found him? x
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God Bless You Fred.
Enjoy your new tent in Heaven.
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good old fred!..r.i.p
x
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194: Karl …
Some people respected and liked Fred. This is a story about him, people have decided to give some respect here. But you just can’t help yourself… you have to go and try to spoil it.
If you don’t have anything decent to say then just shut up and don’t comment.
RIP fred.
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to all those moaning about whether fred possibly being an ex SS Guard, whether he was or wasn’t is irrespective, its a past which he wouldn’t have proud of which may have been the reason why he forced himself out of society and lived the life he lived, he’s done over 30 years of comunity service sweeping the ring road he’s paid a debt if that was his past sins noone lives a life of a saint all their life but through self punishment Fred would have certainly clensed his soul and heart of such a terrible memory
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Fred was a great man he was respected by all and asked for nothing in return sleep tight r.i.p
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Very depressing day for the people huw passed hym nearly everyday and sumtyms see hym sweeping up the leaves im really sorry for his loss
oh yh!! if u havent gott enything decent to say then keep it shut think about it if u lost one of ur relatives or what eva u wouldnt be laughing SO SHOW SOME RESPECT !!!
Rip Fred
We miss u dearly xxxx
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Yes. hearing the news has been very sad- I was born in Wolverhampton, and grew up – knowing MR Stawinoga, the “tramp”, every time I went town – or – drive to work – will always pass his Tent what used as his home. Now 0-when i pass – there will be only remiders – I feel a shrine or a mark of respect should be planted where he stayed to show we loved the KEEPER of WOLVERHAMPTON.
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When I heard the news I must admit I felt very sad, I admired a man who had the strength to live like he did. I looked for him every time I passed his tent, and I saw him about 3 weeks ago for the first time for months. He died the way he liked to live, alone in his tent. I will miss seeing him.
RIP Fred
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Mr. Stawinoga. Like my father, you came here after the war. Like my father, you worked at Stuarts and Lloyds (you may have known each other). Like my father, you troubled no one. Dear Mr. Stawinoga, like my father may you now rest in peace.
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YOU WERE A HARMLESS MAN U NEVER TOUCHED OR HURT ANYONE NOW U WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM US YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTEN IN ANYWAY. U KEEP THE STREETS CLEAN R.I.P
HERE IS A LITTLE POEM FOR YOU!
I WROTE YOUR NAME IN THE SKY
BUT THE WIND BLEW IT AWAY
I WROTE YOUR NAME IN THE SAND
BUT THE WAVES WASHED IT AWAY
I WROTE YOUR NAME IN MY HEART
AND FOREVER IT WILL STAY
R.I.P GOD BLESS YOU SIOBHAN
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This man was a famous landmark and should be remembered – I can remember going past and seeing him sweeping the leaves many an autumn,he never hurt andyone and lived his life as he wanted. God Bless Fred…..
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good ridance to bad rubbish have u all for got what the ss stud for what about all his inneocent victims
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very sad to hear the news, used to love going passed their as a child just to see his tent RIP x x x
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I am living in Wolverhampton only for the past 8 months. I used to walk back home in summer and one day I noticed this gentleman picking up rubbish. Being a good observer, I asked him whether he was alright. The first sight of him on the ring road with torn clothes shocked me, and I did not move for minutes. He did not bother to answer me. I have seen few times sweeping the place around him and had wondered how he could live like that, when we want our heaters to be on as soon as we enter home. My 6 year old daughter was very much moved with the news about him when Express and star published few months before. My daughter wanted me to talk to him and bring home and we could have him in our conservatory. We all are shocked on hearing the news about him. My kids wanted to meet him atleast once and that is not going to be possible now. He was a great gentleman having set his own kind of living and not bothered about anything else. I have been very close to him while walking and he had never bothered to talk back. He was really a gentleman and troubled no one. My family salutes him. Fred you will be remembered by us ever like anyone in my family.
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Although I did not know you.
I enjoyed reading about you these
last few weeks.
