Fred Bleyer

October 23, 1917 - April 19, 2014 "Jack and soda in a bucket with a twist." That was Fred's favorite drink. And it was just like Fred. Old school. Fun. With a touch of style. Fred was born in New York City on October 23, 1917. He went to college at the University of Virginia and soon after entered the officer ranks of the United States Army. He served as a cargo and supplies commander in the ports of Casablanca and Marseilles and saw active combat in both places. Unable to tell his family back home where he was stationed, Fred slyly suggested they check out the new Humphrey Bogart movie that was currently in theaters. His parents went to see Casablanca. They got the message. After leaving the Army, Fred moved west. He settled first in San Francisco and eventually made his way down to Los Angeles in the late 1940's where he established a decorative fabrics and wallcovering business called Merriam and Bleyer -- a fixture on Robertson Boulevard for years. Soon after starting his business, Fred met his partner John McNew. They were together for 40 plus years until John's death in 1996. Fred and John lived together in a house on Queens Road where Fred continued to live until his death. Fred served in the Army reserves and volunteered at the Red Cross after he retired from business. Fred and John were real globetrotters and they took many trips all around the world. Fred loved to travel, he loved his friends and he loved good food. He was the kind of person other people were drawn to. He had tons of friends and was always making plans. He loved the movies and the theater and going to the beach for brunch. Fred had a longtime standing Thursday breakfast with friends at the Farmer's Market and was a regular at the old Hamburger Hamlet on Sunset Boulevard. Fred died on April 19, 2014. He is predeceased by his partner John McNew. He is survived by his niece and nephew, John's niece and nephew and many many friends. Fred will be very missed. He was funny, he was friendly, he was thoughtful, he was self-sufficient, he was social and he was vibrant until three days before he died. He was an amazing person. So, if you knew Fred, or have ever known someone like him, the next time you order a drink, make it a Jack and soda in a bucket with a twist. And raise your glass to Fred!