Steve Frederickson

I first met Dave at Puget Sound Junior High, and we remained good friends through our graduation from Highline in 1964. In early 1963 I got caught up in the Fitness Program sponsored by President John F, Kennedy. The call for having fit youth in America started in the Eihenhower administration when he founded the President's Council on Youth Fitness in 1956. However, the program never got off the ground and Eisenhower lost interest. When Kennedy got elected in 1960 he wa already committed to improving the nation's fitness. One of the challenges that came out of the Kennedy fitness program was the 50 mile hike. In 1962, Kennedy discovered an executive order from Theodore Roosevelt challenging U.S. Marine officers ti finish 50 miles in 20 hours. Robert Kennedy, JFK's brother and the U.S. Attorney General, undertook the hike clad in leather Oxford shoes, and completed the full distance.  

The general public took up the challenge, and it wasn't long before hundreds of Americans of all ages could be seen hiking the byways of America. As a distance runner, I was immediately determined to do the hkie. I was still in good shape from the fall Cross-Country team events, and I was ready to go. I just needed someone to go with me. The only person interested in coming along happened to David Snell. As I recall, Dave was a high-jumper and had probably never ran more than a mile in his life, but he was as determined as I was to finish the entire 50 miles.

To measure the course, I drove from my house along old Highway 99 all the way into Tacoma. I found a restaurant in East Tacoma that was about 25 miles away and headed back home.

Early the following Saturday,, I drove to Dave's house and picked him up. To my horror, he was wearing his street shoes! I was wearing my "tennis shoes" that at least afforded some cushioning. He seemed nonplussed and we headed back to my house to start. We stuffed our coat pockets with snacks, and I took my hoard of cash I earned bagging groceries at Albertson's. I had about $10.00.

As I recall, it was a fairly cold winter day. I was wearing jeans and my Highline letterman's coat, and Dave was clad in a warm coat and slacks. I added hats and gloves from a collection in my garage. I had no idea on how long this was going to take, but I was sure we could break the 20 hour limit.

I don't recall many of the details other than we were totally unprepared. By the time we got to the restaurant in Tacoma we were both footsore and famished. I spent most of the money I brought on hamburgers, fries and shakes. The return from Tacoma was endless. At no time during the day or night (we finished well after dark) did David make any complaint or indicate he wanted to quit. He made some comments about his blistered feet, but that was it. I recall it took us about 16 hours to finish the distance. I hope this story tells you about the character of this man.

I lost track of Dave after high school, but I heard through our mutual friend Tom Bourdage that he was an MP in the Army. The last time I saw him was in downtown Seattle long after our military days were ended. I was in town to get a visa to travel to Guatemala, and he was working as a security guard in the building. He told me he was trying to get on with the King County Sherriff's Department. Law enforcement jobs were hard to come by at that time. I had tried to get on with the Kansas City Police Department when I got out of he Marines,  but I was rejected due to my near-sightedness.  The next time ti head from Dave was via email from Hawaii.

I have seen the names of many classmates who have passed on during the past few years. Some of these people I knew, and some I did not. It was a shock to see David's name in the memory email. He was a close friend for only a short time, but I have never forgotten him.

Rest essy brother. The hike is over. 

I got to know Tim when we were seniors. I knew he could draw, but I had no idea how talented he was. I also was unaware that he was a brother Vietnam Vet. One of his quotes from the obituary caught my eye:

"After the service, I had difficulty readjusting," Braniff said. "They gave me a full-ride rehabilitation and education at the Arts Center of Pasadena."

Like Tim, I had problems readjusting after coming back from Vietnam. It gives me joy to see how he was able to readjust and use his prodigious talent in the creative arts.

Rest in peace, bro.

Happy Birthday Carolyn. I raise a pint in honor of the coolest girl drummer in the Highline High School Senior Band!

Happy birthday bro. Remember when we walked to Tacoma and back? Ha Ha Hope you're doing okay.

Happy Birthday Old-Timer!

Posted on: May 16, 2023 at 10:01 AM

My neighbor, who is also named Jim, is challenging you to a one lap race at the Sequim International Racetrack. Bring your fastest race car. His tractor is hot. Happy Birthday amigo.

I hope you and Jan are now Covid-free. Happy B-Day Jarhead!

Happy Birthday from your old biology partner in Mr. McConaughey's Bio Class.

For your birthday I bought you this self-driving race car. You can race yourself around the track and program it so you'll always win!

Hazel Valley Elementary School kids rock! Happy Birthday amigo.

Happy Birthday tall person. We sold the house you built for us on Kent West Hill. We lived there 42 years. The new family who purchased it have done a lot of remodeling so it still looks great. Like you, it wears its age well.

Jim: I bought you a Muscle Car for your birthday from my neighbor here in Sequim. You can fix it up for racing. The plants are included.

Posted on: Aug 08, 2019 at 2:36 PM

I remember you as far back as Hazel Valley. Congratulations on your amazing career. Personal question: Did you accidently fall out of a moving car when you were in elementary school?