FRED JACKSON TUTTLE

Fred Tuttle passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 13, 2015, surrounded by his immediate family. He was 73 years old. Fred battled a series of complications from cancer for over two years and was a true fighter and courageous through the last day. Fred was born in the state of Washington, but spent all of his life in California. As a young man, he grew up in the Fresno area during all school years while completing college at Fresno State. Fresno is where he met his love Patricia Longacre at the age of 13, and they married at the age of 20. They were happily married for 53 years, and have two loving children, Fred and Jodi. Upon completion of college at California State University, Fresno, Fred took a job with Nalco Chemical Company and Champion Technologies, and worked his entire career in the oil industry. Fred very much enjoyed his career and was considered a significant contributor both in sales and laboratory contributions in his later years. Coworkers have echoed very similar character attributes shared by his close family and friends. He was known as a leading mentor and most known for his loyalty, hard work, dependability and a man of the highest integrity, with his most prominent phrase "always try to do the right thing". Fred's family would add that he was a good provider, loving husband and father, very generous, and always most concerned about the well being of others before considering himself. Beneath his professional exterior, he was really a big teddy bear. Always wanting to make his family happy. The family spent the majority of their lives in the San JoaquinValley, but did also live in the Orange County, CA, from 1968 through 1983, before moving back, and finally settling in Bakersfield, CA, for the last 32 years. Fred also excelled in team sports at FresnoHigh School, Class of 1959. He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball, and was a key contributor on championship teams. He played on coach Ollie Bidwell's 1958 baseball team, that was arguably the best high school team in state history. In 1958, Fred made All City in football and earned a full scholarship to FresnoState. While at 185 pounds, Fred played end and guard on Cecil Coleman's 1960 to 1962 winning teams. He was very proud of the undefeated 1961 team, that ended with a 36 to six win over Bowling Green in the Mercy Bowl, played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Fresno Athletic hall of Fame has honored Fred's 1958 Fresno High baseball team, and the 1961 Mercy Bowl team. Fred's athletic success examples are representative of important attributes to him, competitive, disciplined and tough athlete. Additionally, Fred excelled in golf, as he was a two handicap in his younger years, and played with friends through most of his adult life. Other significant hobbies included being a history buff, movie lover, and a dedicated reader, as continued improvement of knowledge was always important. A special thank you for his many caring doctors; Memorial Hospital; Hoffman Hospice; and Interim Healthcare, whom were most supportive and helpful to Fred and his family during this very difficult time. Of course, also to the many old friends, "Nalco-Champion buddies" and work and industry supporters, whom we will always cherish the many great memories, while always in our hearts and prayers. Fred is survived by his loving wife Patricia; his children, Fred and Jodi; and his two adoring granddaughters, Lindsay and Paige. Fred is also survived by his mother in-law, Lorraine Longacre; brother in-law, Bob Longacre and his wife Arcie, and their four children, and grandchildren; many cousins ;and their families. We will miss him terribly. Per Fred's request, there was no service. His final resting place is Green Lawn Cemetery in Bakersfield, CA.