Frederick Field Driftmier

FREDERICK FIELD DRIFTMIER Frederick Field Driftmier of Indian River Estates, Vero Beach, passed away on March 21, 2009. United Church minister, teacher, public speaker, horticulturalist, sailor, adventurer, and community leader, Dr. Driftmier was born in Shenandoah, Iowa, on May 8, 1917. Dr. Driftmier graduated from Tarkio College (Tarkio, Mo.) and Yale University Divinity School. While serving in the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C., he met his wife, the former Elizabeth Jane Crandall of Ashaway, RI. Dr. Driftmier served as chaplain of Punahou School (Honolulu, Hawaii) and Choate School (Wallingford, CT.) before serving as pastor of the First Congregational Church in Bristol, RI, where he also taught public speaking at the Naval War College in Newport. For 24 years, he was senior pastor of the South Congregational Church in Springfield, MA. During these years, the Driftmiers traveled extensively. Dr. Driftmier's great speaking ability, his extensive service to both his denomination and his community, and the ecumenical nature of his faith made him a popular figure there and led to his receipt of numerous honorary degrees. The Driftmiers retired to Pawcatuck, CT., in 1979, where Dr. Driftmier held enjoyed gardening and sailing. In 1995, the Driftmiers moved to Vero Beach and contributed much to the community life at Indian River Estates. Predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Dr. Driftmier is survived by his children, Mary Lea Zamora, of St. Augustine, Fla., and David Lloyd Driftmier, of Calgary, Alberta, and their spouses; five grandchildren who love him very much; one great-grandchild; four siblings and an extended family. His many friends will miss his good counsel and wonderful stories.