April 30, 1912 - June 10, 2013
101 Years Old.
Fred was born and lived in Santa Monica, witnessing and being a part of a century of change. Working for most major aircraft manufacturers, from 1931 (while still at SAMOHI), to retirement in 1969. Some of the interesting aircraft he worked on were the Fokker F-10, the Hughes H-1 Racer (now in the Smithsonian), the original Northrop Flying Wings and the Hughes H-K-1 "Spruce Goose."
In WWII, Fred was in Bangalore, India, helping Hindustan Aircraft LTD mobilize to repair Allied aircraft shot up in the war. He later found time to build Hardycraft 35' Cruisers and skipper cruisers and schooners for "Rip" Baylies, in Santa Monica.
Fred met Josephine Paladino, while both worked at Douglas. After a short romance, they married and Fred later built the family home in Santa Monica, where they continued to live.
Retirement did not slow him down. He was an active skier into his 80's and a docent at the Santa Monica Museum of Flying. His stories about aviation, of growing up in Santa Monica (and building hot rods and race cars with Gil Pearson), were fascinating.
He was preceded in death by Josephine, in 2006. He will be greatly missed by sons Ed, George (Linda) and daughter Kathy and by nieces, nephews (and families) and friends. In lieu of flowers, Fred would have appreciated donations to the Santa Monica Museum of Flying.
Contact Gates, Kingsley & Gates (Santa Monica) for burial details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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