Fred Cauffman died Tuesday, January 24, at his home in Sequim.  His heart belonged to many places and many spaces, including northern Virginia where he was born March 19, 1951 to Myrtle Berry and Elmer Cauffman.  The third of four brothers, Fred ran wild through the countryside, but found stability when he moved in with Tommy and Sandy Berry and Sandy's dad Mote Olive.  Mote was the first to recognize his potential and also to rein in the wildness within him, at least a little.  At his side, he learned to drive a tractor and sharpen a knife.

King George High School found Fred a few more passions in life:  football, basketball, baseball, and the introduction to his future wife, Bonnie, whom he married in 1970.

I've spent most of my life searching for that four-leaf clover

Yet you ran with me, chasing my rainbows

Honey, I love you, too.  That's the way love goes.

After high school graduation in 1969, Fred enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and his love of the Coast Guard would last his whole life.  The choice of their home in the flight path of the HH-65s from Air Station Port Angeles could not have been coincidence.  The CG channeled his curiosity and tenacity into a position as a flight mechanic where he served for 10 years, attaining the rank of Petty Officer, 1 ^st Class.  Both of his children were born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, at his first duty station.

Turning a wrench would be a continuous thread for Fast Freddie.  He worked on helicopters in the private sector and anything with an engine from diesel logging equipment to small engines to inboard and outboard boats.  It even took him to adventures in the Pribilof Islands of Alaska.  He was known to trade his skills for fresh seafood whenever the opportunity presented.

Fred was known by many to be a source of a hand up when someone was in need.  With his children and grandchildren, he shared a passion for Christmas and the necessity of a go-bag with a good pocketknife and numerous flashlights.  One can never be too prepared.

Although his parents and brothers Mike and Skip predeceased him, Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Bonnie; his son Eric and wife Shannon; his daughter Danielle and husband Jake; grandchildren Hunter, Hannah, Bailey and Madeline; his nephew Gideon; and his brother Barry and sister Yvette.

At Fred's request, there will no services.  Any memorial donations are gratefully accepted at Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.

Blue days, all of them gone

Nothing but blue skies from now on