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Fred Beard Obituary
FRED LAIR BEARD
August 27, 1949 - May 28, 2020
Fred Lair Beard was born on August 27th, 1949 and passed away on May 28th, 2020 at home surrounded by family.
Beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 22 years Mary Beard, children James Beard (Christine), Heidi Simonin (Matt), Bennett Beard (Mianna), Kali Beard (Heather), step-children Richie Mebane (Robin), Lisa Walker (Gary), niece Jillian Kinsey, nephews John and Jeff Stockton, and grandchildren Kyle, Kaleb, Ella Simonin, and Paisley and Teal Beard.
He is preceded in death by his brother Jim Beard, his sister, Ingrid Stockton, his mother Irmgard Beard, and father, James Beard.
Fred graduated with a business degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and then moved back to the family ranch to do what he loved most; being a cowboy. Fred was a clerk on the Linn's Valley Poso Flat school board for over 20 years.
He was known for his historical knowledge of the Glennville area and could tell you names of the decedents of various families that went back generations. He was also known for his sense of adventure and would take his kids and any other willing participants on horseback riding trips to the beach, multiday cattle drives, and day trips to the mountains. Fred absolutely loved all kids and you could always find him with a kid in front of him on a horse or wrestling on the ground at parties and brandings. Fred could always be seen wearing his characteristic suspenders and was known for making small talk with people he barely knew or large talk with people he knew very well. He and Mary enjoyed taking trips all over the US with their travel trailer.
He held his humor until the very end and will be sorely missed by his family and his friends.
Contact the family for Celebration of Life information.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Fred's honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.PanCan.org or any other pancreatic cancer research charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Beard
Terry Johnson
May 28, 2021
I knew Fred as a kid . My uncle built a a house across from Freds. Later I got in touch with Fred. He would bring firewood down to my house and other Firemen and my self would divided it up and pay him for it. I used to go up to his ranch and hunt and enjoy the area. Fred was a most friendly person and always fun to be around.
Cynthia Lavers
May 27, 2021
It seems just like yesterday that I can see Fred’s smile and hear his laughter! You are missed, and we know you are continuing to Cowboy up in Heaven!! RIP FERD!!
Terry Williams
December 31, 2020
Rip Fred beard Great memories of one of the hardest working men I’ve ever met. I worked for Fred in the early 80’s cutting ‘and bucking splitting oak trees in Glenville. My condolences to Fred’s kids & family. RIP cowboy Terry Larry Williams. Porterville ca
The Shewcrafts
June 12, 2020
Our precious Mountain and half of Bakersfield mourns the loss of Freddy. We stand in the chorus of voices that loved his smile and constant good nature. Wishing you strength and peace during this hard time. The Shewcraft Family
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Jim and Lesley Horton
June 9, 2020
Dear Mary and Family:
We are so sad to hear of Freddys passing.
I remember him as a child being on the mountain with my parents. And later in life when we bought our cabin in Posey...there he was with that beautiful smile and laugh.
He will be missed by so many in your community...but he will always be just a memory away. We will all be together again one bright day.
Until then...
Angels around you all...God bless!
Jaleen Lewis Thornton
June 4, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Beard Family. Fred was one of a kind. I enjoyed getting to know him and his kids.
Glen Dorr
June 4, 2020
Dear Mary, I will miss this link to the wonderful Beard Family. Freddy Beard, a name I speck of with much respect and happiness to have him as a close friend since my parents Jim and Mary moved to Sugarloaf Village in 1967. He will be missed and remembered by this Dorr family member. Glen
Jan Kay Wattenbarger lasell
June 3, 2020
hat a great family that I grew up with. Great times. Oildale was fun to grow up with all our friends and family. A lot of great memories. We will all be together one day.
Leonard Brown II
June 3, 2020
Such a great guy, always happy, my heart goes out to you all, I know he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace cowboy...
Dominique Muff Bechthold
June 3, 2020
I have so many great memories of Fred and Family! I spent a couple summers at the ranch and whether we were cutting wood or moving cattle Fred always made it fun. I remember we were feeding down at the lower ranch and it was just me, Fred and Jimmy. He asked so you know how to drive? Of course, I said just a little. He had me drive the hay truck so he could throw hay. I just remember us going downhill a little fast and him saying pump the brakes that I could barely reach! It was never dull when you were hanging with Fred. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the Kids..
Dieter and Maureen
June 3, 2020
Fred was there visiting me in the hospital and visited me when I came home. His great sense of humor really brought my spirts up and encouragement to do my excercises and boost my moral when I needed it. Only wish we could have returned the favor. We have been remembering all the good times that we've had at the Ranch, Bass Lake and all the things he pulled when we went out to eat at the cafes.The stories that we could tell would fill a book. This is a Great loss to us. All these memories have given us great joy but at the same time great sadness at the loss.
Ken & Pat Kisor
June 3, 2020
Fred was a great man. Always had a smile on his face and that laugh was contagious. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace. Our prayers to Mary and the kids.
Nancy & Nathan Carver
June 3, 2020
We have lost another good cowboy, neighbor and friend. Fred was a friend to everyone he met, he knew no strangers. His exuberance for life, Adventure & cowboying will be missed. Fred had a big heart and we will always remember his kindness and his laugh! Our deepest condolences Mary and family. May you feel the comfort and love of a whole community.
