Fred Whitehead

WHITEHEAD, Fred

Passed away July 20, 2008. He was a larger than life man who was recently described as the source for laugh lines on the people who knew him. He was a cattle rancher who owned his own cattle trucking business. He participated on the fire board and water board in his community. While driving by his house a friend said that even though he was in a wheelchair he looked like the tribal chief making judicial decisions. He was born on June 3, 1916. He married Marion Blanchard of Folsom, CA in 1939. Fred celebrated his 92nd birthday and his 69th wedding anniversary in June of this year. He surpassed all of his friends in years though he had more ailments than all of them combined. Fred had four daughters, the oldest of which is Peggy Marenco, second Carolyn Riolo, Wendy Chadbourne and finally, Betty Jo Dotson. Fred worked in various positions including but not limited to a prison guard in Folsom Prison, a Ranch Manager, owned Whitehead Livestock Transportation Company, and last but not least, a Cowboy. This last occupation is how most people will remember Fred. He hauled cattle throughout the Western states for many of the prominent ranchers. He ran thousands of head of cattle all over Roseville and Rocklin. His appearance was unmistakable: Levis, button-up shirts, boots, a cowboy hat. He could frequently be found visiting the local K-Mart for breakfast reliving stories with his friends. He was most proud of his four daughters whom he taught all to ride, rope, brand & drive a 18-wheeler. He could often be heard saying that he was more proud of his four daughters and their capabilities than any father of sons could ever be. He was not only a cowboy, but a pilot. He loved planes, trains and automobiles. He traveled all over in his motor home, rode cruise boats through South America, Mexico and Alaska. He drove trucks across the U.S. He covered the coveted pool table with toy trains that were built to perfection, down to the last detail. He had 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved, though he would often go through the entire list of names before calling one of them by the right one. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but the fact is that right now he is at a great cattle branding in the sky, riding and roping and bs'ing with all of his old cronies, just as happy as a clam. Friends are welcome for visitation Wednesday from 4-8pm at PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (6335 Sunrise Blvd., 725-2109) and are invited to attend services Thursday 10am at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, Roseville 1st Ward Chapel (211 Estates Dr.). There will be a luncheon immediately following services at the church. We ask please, that instead of bringing flowers, that a donation be to the American Heart Association be made (1710 Gilbreth Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010-1795)