You will certainly be a legend to
the City of Wolverhampton and do
hope you get the send off you deserve.
May you find peace in heaven
Godbless you.
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Sorry to hear about fred, i strongly agree that something should be put in place in memory of him.
R.I.P Fred x
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id bet my life on the fact that this man was not a member of the SS and anyone saying it is clearly just after 15 minutes of fame for themselves…I just hope these slurs do not affect the reputation of the thousands of other poles made to come here after the war and still living in the area…I hope Fred is now allowed to rest in peace…there is absolutely no need to rake up the past that was obviously very trumatic for him, as for many others
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Never met fred but seen where he lived.Whar a character.R.I.P.
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Very sad news, perhaps they should erect a statue of a tent in the spot as a memorial.
He’s going to be missed very much by all in Wolverhampton xxx
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I work in the building overlooking his tent, a great loss indeed. Numerous mornings i saw Fred sweeping the leaves in our car park and the surrounding streets and i tell you, he did a better job the Wolves Council could ever do. Seeya Fred.
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K said: Very sad news, perhaps they should erect a statue of a tent in the spot as a memorial.
and who should pay for that
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oh simon and all the others with nasty comments please keep your opions to yourself no1 else cares about them. rip to fred
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i am very up set about this. he was and still the best man. that i new. he needs to have a memorial.r.i.p. wolverhampton will miss u. xxxxx
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y av soooo many people got 2 b disrespectful n start bringing up bad stuff about him now he’s dead?
y didn’t they say this b4?
makes u wonder wether its the truth or r they looking a claim 2 fame?
LEAVE FRED ALONE!!!
HE NEVA TROUBLED ME OR U SO WATS UR PROBLEM?
WOLVERHAMPTON WILL NEVA 4GET U FRED!!!
R.I.P X
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Used to speak to him when I worked in Wolverhampton Town Centre.
There should be some memorial put up to remember him by.
A tent made of steel by local artist if one cud be found would be a fitting tribute, erected on that site.
If Need be paid for by public subscription, and sufficient funds available to buy that plot of land and place covenant on it for protection.
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292Simon
The people who respected the guy of course…doh!
Dont worry you can go spend your pennies on your frivolities dharling as per usual, no one has mentioned the word tax payers!
I cant believe how arrogant some individuals are, cold heartless, idiots. People comment on this page because they want to pay tribute, it seems some people however get off on making insults – how cruel.
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dear fred we will all miss you we will never forget you r.i.p fred youres david jhon wallage
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GOOD NIGHT GOD BLESS R.I.P
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I can remember doing my degree at Wolves Uni, and on many of my town walks to classify rocks in buildings, I stumbled across CITY FRED! Good Nite My Dear Friend It was a pleasure to know you!
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Rest in peace old man…
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love you sir
we will miss you always. Avtar Uncle
cryed allday yesterday when he visited you with Tea. if only you had told us you were going we could have said goodbyes
There shoud be a memorial Pleck where the tent was
miss you Jaswinder and Avtar Singh
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I agree Wolverhampton people took this man into their hearts and it would be a fitting tribute to have something in place so he could be remembered.
- The ring road island named after him maybe?
- I like the idea above of an arty installation, something that could be lit up too….as we all looked on way past we’d still continue to do so?
I’m puzzled as to how he remained in place for so long though? Would W’ton council be so tollerant if i turned up tomorrow with a tent or mobile home….no, i’d be classed as traveller and moved on. I’d love a simpler life (no beard and baggy pants though!) but instead i have to join the rat race….oh the joy of council tax!
*people put your knives away eh, i have a heart but also an opinion! :)
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R.I.P fred you will never be forgotten from all in form 94
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you’re all so deluded… the only person who knew anyhting about him has revealed his past in the ss and the fact that he was proud of it… instead of feeling sorry for some cantankerous tramp maybe you should save a few thoughts to the innocent people who died at his hands… the earth just got lighter
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Bye Fred. The ring road wont be the same. Thanks for putting up with us drunks for the last 20 years, you always waved back even at 5am some mornings. RIP. Love Sue, Stu & Si.