Nancy & Nathan Carver
Cathy Houchin
June 3, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Ride Freddy Ride to the end of that rainbow....
Matthew Doran
June 2, 2020
Such a good man. I must have been 4-5 years old when he called me from across the street so that he could buy me a root beer float at the cafe. That' been nearly 50 years ago but I still remember how much fun he was. He really was good with kids. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Lindy Avilez Humphrey
June 2, 2020
Freddie you were one of my dads best friends for all my life, I had lots of wonderful memories of round ups to just hang out with your kids. Thank you for being a big part of my childhood
Keith Howard
June 2, 2020
Fred treated me as an old friend from day one. Never once acted like I was a valley kid. Much respect for this man and I will miss his jokes and laughter. What is it with these mountain guys? Never miss a day without a smile.
Francis Moore
June 2, 2020
So sorry to hear of Freddys passing.
I first met him around 1987 when he hired Lon Aaron to do day work and then slip me a couple bucks too. Hed say think you can keep up, this might be a rodeo with that Freddy smile. He was a good man who always treated me well. God speed my friend.
William Wood
June 2, 2020
Fred could make light of any situation
Ive never known a happier person
Just loved life
If someone burnt up a chainsaw when we were cutting wood his response was Well that wont cost you too much to repair, if I was paying you !!
HaHa
Jay and Kris Busby
June 2, 2020
Our thoughts are with you and the family Mary.
Jay and Kris Busby
June 2, 2020
Our thoughts are with you and your family Mary.
Michael Ray Duncan
June 2, 2020
I worked with Freddy many years at Kern Rock and considered him a friend,i was invited a few times to his home and we even went on horseback to round up some cows,i treasure those times,Freddy was a good egg as they used to say,R.I.P. my old friend.
Terry Johnson
June 2, 2020
have known Fred since our childhood my Aunt and Uncle lived across the road from Freds parents and later the house that he and Mary lived in by Poso Creek. I used to go up to his ranch and visit or just spend time enjoying the peaceful surroundings of his ranch. Fred was also so friendly and smiling. He will be missed by all that knew him and the community in the area of Glenville. My Sympathy goes out to his Wife Mary and his family
Edward Rutledge
June 2, 2020
He was a great man. Condolence from the Rutledge family.
Joe and Debbie Coursey
June 2, 2020
Fred could always make a bad day good! He was a light at the end of the tunnel. Fred was a very uplifting person. He will be truly missed. Ride on Mr. Beard!
Cindy Hancock
June 2, 2020
e always made me laugh, even when I tried not to!!!!Love you Mary, kids and all the family.
Debbie Kambick Forner
June 2, 2020
Rest in Peace Freddy. Such good memories of coming over to your house to play with Ingred. She wouldn't let me play with your trucks, because Ingred said you and Jimmy would get mad if I messed up your roads. Is we did something else. LOL. Also good memories growing up and everyone going to Linn's Valley. I miss my hometown of Glennville so much. I'm glad you stayed and raised your family there. My condolences to all.
Debbie Kambick Forner
June 2, 2020
Dear Freddy.....As you remember,Ingred and I were best of friends. I can remember coming over to play one time and you and Jimmy had all these neat trucks with all these neat roads you two had built. I wanted to play with them so bad one time and Ingred was like Debbie those are just my brothers dumb old trucks and if you mess up their roads they are going to get mad. So we went off and played in the play house. Such good memories of coming over to your house. Good memories of all of us going to Linn's Valley. My condolences to all your family and loved ones. So so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to all. REST IN PEACE my friend.
Blake Green
June 2, 2020
So sorry to hear about Fred. I always enjoyed visiting with him when we got together to talk about the good old days. My condolences go out to the family and if you need anything please get in touch. Blake Green - Bakersfield
Cynthia Brashier-Holzworth
June 2, 2020
So sorry to hear that Fred passed. I remember being a kid at Linns Valley and Fred was on the board, always at school functions. Best memories were the dances and he was there. My condolences for your loss, my prayers are with the family for strength and peace. ♥ Cynthia Brashier-Holzworth
Moore family
June 2, 2020
Fred was a kind man! He had a smile that could light up a room! He will be greatly missed! Prayers to Mary and all of the kids and family.
Candy Lavers
June 2, 2020
A wonderful man, a good friend to the Lavers, he will be missed at our brandlings! His humor, his smile and his contagious laugh always made you feel wonderful! A dedicated father, and husband! Be at peace dearest Ferd!
Jeff and Susan Stone
June 2, 2020
Fred will always be a treasure in our hearts. He always made our brandings special with his stories and his humor. Hes riding with the great ones now!
Rachel Thoene
June 2, 2020
Dear Mary and kids-
My heart is so grieved to hear of Freds passing-
There are a few souls who make the world a profoundly better place and when they are gone a void is created which can never be filled-
Fred always had a smile and was a true man of great and noble integrity...
May we all aspire to such qualities
Nick Scarbrough
June 1, 2020
im so sorry to hear ur loss I had so much fun with ur daddy as a kid at Montana de oro
Nick Scarbrough
June 1, 2020
Im so sorry about ur loss kids ur dad was a great man we had so much fun at Montana de oro he was the best man I new
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