Fred A. ARNOLD

Fred and Mandy were like the grandparents I really never had. They were always there for us! Fred was a great man!

The SMILE on Fred's face gave it away. He was GOOD at what he did and ENJOYED every minute of it. The GREAT ones seem to be this way. There never will be anyone BETTER.

Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!) Thanks Fred.

Steve Morris
Santa Barbara Beach Vault

Steve Morris
Santa Barbara Beach Vault

Fred, both you and Madeleine have been the second parents to all pole vaulters for many years, and we all feel privileged to have had you in our lives. You were the ultimate officiating team, making our event a real pleasure to be involved in. We truly have missed Madeleine, and now that you have gone to be with her, you both will remain in our hearts forever.

Ron Morris
Pole Vault Veteran
Rome ‘60

Hey Fred ,
We miss you and Madeline. You made a difference and enriched many lives young and old. I am very proud and fortunate our son Chris reached a standard that on several occasions you officiated at a couple of his meets. With you and Madeline in charge we always knew you would enforce the rules , the facility would be correct and everyone dealt with fairly.Above and beyond you always added to the experience for vaulters , their coaches friends and family. With humor and a positive touch it seemed consolations and congratulations were equally handed out. We will long remember your style , dignity and generosity. I am going to be sure I'll share some of your stories with the people who may not have known you so well. You gave so much and enhanced our lives . I hope you know how many of us you touched , supported , influenced and encouraged to follow their vaulting dreams. Like a father , Chairman of the board , Head of the family .. thanks for choosing the Pole Vault. Rest in Peace . Steve Deb Mike and Chris.

My fellow-Tennessean, Fred, and Madeleine were, and are, inspiration for anyone who will read their story. They are perfect standard-bearers for the American Dream. Rest in peace, Fred. You made a difference in the lives of many people with your generosity, and you will be missed.

I'm so glad I got to know you and Madeleine for all those years. I'll miss you at the events, but I know one day our paths will meet again.

Fred,
We are all better people because we had the opportunity to know and love you and your wife. You and your wife were always a special part of any track and field competition... and that we will miss forever. The only consolation in your passing is that you will once again be reunited with your beloved Madeleine. Thanks for everything you have done for Mt. SAC and the Pole Vaulting Community. You and Madeleine will always have a special place in our hearts and you will never be forgotten!
Brian Yokoyama
National Chairperson
USATF Men's and Women's Pole Vault Development/High Performance

Dear Fred,
I can still remeber the day in 1979, We were at a Junior Olympic Meet at MT. SAC College. My Son Doug thanked you for Offciating the Pole Vault. You came across the Track and looked up into the stands and said I want to meet the Parents of this Young Man who was gracious enough to say Thank You. Over the years We would see You and Madeline Offciating at Track Meets. In the 1990's when Schools across the Nation were starting the drop the Pole Vault and We developed a Strategy For Success, You and Madeline came forward and said let us help You keep The Pole Vault alive. Because of Your efforts and Your influence we were able to turn the program around. In 2006 We started The Run for the Dream Indoor Track Meet, Indoor Track on The West Coast had dissappeared You stepped forward and donated a brand new track for The Save Mart Center in Fresno. Dedicated to the Memory of Madeleine. The Run For The Dream Indoor Meet has grown to The Run For The Dream Project. Track and Field Legends, Heroes, Charecters, and Stars go out to Schools and Talk to The Students about how Hard Work, Fitness and Good Nutrition will help them fufill their dreams. What started with a simple Hello and Thank You has now grown to a Community Action Team impacting the lives of thousands of young people. For Many Many years I have started the day off by reading Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a Man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." It is amazing How much I learned from you when my steps crossed the same path that you were walking on. You have been one of the great role models in my life. When we go out to Schools we talk about Hard Work, Success, Failure, Perserverance, and how it develops Character, How character produces hope and when you have hope you set goals, dream dreams, and go to a level you never thought possible. Time after time we tell your life story to the young people at the Elementary through High Schools to give them hope so they can dream dreams and go to a level theyhave never been before. Thank you very much for the impact you have made upon My life, for being such a great mentor, and i will close by quoting Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, they will see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."

Bob Fraley

Dear Fred,

As I write this I have tears in my eyes. You and Madeleine were Hollywood to me and forever and always will be. You lived your life to the fullest, possessed the intelligence of mind and street smarts that if you wanted something you knew exactly how to get it; and you always respected me and made me feel like I was your daughter and not your niece. That is something I will treasure always.

As someone close to you said to me last week - it's now the end of an era. An era well spent and well lived and not a day will go by that I won't think of you all; Uncle Mel, Uncle Bob, Aunt Madeleine, Sister-In-Law Barbara (as of just last May 2010), and now you.

Myself, your other nieces and nephew, a respected and loving caregiver, and your many other close family and friends will all terribly miss your earthly presence. Now, you and Madeleine can dance the days and nights away in much peace.

I truly believe that Fred would not have survived as long as he did without his dear Madeleine without the help, support, and care he received from some very important and special people and doctors. He did some serious laughing in that time period and I deeply thank you all for that.

Please take a moment of your valuable time to view a couple pictures of Fred on the Guestbook. I feel that it would mean a lot to him as it did the days I took them of him and with him; the three of us, of him at one of his favorite restaurants in LA, and of his beloved track in Madeleine's honor.

Thank you and God Bless,

Fred and Madeleine were two people who made a track meet a special place for pole vaulters. They made it feel like home. I consider myself lucky to have had them in my life. Fred in his later years gave more to the world of track and field than any one single person I can think of. Thank you Fred for all that you have done for myself and all of my friends in the pole vault world. You will be dearly missed!!!
Brandon V

The track and field world mourns the loss of a wonderful human being. Fred Arnold and his wife Madeleine were very giving to the track and field world. Words cannot describe the amount of good they did for our sport. The Arnold's always cared about the kids competing in track and field. The endless hours of vlounteer work to help track and field is appreciated. I will always have fond memories of Fred and Madeleine Arnold whenever I watch the pole vault at any track meet. Thank you Fred being so good to so many in our sport....T. Walsh