Fredric Arthur Danz

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Fredric Danz Obituary

Fredric Arthur DANZ Life long Seattle and Eastside resident, born February 28, 1918, died peacefully in his sleep August 21, 2009. Survived by: brother Bill Danz and wife Carolyn, Golden Years companion Maxine Seligmann; his children - son Tad Danz and wife Barbara, daughter Laurie Hamlin, daughter Alison Danz and son Rian Danz; grandchildren - Lesley Bauer and husband John, Whit Hamlin and wife Beth, Sedona Sanchez and husband Tony, Spencer Hamlin, Amanda Paull and husband David, Ben Home; great grandchildren- Trystan, Braden and Mia Sanchez, Sloane Hamlin, Carter and Cameron Danz, Ainsley Paull, Ansel Hamlin, Taylor Danz and Remi Paull, and his extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and "family of friends". He was preceded in death by parents John and Jessie Danz, sister Dorothy Forman and wife Bess Johnson. His first wife, Selma Gold Danz, survives. Upon his father's death in 1961 Mr. Danz (Fred) took over the family business as President of Sterling Theaters, later Sterling Recreation and later Sterling Realty Organization. The company had businesses and real estate in multiple locations. He was actively involved in many organizations both business and philanthropic - locally, nationally and internationally. Being a longtime downtown Bellevue landowner , he felt that Bellevue couldn't become a real city unless there was a hospital on the eastside. He worked hard to get one and was an active member of the board at Overlake Hospital for over 20 years. Mr. Danz was a founding member of the Bellevue Downtown Association formed to ensure that Bellevue remained the business/retail center of the eastside. He helped with the founding of the Variety Club Tent 46 for the northwest and Eastside Mental Health among others. He especially felt the need for supporting education - chiefly those under 5 who would otherwise not get services but also funded scholarships for needy high school students and included the University of Washington. He was an early supporter of Heritage University in Toppenish. He loved his family, his work, sailing, music, travelling, reading and hamburgers. There will be a memorial service celebrating his life at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at the Seattle Yacht Club. He would have preferred, in lieu of flowers, to donate to a local food bank or Jewish Family Services.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Fredric Danz

7 Entries

September 23, 2009

I am saddened to hear of Mr. Danz's passing. I worked for SRO in it's Broadcast Division from 1973 through the early part of 1976. Mr. Danz was a father figure figure to me, always supportive, always teaching, always guiding me. A truly great man who taught me everything from how to pour the perfect beer to the management of people in difficult situations. I am blessed to have known him. My best to Laurie, Allison, Tad and Rian

Bo Donovan-San Diego

Jim Bonholzer

September 10, 2009

I had the privelage of being associated with the Danz family for almost 70 years. As a young teen ager I started as sign changer at the old Portola Theatre in West Seattle, Portola now the lobby of the Admiral Theatre. After my armed service I became manager of many of the local theatres for Sterling, eventually being promoted to head booker for all Sterling theatres for many years.
Working for Sterling was one of the greatest training universitys in show business. Numerous alumni from their organization went on to become leaders in the industry, thanks to the wonderful training we all received. I also had the privealge of working with Mrs John Danz (Jessie) for her many activities at the summer home on Lake Washington.
Upon my departure from Sterling, to step out on my own and eventually form my own theatre circuit, Fred and John Danz threw a going away luncheon for me at the Olympic Hotel. At my theatre openings, there was always flowers and best wishes from Fred.
My condolances to Alison, Laurie, Tad and Rian as well as Bill and Carolyn.
I only regret that I did not take the opportunity to tell Fred in person, "Thank You" for you many years of friendship, so I will do so now. Aloha from Jim Bonholzer

Bonner Reinking

August 26, 2009

I am sorry to hear of Fred Danz's passing. I grew up near the old Queen Anne Bowling Lanes and later in life worked both there and downtown for SRO. I knew Tad and his grandfather John (who use to walk to the Queen Anne Bowl from his home down on Highland Drive. May Fred "Rest in Peace"

Anna Jacoby

August 26, 2009

Mr. Danz was delightful. His business savy and philanthropy are deservedly respected.

But my memories focus on his kindness and thoughtfulness. As a former Executive Director of Variety Club of the Pacific Northwest, I had the pleasure of meeting him. After talking funding, he told me about Bess in the most moving, loving, gentle way.

And I told him about my fascination with China. Soon after, I received a little book and postcards from his travel there. I still have and treasure them.

Quite an exceptional man, one that I know his family and close friends will cherish forever. You were very, very fortunate.

Respectfully,

Anna C. Jacoby

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Lee Brown

August 25, 2009

Dear Allison and Carolyn and all the rest of the Danz family,
I was privileged to know Fred as the great friend of my parents, Don and Lloyd HIllman. He and Bess spent many cruises together with my folds. I loved hearing his deep voice when he called and loved his humor. Dad and I agreed, while driving home today from your loving memorial today, that we would have like to see Fred again. We miss him. We miss him a lot.
Sincerely, Lee HIllman Brown
PS Did you know that Fred and Dad were cub scouts together??!

Richard Reed

August 25, 2009

I am saddened by the news of Mr. Danz's passing. Fred was one of my father and mother's best friends, and he was very kind to me when I was a young man. Because of "Uncle" Fred, I got good summer jobs all through school. He even hired me to be his occasional chauffer when I was 16, a janitor and assistant handyman in the SRO shops when I was 17, and then a replacement theater manager when I was 18. He was a great guy, and he even came to my wedding when I was 32. A true class act. He will be missed. Sincerely,

Kathy Balcom

August 25, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I had the great fortune to work with Mr. Danz managing his radio stations in the Tri-Cities from 1987-1996. He was a wonderful mentor and I tell people that I have a masters degree in business from the University of Fred Danz. He was tough but fair and generous with his wisdom. He will be greatly missed.

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