Frederick Carmichael

Frederick Walker Carmichael

1924-2009 MANCHESTER, VT Frederick Walker Carmichael, 85, of Manchester, passed away on Dec. 19, 2009, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

Fred was born in Pelham, N.Y., on Feb. 1, 1924, son of Cyril and Edith Nichols Carmichael. He married the former Patricia Wyn Rose in 1952 and together they spent a lifetime devoted to the theatre.

Fred began his career in the theatre as an actor in his teens with the Clare Tree Major performing group where he performed in Peter Pan. Throughout his career Fred performed as an actor in many plays. He soon became a playwright, and his work is handled by Samuel French publisher. He wrote over 50 plays, including, "Any Number Can Die," "Hey Naked Lady" and "Double in Diamonds." It was once said about his plays that "No play by Fred Carmichael is ever what it appears for longer than 30 seconds or until the laughter starts to die on the last joke."

After years of touring and summer stock theatre, Fred and Pat decided to have their own theatre and moved to Dorset in 1949 and began a long running relationship with the Dorset Players until 1976, producing a full season of summer theatre. They were active year round in the entertainment business doing off Broadway and television and produced several seasons of winter stock in Pinehurst, N.C. Fred was also engaged to write historical dramas for Old Sturbridge Village, along with his wife, Pat, who produced and directed the project. Fred was very active in the community helping for many years with the Meals on Wheels program and being on the board of the Dorset Senior Connection.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Patricia, of Manchester and many dear friends and associates.

MEMORIAL NOTICE: A celebration of Fred's life will take place at the Dorset Playhouse on his birthday Feb. 1, 2009, with the time to be announced. Contributions in Fred's memory may be made to the Manchester Meals on Wheels program c/o BREWSTER FUNERAL SERVICE PO Box 885 Manchester, VT 05255. Brewster Funeral Service in Manchester has been entrusted with the care of Fred's funeral arrangements and may be contacted for updated service information at 802-362-1500.