ALFRED SINGH

1933 - 2024

ALFRED "FRED" SINGH

Apr. 4, 1933 – Oct. 27, 2024

Alfred Fred Singh was born in Fresno, California to Rose and Inder Singh. His family later moved to Calipatria, California, where he graduated from Calipatria High in 1951.

Upon graduating, Fred attended California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo but left his education to serve in the US Army. After serving, Fred completed his degree in Animal Husbandry at California Polytechnic in Pomona. While attending Cal Poly Pomona Fred met Joanne Fonger whom he later wed, moved to Holtville, California and raised their three sons, Jon Inder, Alfred James Jim, and Joseph Michael Joe. He was later married to Alicia Garcia, with whom he shares a daughter, Gabriela Rose Gabby.

Upon returning to the Imperial Valley Fred farmed with his father, Kakoo Singh. His career spanned roles at Cooks Market, Granny Goose and Bank of America, followed by a position at the Imperial County Health Department, where he later became the youngest Imperial County Director of Environmental Health. He later ran for California State Assembly, was elected as an Imperial Irrigation District Director, served on the California River Board and made history as the first Mexican American to serve on the IID Board. After retiring from the Health Department, he returned to his roots in Calipatria and farming.

Fred was highly active in the community, he served on the Imperial Valley Democratic Central Committee, Lions Club, and Vigilantes. Known for his passion for basketball, he was a referee and played in both local city and Mexicali leagues. He was a Korean War veteran, a member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Fred helped establish the route of the Baja 1000 with his friends Dick Dominguez and Juan (Pepe) Hernandez Limon, which later became SCORE with Mickey Thompson and was involved with founding the Buick Restaurant and Bar in El Centro. As a member of the San Diego Yacht Club, he found joy with his friends and family at the beach, sailing along San Felipe and Baja California, and attending the Baja races. Fred enjoyed sharing his life adventures with everyone he met. Despite his professional achievements, being a father to his children is one of his greatest accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his father, Inder Singh; stepfather, Kakoo Singh; mother, Rose Singh; and brother, Inder Singh. He is survived by his sister, Elise Necochea (Armando), wife, Alicia Garcia-Singh, ex-wife, Joanne Singh; children, Jon Inder (Michaelle), Alfred James, Joseph Michael, Gabriela Rose; step-daughters, Monica (Greg) Darley, Lisa (Clara) Cardenas Olivas, Anna (Greg) Phillips; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jon (Julie) Singh, Hilary (Matt) Peterson, Travis, Mallory, Rowan, Joseph (Alexandra), Madison, Macy, and Dominic Singh, David (Zenovia), Sabrina Hanosh, Adan, Nadia, and Andres Phillips; great-grandchildren, Jerry, Kevin, Anna Robles, Sadie and Ryker Peterson, Leyla Adame, Melody, Joseph, Sven Solis, Austin, Aiden, and Andrew Singh; nephews, Ricky Pitts, William K. Singh, nieces: Varinda Singh, Jinda Singh Calder, Sandi McCaleb and Roseanne Galegher; along with many grandnieces and nephews.

The family would also like to recognize Unicare for their amazing team of caregivers.

There will be a memorial for friends and family on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Cheval Farm starting at noon.