Frederick Lindsley Klinger

KLINGER
FREDERICK LINDSLEY KLINGER

On May 26, 2007, a rare gem of a man made his journey into the gates of the "Great Mystery", peacefully from his home in Bethesda, MD. He was a geologist and humanitarian, born in Chicago, raised in Los Angeles.

Fred served in the US Navy, 1941-45, as a radioman on destroyer USS Brooks and was awarded a Bronze Star. He attended Columbia University, B.A., 1949 and received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1960.

Fred was a passionate geologist, who loved "Rocks", and was a lover of life, a man who paid attention to every minute detail woven into the broad expanse of life.

He was employed by the US Geological Survey, 1948-50; stationed in Pakistan, 1961-63; US Steel Corporation and the US Bureau of Mines, 1964-86. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Department of Interior in 1986 for his distinguished work as a commodity specialist for iron ore.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria, in 1999; his daughter, Marilyn, in 1998, and his brother, Allen in 2006. He is survived by his sons, Roger F. Klinger and his partner, Marvin H. Bennett of Orting, WA, Kenneth R. Klinger of Carolina Beach, NC; his beloved companion and treasured friend, Loretta Vanderbosch of Pasa-

dena, MD and nephew, Robert H. Klinger.

Fred has left his family, friends and community with a treasure trove of living memories and stories that will continue to live on in our hearts and souls.

Moments before he peacefully passed away, a mockingbird began singing like an angel in the giant Deodar cedar tree that he had planted from a tiny seedling. That sacred bird moved to the bushes near his bed in the living room, where it continued to sing a magnificent concerto for all the world to hear and to celebrate. Fred loved that mockingbird, as he loved us all. The beauty and complexity of his living spirit will live on eternally in the hearts and memories of everyone and everything that he loved.

Fred left no stone unturned. We will all miss the deep kindness of his heart, the generosity of his spirit and the marvelous childlike wonder and reverence for life that he shared with us all.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, June 4 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 6030 Grosvenor Ln., Bethesda, MD 20814, (301-530-1800). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter, 1800 M Street, NW, Suite 750, South, Washington, DC 20036.