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ok rupes jus save this 4 the peeps hu actually liked fred!!!! :( R.I.P
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In response to comment 257 by Debbie, who obviously knows me so well….
I don’t actually recall stating that I would cross the road to avoid him. I’ve actually bumped into him on a few occasions. I’ve also witnessed many others avoiding him like the plague and heard people making fun of him and his way of life, many of whom I imagine have jumped on the wagon to mourn him here.
But your aggressive comments kind of explain more about the type of person are, than mine obviously do about me. And before labelling people as idiots I would suggest you learn grammar, punctuation and how to spell.
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I never met him but he was a mystical man. He fought the system and won, he lived life how he wanted and he lived to a grand old age. Hopefully he was content and passed in peace. A statue of a tent should be erected in place of his – this can be a reminder to us & also the opportunity to tell our children the story of the man who lived in a tent on the ring road. Life is never black & white.
I hope u found your heaven Fred.
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I agree with comments that there should be some benches and lighting in his honour, he was a brave man to say ’stuff the rat race’ and stay there for so long…
He will be sadly missed!
in our hearts forever,
RIP Fred xxx
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It’s sad that Fred has passed away, having said that I think his past should be investigated before any talk of a memorial. As for the comment ‘wind you necks in about the SS thing, its in the past’ read some history on the Thrid Reich and the war on the Eastern front first, then pass comment.
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I think its a terrible shame, that people can be so cold, the war was the past, alot of people did what they had to do, our grandparents included, our troops currently, people do what they do because they believe at the time its the right thing. I do Not condone war, having been brought up in the army, i know the fears of war first hand and terrorism ( thanks to the IRA). This man has lived over 30 years in peace looking after his home and surrounding area. Crossing the street to stroke a puppy??!! wow how evil is that.
Let the man rest in peace and God be the judge of any (if any ) wrong doing. This man warmed the hearts of people and they deserve the right to pay repects to him.
May his ashes be scattered where he lived so he can roam free as he did in life.
God Bless xx
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He will be sorely missed and a memorial should be raised in his memory. He was a true gem of Wolverhampton
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As a born-and-bred Wulfrunian now living in the USA, I am immensely proud to have come from a city which not only tolerated such a character, but took him to their hearts. Maybe he wasn’t the nicest bloke on earth, but we can all learn a lesson from him… how all the trappings of modern life are not necessary to our survival, and how to live peacefully in the midst of chaos. If someone were to pitch a tent at the side of the road here, they’d be carted off within the hour, and I think we’d be poorer for it.
I read in one of the many articles about him recently that a bank account was set up for him so that his pension could be paid in, which he never touched. Surely after all these years there’ll be enough in there to pay for quite an extravagant memorial? Anything left over, and the money that people are donating in his memory could possibly be used to help set up/maintain some kind of shelter for the homeless. Just an idea.
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I would dearly love to see wolverhampton council erect some sort of fitting memorial for Fred. That I wouldn’t mind my community charge being used for.
RIP Fred. God Bless you.
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i think wolverhampton people are great to think of so many lovely ways to show tribute to Fred i hope the council do take heed. RIP peace Fred
It would be good to know when the funeral will be and how its going to be conducted
god bless fred
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I CANT BELIEVE SOME PEOPLE ON HERE, AURGUING AMONGST YOURSELVES, A LEGEND HAS DIED, REST IN PEACE FRED, RINGROAD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME XX
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What a shame Fred is dead, I live in Luton now,and I can remember the first time I showed my wife his tent she was amazed so whenever we visit the city she asks can we see the tramp.A fellow worker told me the bad news I was gutted please keep something going in memory of the man named fred.
R.I.P FRED.
