Fred and I, along with Mel Erickson, spent a lot of time together during my two years at Bothell High. But after high school, I did not see Fred until one of our earlier reunions in the Lake Union area. That was the one where Melinda McClain, and a few others (Jerry Winninghoff) played and sang for us. Kind of a pool an beer place...someone fill us in on other information. That was the last time I saw him. Fred had a couple of fishing boats that were in service up in Alasksan waters. He skippered one of them. I believe he did the more dangerous King Crab circuit too. We were in communication about his business a few weeks before he passed away. I do not do tax planning or estate work at all, so I referred him to one of my colleagues. It is sad that we have nothing on the website about him, including at least his high school picture. Some other personal stories would be nice.
Fred & I became good friends after high school during my college days. In the summers of 1965 - 1967 Rick Rian & I would meet Fred at the Kenmore boat launch sometimes duing the week, after work, & usually 1 day on the weekends. The 3 of us would head out on Lake Washington water skiing & sometimes up the Sammamish River (of course we exceeded the speed limit on the Slough) if the lake was too rough. Fred was an excellent water & snow skiier & one day coming down the Slough by the Wayne golf course, Fred sprayed a golfer by the river looking for his golf ball - lots of laugh from the 3 of us! Thank God there were not cell phones back then. I built commercial buildings all over the State of Alaska from 1969 until I retired in 2002. Fred & I had the common Alaskan bond, shared many Alaskan stories as he was very successful in the Alaskan crab & fishing industry. It was a sad day when Mel Erickson & I met with Fred for lunch after our 20th reunion so he could let us know about his ALS disease. I remember Fred as a fun loving guy always willing to help someone out. He is truly missed.
I didn't really KNOW Fred, especially in High School. However, my father was the recipient of a home in Madison Park, Seattle, from a very old and long time friend. Fred was also the recipient of a small portion of the will and my father was the one who dealt with it. Because of that, I had the occasion to talk with Fred a little and also had a few other encounters with him prior to his death. He was always so nice and easy to talk with. Having been on the Washington State Board of MDA (ALS is a disease in this group), I am aware of this disease and am so sorry that Fred had it. Sad. :-(
Oh what a fun, affable friend he was, to everyone. I always remember Fred with a smile on his face. And very talented in skiing and track, particularly in the high jump. I particularly remember our trips to " Ski Acres" at the summit and what fun that was, until I broke my leg. Upon our return on the bus to the Jr High, both of our Mothers were waiting for us, each trying to console the other because each had heard the other's son had broken his leg. No, it was me. Anyway, Fred was always so much fun to be around. He always brightened everyone's spirits. I didn't realize he had been ill until I heard he had passed away. He was always such a shining bright light on our class and he will be deeply missed. God bless you and your family, Fred. We miss you.
David Findlay
Fred and I, along with Mel Erickson, spent a lot of time together during my two years at Bothell High. But after high school, I did not see Fred until one of our earlier reunions in the Lake Union area. That was the one where Melinda McClain, and a few others (Jerry Winninghoff) played and sang for us. Kind of a pool an beer place...someone fill us in on other information. That was the last time I saw him. Fred had a couple of fishing boats that were in service up in Alasksan waters. He skippered one of them. I believe he did the more dangerous King Crab circuit too. We were in communication about his business a few weeks before he passed away. I do not do tax planning or estate work at all, so I referred him to one of my colleagues. It is sad that we have nothing on the website about him, including at least his high school picture. Some other personal stories would be nice.
Gary Culpepper
Fred & I became good friends after high school during my college days. In the summers of 1965 - 1967 Rick Rian & I would meet Fred at the Kenmore boat launch sometimes duing the week, after work, & usually 1 day on the weekends. The 3 of us would head out on Lake Washington water skiing & sometimes up the Sammamish River (of course we exceeded the speed limit on the Slough) if the lake was too rough. Fred was an excellent water & snow skiier & one day coming down the Slough by the Wayne golf course, Fred sprayed a golfer by the river looking for his golf ball - lots of laugh from the 3 of us! Thank God there were not cell phones back then. I built commercial buildings all over the State of Alaska from 1969 until I retired in 2002. Fred & I had the common Alaskan bond, shared many Alaskan stories as he was very successful in the Alaskan crab & fishing industry. It was a sad day when Mel Erickson & I met with Fred for lunch after our 20th reunion so he could let us know about his ALS disease. I remember Fred as a fun loving guy always willing to help someone out. He is truly missed.
Sharon Simonsen (Nelson)
I didn't really KNOW Fred, especially in High School. However, my father was the recipient of a home in Madison Park, Seattle, from a very old and long time friend. Fred was also the recipient of a small portion of the will and my father was the one who dealt with it. Because of that, I had the occasion to talk with Fred a little and also had a few other encounters with him prior to his death. He was always so nice and easy to talk with. Having been on the Washington State Board of MDA (ALS is a disease in this group), I am aware of this disease and am so sorry that Fred had it. Sad. :-(
David Findlay
Gary and Sharon, thank-you for the update.
Gary you note you saw Mel Erickson, after the 20th. Do you know how to get a hold of him now?
Skip Crist
Oh what a fun, affable friend he was, to everyone. I always remember Fred with a smile on his face. And very talented in skiing and track, particularly in the high jump. I particularly remember our trips to " Ski Acres" at the summit and what fun that was, until I broke my leg. Upon our return on the bus to the Jr High, both of our Mothers were waiting for us, each trying to console the other because each had heard the other's son had broken his leg. No, it was me. Anyway, Fred was always so much fun to be around. He always brightened everyone's spirits. I didn't realize he had been ill until I heard he had passed away. He was always such a shining bright light on our class and he will be deeply missed. God bless you and your family, Fred. We miss you.