William "Bill" Fried

William "Bill" Fried, 78, of Fairbanks, passed away at home surrounded by his family July 23, 2017, after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 29, in the upstairs Antler Room at the Elks Lodge, 1003 Pioneer Road. The Rev. David L. Fogarty, of Northern Lights Baptist Church in North Pole, will officiate. Arrangements are being handled by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
Bill was born in Greenwood, British Columbia, Canada, to Otto and Jessie Fried. As a child, he moved to Washington with his family. He graduated from North Central High School in 1957 in Spokane, Washington.
Bill was married to his love, Lois Godwin, on April 9, 1960, in Spokane. They recently celebrated their 57th year anniversary.
A job opportunity in 1970 had Bill relocate his family from Spokane to Alaska, where he became the assistant manager at Carrs Foodland for more than 25 years. He employed and mentored scores of young adults over the years and made numerous lifelong friends. He instilled his work ethic in his two daughters, Diane and JoAnn, who worked for him for many years. His Foodland family was very important to him. Upon his retirement in 1998, he took up winter residence in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Bill loved his "Little Red Corvette," sports, collecting guns and baseball cards, and fishing. He looked forward to his yearly trips to Valdez with family and was the most dedicated, patient fisherman. Upon his retirement, he became known for his beer-battered halibut and sharing his catch with his friends at his winter home in Arizona. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in his early years but most recently could be found at the Elks Lodge at 10 a.m. daily. Bill was known for his infectious smile, and he maintained a wicked, witty sense of humor his entire life.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his daughters, Diane (Jim) Van Hoomissen and JoAnn (Bob) Tolman; grandchildren Bradly Slimmen, David (Thanh), Alexandra, Kristen and Jamie Van Hoomissen; and brother David (Kay) Fried.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Jessie Fried; brother, Leslie Fried; and sister, Marilyn Moore.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Bill's name to Hospice of Fairbanks. The family wishes to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time.
Please visit www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsminer to sign an online guest book.