Fred was raised in Oildale as a youngster, attending local elementary and junior high schools. After one year at Bakersfield High School, along with hundreds of other “River Rats”, he opened North High as a member of the sophomore class.
During his 3 years at North, Fred was the true high school athlete. He competed in football, basketball, baseball and track, the only four sport athlete during that time. He was a member of the first undefeated team in the history of North High, the “B” class football Comets in 1953. He was a starting end on the South Sierra League and Valley Champion 1954 Stars football team and a starting forward on the 1953-54 South Sierra League Champion basketball team. Fred was also a 3 year starter at 1st base on the varsity baseball team. He has the distinction of being the very first to receive the “Sam Lynn Trophy” for North High as its outstanding athlete. Fred’s most memorable time at North was the 1954 football game against Garces. Though decided underdogs, North defeated Garces 7 to 0 to win the South Sierra League Title.
After high school, Fred began his life long career as a businessman and convenience store owner. Shortly after graduation from high school, he married his sweetheart Donna. They have been married for 55 years, are the parents of two children and grandparents of 4. He has lived the past 49 years in Lake Isabella, where he can participate in his favorite activities of hunting and fishing. For 12 years he served on the South Fork Union School District Board. He is enjoying retirement, traveling, hunting, fishing and spending quality time with his wife.