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BORN
1924
DIED
2015
Fred Nason Obituary
August 22, 1924 ~ January 29, 2015
Carmel Valley
Pioneer Rancher and Patriarch, Fredrick Watson Nason, Jr., age 90, entered the spirit world on January 29, 2015. He was born at midnight on August 22, 1924 to Henrietta [Etta] Piazzoni and Fred Watson Nason, Sr.
Fred was a direct descendant of the Esselen, who inhabited Monterey County for thousands of years. As a Native American Elder, he was highly respected by all who knew him for his wisdom and knowledge of the culture and his love of the mountains, rivers, and canyons of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Fred lived a full and rich, if not legendary, life as a cowboy, rancher, and wilderness guide in the Carmel Valley, Cachagua, and Big Sur areas. He was noted for his horsemanship, wilderness skills, and geniality and made friends wherever he worked.
Fred married Roseann Marie Lambert in 1951. After 54 years of marriage, Ann died suddenly at home in 2005.
Fred leaves his daughters Gail Nason and Marion Nason and son Tom Little Bear Nason (Cara). son Fred died in 1993. Fred's survivors also include grandchildren Dean Cordrey (Monty), Annie Fontes, Roseanne and Doug Young, Jessica Hitchcock Nason-Zobel (Clinton), Bryce Nason (Giovanna), Laurel Nason, Reanna and Jana Nason, their mother Ramona, and great grandchildren Freddie Cordrey, Colter and Payton Zobel.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 28th at 12:00 Noon at Carmel Valley Trail and Saddle Club, 85 East Garzas Rd., Carmel Valley, CA.
For more information visit: www.esselen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Nason
Sponsored by Monterey Herald.
Jerry King
February 2, 2025
He said we need to worry about the millionaires moving in and ruining the neighborhood.
Paul Nedas
August 1, 2015
I will always treasure the time which I spent with Fred his sons in Pine Valley, some of the most spiritual moments in my life.
Pamela Monteith
March 4, 2015
Tom & Nason Clan - Your dad will be missed I had the pleasure of spending some time with Fred at Dave's Celebration of Life. It is never easy to lose somebody, but have comfort that they are up there together I know I do. God Bless you and your family
Allan Hutton & Fred Nason
tom nason
February 27, 2015
February 27, 2015
I am sorry to hear of Fred's passing but it is some consolation knowing he'll be reunited with his wife and son. Rest in peace, dear Fred and know that your passing has left an enormous void in your family and in your community Blessings to the entire Nason family at this sad time.
I was fortunate to be able to spend a great deal of time up at the Nason's over the course of a couple of years in the late 80s. Although I did not get to go on any of Fred's extended trips into the wilderness I was lucky enough to go on a horseback ride one afternoon with Fred, Little Bear, Bryce and a group of others. Fred was a wonderful man, very charming and I always had a little crush him.
I continue to cherish the memories of my time spent up Tassarjara with the Nasons and various visiting elders and the lessons learned from them. As a result I will always revere the land of the Esselen, the home of he Nason family as sacred and I'll be eternally grateful to the entire family for the wonderfully rich experiences I had with them.
I look forward to seeing Tom, Cara, Ramona and the children, all grown up now, in what will be the first time in over 25 yrs.yrs.
Peace
Helena Havelock
February 27, 2015
I AND OUR FAMILIES WILL MISS YOU FRED. I WAS HAPPY TO SEE AND TALK WITH FRED AT INDIAN CANYON .HE TOLD ME HE DIDNT RECOGNIZE ME WITH ALL THE PAINT AND INDIAN RAGALIA AS OUR GROUP DANCE. WE LAUGHED TO GETHER IT WAS A GOOD FEELNG TO SEE HIM SMILE. WE ALL WILL MISS YOU. MY PRAYERS ARE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR CHUMASH BROTHER PATRICK YANA HEA OROZCO
February 27, 2015
We will miss him. I knew him from childhood and went to school with ann at the old tularcitor school. We will see you on Saturday. Joan (Barnes) Carvell.
Edward Shannon
February 16, 2015
Will never forget you sharing with me about
our family heritage.
You'll alway's be in my thought's & prayer's.
Edward Shannon..
Jack Angel
February 16, 2015
Tom - My sympathy to you and your family, lost my father few years ago, but sure you will have great memories,.
Mary Ann Johnson
February 15, 2015
I met the whole Nason and Lambert family 40+ years ago when I moved to Cachagua. When I heard of Fred leaving his earthly body the memories have been rolling though my head and my heart. Toward the end of their lives my little Portagee mother (Laura) "kept company" with Grandpa Bill Lambert. At family gatherings Fred would laugh and tease and welcome my mother. Even though she was only 11 years older than Fred he would treat her with the respect due an elder. On more than one occasion my mother voiced to me how much she appreciated that. My love and prayers to the whole Nason family.
