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Frank F. Fague
Frank Fredrick “Fred” Fague Junior passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 14, 2022 at the age of 80. Fred was born December 16, 1941 in Portland, Oregon. He soon had a younger brother and sister, and they kept busy with family and hobbies. He was repairing and driving the family’s cars by the age of 10, and he loved the responsibility, the independence, and later the speed. Fred attended Wilson High School (Class of 1959) and became an accomplished swimmer and equestrian. He competed in dressage and jumping events with his favorite appaloosa Skypilot and together they won many awards. He also had a lifelong love of cars, especially fast red ones, and was an excellent mechanic. He saw cars as moving works of art and enjoyed seeing them well-maintained. In 1961, Fred enlisted in the US Navy and became an Aviation Machinist’s Mate and then a Plane Captain in Naval Fighter Squadron VF-143, which flew the F-4 Phantom II, both of which earned a special place in his heart. He deployed during the Vietnam War with VF-143 aboard aircraft carriers Constellation and Ranger and became good friends with the aircrews whose planes he maintained. He tried to describe the thrill of his experiences riding in the back seat of a Phantom: catapulting off the flight deck with full afterburners (zero to 165 mph in 2 seconds), flying very high and fast, then finishing with the controlled crash and sudden stop of a landing (150 mph to zero, also in 2 seconds) on a pitching and rolling aircraft carrier deck. There was nothing like it. Fred thrived on challenges and enjoyed many exciting jobs throughout his life. A few of his early favorites included charter fishing on the Oregon Coast, caring for horses and teaching riding lessons at an equestrian center in rural Washington County. He later drove short-haul and long-haul commercial trucks and then moved to the logging industry, where he learned to operate specialized equipment and vehicles. He especially enjoyed the challenge of driving log trucks in all conditions, and they quickly became his favorites. While in the logging industry he spent many years working near Mt. St. Helens, even inside the “red zone”, both before and after the historic 1980 eruption. Fred then transitioned to a new career that combined his knowledge of the trucking industry with his mechanical expertise and natural interest in helping others. He accepted a position in Commercial Vehicle Enforcement for the Washington State Patrol and served our local community for nearly 30 years. He felt that public service was a calling, and he took great pride in the everyday work of improving traffic safety throughout Southwest Washington, for which he and his detachment received numerous awards over the years. After retiring from WSP, he worked part-time providing security at the WSU Vancouver campus. In his free time, Fred loved car shows, competitive shooting, movie marathons with a giant bucket of popcorn, Tom Clancy novels, long talks with friends old and new, leisurely drives in the country with the music turned up, and keeping in touch with family and friends via phone and Facebook, usually with his beloved cat snuggled into his lap. Fred was a generous and loyal friend who always made time to help out. He believed in doing things right the first time. He was a connoisseur of great hamburgers and fries, never said no to a free cup of coffee, opened doors for strangers, and made a point of getting to know everyone by name. And of course, he loved his family, was very proud of his children, and absolutely adored his granddaughters. Fred spent his final years in assisted living where his friendliness, wit and stories made a positive impact in the lives of all those around him. Despite everything, he had a quick and easy smile, a gracious “Thank you,” and thumbs up or a wave to brighten someone else’s day. We are forever grateful for the kindness and exceptional care he received from staff at Brookdale Vancouver Stonebridge, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, and Providence Hospice Services. Fred was preceded in death by his beloved tabby cat Emma, mother Norma Lee Fague, father Frank Fredrick Fague Senior, brother Anthony “Tony” Ronald Fague, and many dear friends. Fred is survived by his son Scott Fague, daughter-in-law Erica, and granddaughters Charlotte and Daphne of Marysville, Washington; daughter Brenda (Fague) Tryon and son-in-law Daryl of Vancouver, Washington; sister Sherry (Fague) Dortland and niece Wendi Dortland, both of Corvallis, Oregon, and many cousins and loved ones. He will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon in a private ceremony. The world is not as bright without his warm smile, contagious laughter, and long conversations. We will remember him always and miss him forever. We love you to the moon and back Papa Fred! In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to a local nonprofit to support the rescue and adoption of companion pets. Fred loved animals and wanted them all to be loved in return. To share memories that honor Fred’s life and legacy, please visit the Tribute page online at EvergreenMemorialGardens.com.December 16, 1941 - May 14, 202212/16/194105/14/2022
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