Frederick Cummings

What a perfect picture of Fred! I stumbled across his obit this morning when I woke up remembering the kindness Kathleen showed me as a child, leading me to search for news of Cuckoo Uncle Fred. He and my father met at Aeronutronics in the early 60s, and were close friends for many years. I have fond memories of his visits when he was still a bachelor -- talking politics in the kitchen with my mother while Dad moved the chess pieces out in the living room. He'd call in his move to Fred, who...

I just learned of Fred's passing on March 5, 2022. I got my PhD with Fred back in 1969 - sadly lost touch with him, but ran into him on Filmore Street in San Francisco with his wife Kathy and my partner Tina maybe 20 years ago? I am currently using his laser-Frohlich condensate paper from 2012 in a very important research project to get a room temperature superconductor.

He chose a life with me knowing we were so different in our backgrounds and our education but after ten years those differences blended into a comfortable mix of humor and gratitude. I still "talk" to him, and miss his wise counsel. No one "got" me like Frederick.

I have been communicating with Fred through emails since 2013. Our mutual interest was the theoretical biology investigation of embryogenesis and pattern formation. Fred was a collaborator and friend. I enjoyed his witty comments on both science and human beings. Once in a while, we also shared stories about our career and family life, which seemed to give both of us relief. I will always remember Fred as a passionate fighter.

Dear Fred,

I discovered you are not anymore here this evening, by chance, looking in the internet for some of your papers. I'm consternated and upset. A beautiful image of you will remain in my mind forever. Our discussions in Berkeley, the chess game with my dad, the coffe at the Roma cafe, your beautiful lessons of morphogenesis in a Renaissance church in Bologna. I remember very well also the last time we met in Paris, in some cafe so similar to the Berkeley ones.
I will never...

I didn't know him, but he certainly had a fascinating life. My condolences to the family.

I will miss my pops forever.

Dear Family of Mr. Cummings, please accept my condolences my heart goes out to you all. Remember the promise our god has given us (Acts 15:24)

My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of sorrow. (Psalm 145:19)