Frederick Arthur Douglas

Winthrop-Frederick Arthur Douglas passed away on Saturday August 7, 2021 at his home on High Street in Winthrop. He was born in Augusta on November 25, 1931, the son on Chester A. Douglas and Mildred H. Douglas. He graduated from Gardiner High School in 1948 and from Bates College in 1952. He received a Masters of Education from the University of Maine and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Springfield College. An outstanding athlete Fred was a starting player in football, basketball and baseball at both Gardiner and Bates. He also played on divisional football and baseball teams during his service in the U.S. Army. After his discharge from the Army he completed the year teaching and coaching in the Carmel School system. In 1955 Fred accepted a job as a teacher, head coach of basketball and baseball, and assistant coach of football at Winthrop High School. The following year he became the head football coach. Two of his football teams became state champions. He developed Winthrop High’s first physical education program. Fred treasured his years of teaching and coaching at Winthrop. His relationships with the young people he taught and coached were some of his fondest memories. In 1964 Fred joined the State Department of Education as the State Director of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. In 1978 Fred became the Director of the Division of Higher Education Services and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1994. Fred is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marlene; his daughter Beth Cook; and his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Kathy. He is also survived by eight grandchildren Josh Cook and wife ‘rissa Leal, Sarah Cook and partner Bill Swab, Nathan Cook and partner Jackie Luckhardt, Michael Douglas and wife Sara, Matthew Douglas, Benjamin Douglas and partner Jacqueline Elder, Kayla Nielsen, and Kyle Nielsen and wife Patricia. In addition, he is survived by two great grandchildren, Allie and Desi Douglas. Fred was a man with a keen sense of humor, a deep dedication to his family, and unyielding integrity who will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the Winthrop High School Football Fund to help with accessibility and safety for Winthrop football players. Checks, made out to Winthrop Football can be sent to: In memory of Fred Douglas 211 Rambler Road Winthrop, Maine 04364 C/O Joel Stoneton A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Sunday, September 12 from 2pm-4pm at the YMCA Camp of Maine, 305 Winthrop Center Rd, Winthrop. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, ME 04364 where condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.