Fred Ellen Terrill III

Fred Ellen Terrill III passed away peacefully at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, surrounded by his loving family, on Sept. 7, 2006, from complications after a five-year battle with cancer.

Fred was born and raised in Tracy, Calif.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Shirley Terrill, in Tracy, Calif.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Cathy Terrill. He was blessed with three daughters who loved him so very much, LisaMarie Barnes, who lives with her husband, Richard Barnes, in Rock Springs, Wyo., and Tracy and Jennifer Terrill. Fred was so blessed to have a grandson, Li'l Ricky, born one day before Fred's 55th birthday in March 2006. Fred was such a proud grandpa, and finally had another man around the house. Fred also had a sister, Sandra Watkins of Modesto, Calif., and nieces Christine and Melissa Watkins. Fred also will be deeply missed by his in-laws Quentin and Marilyn Huebner of Traverse City, Mich., and Jack and Patricia Anderson of Toledo, Ohio.

Fred enlisted in the Navy in 1969, and spent four years in the Navy which included three WestPac cruises to Vietnam. It was in San Diego where he met his wife-to-be, Cathy, who was also in the Navy. They fell in love, married in Toledo, Ohio, and made their home in Moorpark.

He graduated from College of the Desert while Cathy was stationed at Twentynine Palms, then continued his education at California Lutheran College. He was then hired by the United States Postal Service, and medically retired after nearly 30 years of service.

Fred and his family had much love and support from so many people, and he wishes to thank all of you — all of his co-workers at Moorpark Post Office, as well as all the post offices in his section, for all donated leave; the community of Moorpark; Hospice of the Conejo; all the parents who allowed him to coach their children and neighbors — for all the phone calls, dinners, love and support.

One of Fred's greatest joys was coaching and supporting his daughters as well as their friends. At the softball fields, Fred was always known as the one who was always prepared with his green bag that had a well-stocked first-aid kit with dental wax for anyone who had braces to a pair of socks and hair ponies. Fred had a willingness to help others and did so with a smile on his face.

Fred was very active with Moorpark Girls Softball as well as high school sports. He was happiest outside at sporting events, camping and gardening and was known for his barbecuing.

There will be a celebration of Fred's life and legacy from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Arroyo Vista Park in Moorpark, at the pavilion by the softball fields. It will be a potluck.

It was a place that Fred gladly spent a lot of time between all his daughters' sports and helping with the development of the Arroyo Vista softball fields.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Ah yes, these things, I, too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savored much.

Good friends, good times,

A love one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,

Don't length it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hear and share with me.

God wanted me now, he set me free.

- author unknown

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Terrill Family, P.O. Box 253, Moorpark, CA 93020.

Family was assisted by Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home, www.caringfuneralservice.com.