Frederick Gard

Frederick S. Gard CHESAPEAKE - Frederick Simpson "Fred" Gard, 38, passed away in his home Sept. 16, 2008, after an 18-month battle with a rare form of liver cancer. Born in Fairfax, Va., he was the son of Ernest B. and Betty Ann Gard of Nags Head, N.C. A dedicated teacher, he touched many young lives teaching photography at Western Branch High School for 13 years and most recently at Grassfield High School. His love of the water was life long; fishing was his passion and culminated with him obtaining his captain's license and running charter boats. Even though he was battling cancer, his family and friends always came first. He will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. No one ever had a bad word to say about Fred; he loved life, his family and his friends. Including his parents, Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 14 years, Colleen Gard; daddy to his daughters, Courtney and Sarah Gard of Chesapeake; two sisters, Kathy Gard of Virginia Beach and Linda Gard Ellis and husband Bill of Moyock, N.C.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. today in Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, 333 Cedar Road, Chesapeake (casual attire please). Dr. Ralph Herbert will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family has formed a scholarship fund in Fred's memory for Western Branch High School students. Contributions may be sent to the Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation (CPSEF), Fred Gard Memorial Scholarship, School Administration Building, 312 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Checks should be made payable to CPSEF with Fred Gard Memorial Scholarship in the memo section of the check. Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com.