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1941
2013
Fred D. Colgrave (2/22/41) passed away on June 5, 2013, in Paradise, California. He is survived by his wife, RosaLee Colgrave; three daughters, Lynn Britton, Mik Casto, and Michelle Ducusin; and his sisters, Gloria Woolever and Carol McInnis. Fred had 6 grand children, 1 great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fred was born in St. Louis, Missouri but spent most of his childhood in the south bay area of Los Angeles. He attended North High in Torrance, CA. Shortly after returning from his service in the U.S. Army, Fred entered the apprenticeship program of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators, receiving his union card in 1965. Progressing from a tradesman, to foreman, to partner, Fred co-founded an insulation contracting business, CRB Insulation, Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona in 1972, and continued to be a leading force in the insulation industry for the next 22 years. In 1981 he also formed CRB Supply, Inc. which provided wholesale products to the insulation and heating and air conditioning trades throughout Arizona and the adjoining states.
Fred retired in 1993 to pursue his dream of sailing the ocean. He and RosaLee spent 4 years sailing their motor yacht from Florida through the Windward and Leeward Islands to Trinidad, Venezuela and the ABC's. He often referred to these years as the most memorable time of his life. In 1997 after returning to land, the quest for a new adventure lead the couple to Paradise, California where they ventured into the challenge of developing "raw land" and building a home. Not to allow rocks to grow under his feet, Fred decided to apply his business acumen to the retail business. He and RosaLee purchased Skyway Feed and Pet Supply in 2001 which has grown to a successful business and become great addition to the redevelopment efforts of Downtown Paradise.
When Fred and RosaLee lost their home in the Humbolt fire of 2008, Fred took the opportunity to return to his love of the sea and again purchased a motor yacht which is kept in San Carlos, Mexico, but maintained a small bungalow on the land he developed in Paradise.
To try to describe Fred is to attempt to explain someone larger than life. Fred worked with dauntless persistence to the completion of each project he began. He had an incredible sense of human understanding, motivational skills, a will to make every person he encountered smile - if just for one moment. He had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room. His mentoring skills were continuously sought by business associates, family and friends. He had an exceptional talent of teaching by example.
He was a most loving husband, supportive father and exemplary friend who was stolen from us too early by the very industry in which he served. He died of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer.
He will be forever loved, forever missed.
To honor Fred, there will be a "party" (his words, his request) to celebrate his life on June 29, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chapelle de l'Artiste, 3300 Inspiration Lane, Paradise, CA. All are invited to attend. There will be a no-host bar with proceeds to be donated to the Feather River Hospital's Hospice House. Fred wanted the community to know how blessed we are to have such a loving, caring organization in Paradise.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Fred and I were great buddies when we were younger. Most people knew me as Jiggs. We played sports together, built cars and yes did a little partying. Fred was one of the smartest guys I grew up with. He would always amaze me with his intellect. Fred will always be in my memories.
Larry Johnson
Friend
January 26, 2017
Fred, I will forever miss you,
Your old friend, DonM
November 26, 2013
Fred was a wonderful man, I enjoyed working for him and knowing him. I remember he had the worst habit of sneaking up on me when I would open the old Skyway feed store. he always made me jump and then would walk off laughing. I remember his advice he always gave so freely. to say I am heartbroken to hear he passed is an understatement, his sense of humor made many fond memories for me and I am sure many others. I know my brother Herb looked up to Fred and learned alot from him as well. He will be deeply missed and there will never be another like him.
Brandy Powell (Cope)
September 6, 2013
Rosalee I just Heard about Fred yesterday, July 3rd.
I am so sorry.
Judith Gagnon
July 4, 2013
Tammi Ramos
June 28, 2013
Fred was an outstanding person and will be missed by all who knew him. I am glad that I had the chance to know him through the pet industry.
Deborah Arrighini/ BERR Pet Supply
June 24, 2013
Fred was a truly incredible man who possessed a talent for bringing joy into the lives of all who were fortunate to have known him. He was always quick to encourage others. His smile, his wit, his kindnesses and his generosity of spirit will be forever missed by we who unconditionally loved him.
Donna McDonald
June 24, 2013
Much love for a man with a life well lived!
See you on June 29 RosaLee love you too!
Lee & Patti Nixt
June 23, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Dave & Violet Saunders
June 22, 2013
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