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fred ive known you all my life from a little boy ive never spoken to you but gave you burger and chips once you said nothing but i could see in your eyes how touched you were youve been there my whole life and must say this is a sad day for the midlands you will be greatly missed and i think they should errect maybe a statue of the legedary RING ROAD TRAMP gone but not forgotten still there in our hearts GOD BLESS YOU FRED R.I.P
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such a fuss over a tramp who has done nothing to help the city of wolverhampton excepct casue a mess and make people laugh at the fact that this idiot is living in a tent!!
why should we give him a statue enough money has been wasted on him, why dont we get a statue for someone who has made a differance in wolverhampton!!
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Showing Wolverhampton to be a truly tolerant city, with people from all races and nationalities coming together to pay respects to this man, judging him as he was not by spurious rumours of a past is a great thing.
We are all guilty of committing atrocities to the earth with our lavish lifestyles, causing devastating effects to the people in poor countries and future generations but conveniently choose to ignore that truth. Fred is certainly not guilty of that.
Bless this man who has brought out the kindness in all peoples and inspired people across the world with his peaceful, courageous lifestyle. As a child of Wolverhampton, now living in Somerset, I feel truly saddened by this loss.
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Let’s see a memorial bench or something put up in Fred’s memory… look how he has touched so many of us.
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tom brown 323, i hope nobody wastes there money on you, its shocking to hear so many negative insulting comments on someone who for 30 years has contributed so much to the people who respected him, i being a sikh see him as a role model regardless of his past, fred lived his life in one spot refusing help and survived until he was 86, we struggle through through a life full of stresses and problems even though we have countless luxuries (families,friends,home,car etc) and we’ll be lucky to see 60. whatever his past whether good or bad, god will decide, maybe this was gods punishment to keep him in that state for 30 years or maybe he punished himself, we dont know. What i do know is when i was ever having a difficult moment in my life , i wolud drive past freds “shrine” and be uplifted and inspired again. I say THANKS FRED, WOLVES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
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Ihave left a comment on here a few times,all good about fred.The most disgusting ones are from 261 LINDA, 286 SIMON,323 TOM BROWN if you 3 havent got anything good to say about Fred then keep your mouths shut and dont make any comment on here.This is to remember Fred not to call him names.Have you 3 ever swept the streets of wolverhampton,No i dont think so and i will admit i havent either,so who was the best us or Fred,we all know its Fred.Never talk ill of the dead.Rest in peace mate forever.XXX
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we all will love you Fred forever apart from the few nasty and insincere idiots that have left nasty comments on here,and i hope that people will say nasty things about them to.R.I.P Dont forget to keep heaven clean Fred,for all the good people.
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In remembering Fred lets not forget the folk in wolverhampton, who have to sleep rough through choice or circumstance..some sleep in the graveyard not 60 yds away from where fred lived (StJohns)..Next time you see a tramp,especially first thing in the morning buy them a coffee..A little kindness goes along way..RIP Fred
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What a great loss to Wolverhampton, he was almost a part of Wolverhampton and his loss to us will be felt by all. Ring Road will never be the same, neither will Wolverhampton. I agree with most of the comments above, definately a big statue of him with his broom should be erected with a plaque saying some things about him. This will be seen for generations to come, as I saw him when I was young and my parents, it will become a symbol and feature in Wolverhampton! I beg and humbly request the Wolverhampton Council to erect this statue and memorial for him!
R.I.P. JOSEPH – We will never forget you!
(P.S. Anyone know when the funeral is going to be and where can we donate for his funeral as well as memorial?)
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CALLS HIMSELF A FRIEND…..Juliusz Leonowicz, COMMENTED 6 MONTHS PREVIOUS THAT FRED LIVED THERE FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN A BROKEN HEART…. WHY NOW TAINT HIS MEMORY WITH STORIES OF AWFUL ATROCITIES HERES WHAT HE WROTE….EXPRESS & STAR MARCH 2007
Broken heart
Juliusz Leonowicz, Josef’s sole friend and link to his past, speculates that Fred’s lifestyle is the result of a failed relationship, a love gone terribly wrong.
“He worked in a Bilston factory not long after coming to Wolverhampton,” says Juliusz. “He met and married an Austrian woman but his wife left him after a year. One day he just didn’t turn up for work. We didn’t know his whereabouts.
