Frederick (Fred) Ernest Wright, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home December 2, 2018. He had bravely confronted and fought cancer up until his final days. Fred is at rest now and will remain Always In Our Thoughts and Forever In Our Hearts. His legacy will live on in each of his children and grandchildren by the memories he helped create and values he instilled; setting goals, accomplishing your dreams, and work hard to play hard.
Fred was born on September 1, 1948 in Hollywood, California to Harold and Mary Wright and was second oldest of 8 children. He obtained his degree in Mine Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno which led him to a job offer at Johns Manville (Celite) in Lompoc, California. He and his beloved wife of over 40 years, Kathy, raised their four children of which he was so proud of.
Fred was a true outdoorsman with an avid love of nature. He had a passion for fishing of all kinds whether it was fly fishing on the Kern River, tying his own flies or casting off a pier since he was a child up until his final days alongside his grandchildren. He passed the art of fishing on to his children and grandchildren along with many whom touched his life. He truly enjoyed teaching the craft to anyone willing to learn.
Camping was also a favorite pastime for Fred. He took his family camping annually to Jalama in the Summer and on the Kern River in the Fall amongst many other memorable trips to include Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. He shared his knowledge of camping skills with the local boys scout chapter in Lompoc in recent years.
Many local airplane enthusiasts knew Fred as a fellow pilot or simply from the time he spent hanging out at the Lompoc Airport. The Piper Cub Fly In was a family tradition to attend and he took the grandkids for the pancake breakfast on the final day of the annual event to watch the cubs take to the sky on their journey home.
As a young boy, Fred learned the art and science of mining from his father while mining the family claim in Downeyville, Ca. alongside his two brothers. This childhood experience led him to a career in mining engineering. He later spent cherished time with his brother Tom mining tungsten in Atolia, Ca. His enthusiasm for science is clearly passed down to his son, James, who followed in his dad’s footsteps and obtained a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and, as Fred was always proudly to share, successfully works for the company Apple.
Fred had a love of classic cars and trucks. He shared this love of cars with his two brothers, Tom and James, who both undoubtedly welcomed him home on his final day in a classic stock Ford side step pickup. A restoration project was forever in process at the Wright residence whether it was a ‘56 Ford, 56 Chevy or 85 Ford Jimmy. His son Jason inherited his passion for cars and is an accomplished master mechanic in a leadership role.
A much loved Husband, Dad and Papa, Fred leaves behind his wife Kathy, his children Ginger Piper, Jason Piper and wife Jeanne, James Wright and wife Anjuli, and Connie Wright, and 6 grandchildren Bree 25, Madi 8, Zander 7, Kody 6, Kali 5, and Wes 2. He also leaves behind his life long friend of over 60 years, Alvin Alexander, along with other family, and friends he made along his journey here. He is predeceased by his parents Harold and Mary Wright, his 3 sisters, Nancy Wright, Connie Wright and Elizabeth Wright, and his two brothers, Thomas Wright (2017) and James Wright (2018).
A celebration of Life for Frederick Wright will be announced at a later time to be held after the first of the year.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.