Renee Tomasini-Allison
February 14, 2015
I've known Fred for most of my life as I was 4yr when we moved to Cachagua. Remembering all the branding that my Dad (Brad Tomasini) did with the help of old Fred and Fred and other ranchers up there. Then there were alot of gathering that we all got together. Of course when I was at the little school up there I would see Fred & Ann drive by. I would be so jealous at 8yrs as I had a crush on Fred-such a handsome man. LOL Fred and my folks were all the same age when they passed. Will miss him. See you at the Celebration of Life with my brothers Brad & Ron Tomasini.
kathy
February 14, 2015
My condolences to the Nason Clan. Tom was one of the nicest, gentlest, yet toughest men I had the pleasure of meeting.
While we are sad at his passing, we are happy to know that he has rejoined his wife and son.
Jerry King
February 12, 2015
Fred was one of the first folks I met in October 1971. He always welcomed me from the start. I was lucky to ride with him and his son Fred,Jr. His knowledge of Cachagua to Big Sur by horseback was unequaled. He had a name for every spot on earth around here. Where I live he called "Ant Flat". Every ant known to California lives here. He really was the last one standing of his peers and contemporaries. He will always be remembered and missed by me. My heart goes out to all the family.
Candace Cate
February 12, 2015
We all celebrate a life well lived. Fred was a wonderful man and now he is with his beloved Ann, in that we can all take solace. Love to all of you.
February 11, 2015
Respectfully
Peggy Eileen Taylor
Eldest grand daughter of
Fredrick Watson Nason Sr.
February 10, 2015
My condolences to the family. Love from big sister Shirley (Nason) Baird
kelly hardisty
February 10, 2015
Blessings on your journey to see Ann, Freddie and Grandpa Lambert.
Much Love and Respect
Kelly Hardisty
Cave Junction, Or
My Father Fred W. Nason and my Hero
Tom Nason
February 10, 2015
To the best Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather who ever lived!
We are continuing our prayers and good thoughts during these hard times without you Dad. Please say hello to all of our relatives and friends up there in the "Pastures of Heaven". We will keep riding down here on earth. I love you,Your Son, Thomas Nason
Leigh Marymor
February 10, 2015
Fred was truly a welcoming man who openly shared the Big Sur backcountry with so many. I will forever be indebted to Fred and daughter, Marion, for the generous way they hosted our visit to some very special places. My condolences to Marion and the entire Nason family. Leigh Marymor
dave hardisty
February 9, 2015
God Bless you Fred. Now you ,Ann & Freddie are TOGETHER.ALL my LOVE & RESPECT
Regina Morrison-Clark
February 9, 2015
From "Lean, Mean, Regine", Fred, you were one of a kind, many fond memories, Regina Morrison Clark
Candace Cate
February 8, 2015
Marion and family, I am so saddened by this news and send my prayers for peace and comfort to all of you. Both Ann and Fred were so very loving and will be missed always.
Diana Galvan
February 8, 2015
Almost twenty years ago I was hiking several miles into the Ventana Wilderness and came to a camp led by Fred Nason. My thought was "next time by horse with a knowledgeable guide!"
What an amazing man. Peace.
Near Hiding Camp, June 1994
Mardi Lloyd Niles
February 8, 2015
Farewell dear friend Fred Nason.
February 8, 2015
Thank you Fred for putting up with me 30years ago when I was trying to learn the cattle business, even if I was riding an Arabian mare. Ahhh, Sweet Memories.
Freda Nason & Quanah Sheppard
February 8, 2015
Fred may you rest in peace now no more worries you have hard working life and a good one. No matter what they say you are my Brother and they can't take that from me. Love your little sister, Freda
February 7, 2015
Thank you for your guidance, wisdom and fun-loving spirit.
Dorothy Luce
February 7, 2015
Fred, our newest bright star in the dark of night will light the path for many to come. Blessings to the family...Patty
kathleen callahan
February 7, 2015
Fred will be missed by so many. You will be seeing a lot of the family when you pass through the other side. Tell my mom, Frances Nason Callahan all is well here. Hope to be able to make it to your Memorial as I have been homebound for the past two months. My condolences to your immediate family.
shirley Reams Rhodes
February 7, 2015
God Bless and keep you. Till we all meet again
Shirley (Reams) Rhodes
February 7, 2015
Will be remembered by many. You left your mark on this plan now enjoy your life with loved ones on the next Valley of life. Know you have as many waiting for you as you are leaving behind. You are loved deeply and dearly God Bless and keep you.
Beaux VonProtz Chamberlain
February 7, 2015
Am going to miss his gentle nature and willingness to teach you how to do things right Love and miss you Fred
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