“He went down hill when she left. He stopped shaving and washing himself.”
Juliusz Leonowicz, Fred’s friend
Josef never worked again and dossed down in different parts of the city, in run-down houses and on construction sites, but was always moved on by the police.
He eventually settled on the ring road, in a tent under some bushes. He’s been there ever since…
THIS MAN WAS A POLISH PRISONER OF WAR WHO I HAD BEEN RESEARCHING FOR MANY MONTHS, AND I CAN ONLY REASSURE THE CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON THAT FRED WAS JUST A TROUBLED LOVABLE MAN WHO DOES NOT DESERVE THIS, AND WAS A SPECIAL CHARACTER THAT PEOPLE SHOULD REMEMBER FOREVER
so please make your own opinion but its not the behaviour of someone you could honestly call a friend IS IT!!xxxx We love you Fred!!!
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u r a ledgend u will be missed R,I,P
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I remember seeing Fred in the early nineties. Kudos to for Wolverhampton for allowing him to live,for so many years, the life he chose.
Peace, gentle soul.
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R.I.P Fred thanks for looking after our ring road for so many years x x x
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I remember when i was a kid, i was in the back of my mom’s car, and she told me to look for a man in the bushes. At first i thought she was kidding then i saw Fred. I couldn’t believe it at first, then my mom told me story’s about him.
Well enough of the history…
R.I.P Josef Stawinoga ;)
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did u know that stawinoga might been hiding dark secret from his past ? there r firm reports he’s been a member of waffen ss during the second world war and his “exile” by wolverhampton ring road was nothing more than self concious penance for his past activities.
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he will surely be missed when I will drive passed there everyday. A memorial should be placed at the spot where he lived. RIP xxx
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rip fred
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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For all the folk jumping up to smear the name of Fred by claiming unfounded war allegations and saying he doesnt deserve recognition, i say this, just what have you done so amazingly good for society? And just how many people would leave comments on here in the unlikely event they published news of your death? EXACTLY, pipe down and instead of focusing on pointing out other peoples lack of contributions to society, go and sort out your own. Fred most likely wouldnt have judged you or insulted you, so why do you have the right and feel the need to stir the pot against him?.
R.I.P. Fred.
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It amazes me how people have fond thoughts of him almost as a side show attraction…”ooh yes, when i was little we used to go to Wolverhampton to look at the tramp..”
I heard he was a cantankerous old man; but obviously it’s all different now he has died..!!!!
It’s sad when anyone dies but if there is real evidence that proves he WAS an SS Officer i think it’s a disgrace that the Council could contemplate paying for a memorial for him.
There appears to be a lot of people around who either do not know about history OR they have forgotten and no longer care.
If he really was part of the SS, he deserved a life on Wolverhampton island; Karma I call it!!
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Post number 20. you need to learn to spell.
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oh gosh
who do u people think u are to speak ill of the dead.
learn to have some decency and respect.
Rest In Peace Uncle… brought something very unique to this town.
Legend lives on……
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RIP BABE. I USED TO LOVE SEE’IN YOU, USED TO MAKE ME SMILE :( IM CRYING WRITING THIS. RIP XXXXX
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did anyone see on the news today how he didnt claim his pension and there is now £20k up for grabs between his family, when the government can get hold of them. they’re believed to be in Poland…
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Whatever he did or didnt do should not be made such a issue of, He has taken very little off W’ton
but in my opinion gave the city a piece of eccentricity that this country loves, the fact that he
lived were he did for the past 35yrs and became as much a part of W’ton as say Bank’s brewery or
Steve Bull, should be enough to show him the respect in his death he deserves.
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I am Polish too, and that guy is an insiration to me :)
He showed us whats really important – to follow your heart.
And its a nasty lie that he was in SS, there are always ‘people’ trying to bring others down…
Anyways, see you in, i believe, heave, Josel
P.S sorry for any spelling/gramma mistakes :)
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