Frederick Lee Wilcox, a Bellevue resident of fifty years has passed away.

His wife JoAnn, children, Shelly (David) Taylor and John (Krissy) Wilcox, and grandchildren, Kelli and Quinn Taylor, and Katie and Sydney Wilcox were able to say goodbye in person and he was surrounded by loved ones as he drifted peacefully away in the evening on New Year’s Day 2021.

Fred’s adventure in life began as a young lad in Defiance, Ohio, when he ran away from home to work as the featured act in a traveling carnival (according to his grandchildren). The Amazing Yo-yo Boy astounded packed audiences with uniquely mind-staggering yo-yo tricks but, as with all things, the rush from fame and being in the spotlight dulled over time and he chose to complete his education at Defiance High School where he excelled in track and football.

While in college in Boise, Idaho, he met JoAnn Callihan from Lake Oswego, Oregon, where they began their fifty seven year journey together. After marrying, The couple lived in Germany while Fred served in the U.S. Army working with intelligence during the Vietnam war, and also, where his son, John, was born in 1969. His love of Germany, German beer, and German food took root there and we all loved hearing his thoughts and stories while dining in “Germany” at EPCOT (or whenever you handed him a German beer).

They resettled in Bellevue, Washington, to be near JoAnn’s parents Patricia and Joe Callihan. Over the years, they became Nana and Papa and their house was home base for many family get togethers. Joe passed away nine years ago and Patricia is still with us and, as she would say, is still a “goer and a doer at the age of 87.” But everyone else would say “maybe not so much”...and that she’s 91.

Shelly came along in 1973. Shortly after her birth, Fred was gravely injured as a passenger in a car accident that took the life of his brother in law, Chuck Callihan. After recovering, Fred began his career as a baker. Baker’s hours allowed Fred to spend an enormous amount of time with their children. And he was involved. From coaching John’s sports or performing in ridiculous dance numbers with Shelly, he was always present. So present, others took note, and selected him as the “Gatorade National Youth Sports Coach of the Year” in 1984. He also earned the “Cabbage Patch Doll Campaign Medal of 1983” with bronze stars for valor. He also famously brokered the 2017 SaladGate Peace Treaty.

Someone outside the family might be surprised how close this family is and think it might be intrusive. It might take a little time to get used to and it is a little unusual. It’s also unusual to see a family that shares so freely, cares so deeply, and gets along so well. We’ve vacationed together... a lot, which has allowed us to have experiences that we’ll be talking about for years to come. Fred will remain an active presence through these stories for as long as we live.

We’d like to remember Fred; flip-sunglasses, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, grilling up some steaks or burgers for the family. The Seahawks game plays in the background. He’s at the grill, spraying down flame-ups with a squirt bottle in one hand, holding a beer in the other,