Fred was born October 1, 1920 in Vancouver, Canada to Frederick and Mary Turner.  Dad passed away peacefully  in his sleep on September 13, 2012.

He had three older sisters; Hazel, Elvira and Edna. The  family moved to Renton, Washington in 1925 and Fred graduated from Renton High School in 1938.

He enlisted in the Navy January 7, 1943 and served as a radioman during WWII, last stationed in San Francisco patrolling the harbor for submarines.

At the U of W, he studied business and met his future wife, Suzanne Witte when he fell asleep on her shoulder during a class lecture. They were married on September 14, 1948.  The young family grew with Lynn, followed by Laura and Steve.

Dad left the U of W and started his lifelong career in sales.  He worked for Frederick and Nelson in downtown Seattle.  Dad was the epitome of salesmanship; charming, witty and had a gift for connecting with anyone. Over his career, he also worked for Seattle Tent and Awning, Seattle Quilt Co. and Payless Drugstore.

Dad and Mom had a great belief in the out-of-doors experience.  Being adventurous, they took us on many day trips and camping experiences that included hiking, swimming, and fishing. Sun Lakes State Park was a favorite for our family with Dad leaving to work the Eastern Washington circuit as we camped.

We also spent many a summer night at Nile Country Club enjoying a picnic and swimming in Lake Ballinger. Several road trips to New Mexico seeing relatives rounded out our long vacations.

In 1967, Dad and Mom realized their dreams of owning a small business.  They bought a small fabric store in Edmonds they named “The Pin Cushion”.   Mom ran the daily operations, purchasing fabric and giving sewing lessons, with Dad working meticulously on the books.

The focus was on fine fabrics with patterns from Simplicity to Vogue.  An added bonus for Lynn and Laura was the ability to make many of their own clothes through the college years.

About the same time as their small business was purchased, they invested in a vacation cabin on Hood Canal.  It was the perfect ending to all the road trips, camping and hiking outings throughout our childhood.

A boat was purchased, a 61 Reinell, which allowed his love of fishing, shrimping, and the setting of crab pots. He loved the canal and enjoyed sharing it with family functions and just to fill his need for “puttering”.  Often we’d find him on a neighbor’s deck, sharing a beer and solving the world’s problems.

In 1986, Mom and Dad wanted to modernize the cabin and rebuilt the cabin according to their own specifications.

We enjoy the fruits of their labors to this day as it was extremely well done.

As we kids left the college years behind, Mom and Dad had more free time and money.

Trips were planned that became more global: Great Britain, Ireland and Scotland, and Spain to name a few.

Dad was proud of his pioneer roots and joined the Pioneer Association of the State of Washington.  His lineage dated back to Mary Lewis Thomas who settled in Skagit County before Washington achieved Statehood.

Family was important to Dad.  He embraced family gatherings and wanted us to explore many different avenues of growth.  The grandchildren: Blake, Brian, Lauren, Pete, Spencer, and Casey were a sense of great pride as he enjoyed having more of his family to not only worry about, but to also give guidance to as they grew up.

Dad left quite a legacy, we shall miss him.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Plaza Room above the Edmonds Library, 650 Main Street, October 27, from Noon to 3 p.m..

Donations to KCTS-9 or the charity of your choice.