Journal entry by Dee Dunning —
We celebrated Fred's life over the past two days. Family gathered at Crossroads for a worship service. Music had us in tears, but the community uplifted us all with love and support ❤️ .Celebratory lunch followed by a Patriot win... just as Fred would have wanted it! Family together enjoying each other and the game! Monday had us gather again, then onto 6 hours of greeting at Abriola. My apologies to those that were turned away, as I feel I could have stood and greeted each of Fred's friends, no matter how long it took, but apparently 2hours longer than expected was Abriolas limit! We left finally at 9:45 after arriving at 3:00 Wow!
My heart was bursting to hear each of the Saugatuck staff, members and rowers (and coxswains 😉) amazing stories of how Fred helped, inspired, and encouraged everyone everyday. I only knew from Fred's own description what his day entailed. Today I have a better understanding of his impact. Thank you.
The support from our friends here in Stratford, Fred's Greenbrier Circle neighborhood, high school friends and Dunn-Rite Appliance friends and customers means the world to me. To see Haley's college gang and her co-workers rally around her, to see Elise's friends and coworkers come to support, to see teachers, the principal and friends of Drew, just warmed my heart to no end. And my friends.... your support will carry me through my upcoming darkest days. Thank you all for everything!
Fred's story does not end here my friends. Forgive me if I repeat myself, but we must all pay Fred's influence forward. I vow to live my life with kinder words from my lips, a bigger smile for EVERYONE everyday, and I will make everyone feel welcome and comfortable to the best of my ability everyday. He was more than a strength coach for the SRC kids (and the Pop Warner boys years before) but a mentor, a support, a counselor. He had a heart of gold, and a soft spot for babies. He was genuine. May we all remember his love for family and friends, his zest for life, his hugs, kisses and his laugh.❤️
God bless.
My heart was bursting to hear each of the Saugatuck staff, members and rowers (and coxswains 😉) amazing stories of how Fred helped, inspired, and encouraged everyone everyday. I only knew from Fred's own description what his day entailed. Today I have a better understanding of his impact. Thank you.
The support from our friends here in Stratford, Fred's Greenbrier Circle neighborhood, high school friends and Dunn-Rite Appliance friends and customers means the world to me. To see Haley's college gang and her co-workers rally around her, to see Elise's friends and coworkers come to support, to see teachers, the principal and friends of Drew, just warmed my heart to no end. And my friends.... your support will carry me through my upcoming darkest days. Thank you all for everything!
Fred's story does not end here my friends. Forgive me if I repeat myself, but we must all pay Fred's influence forward. I vow to live my life with kinder words from my lips, a bigger smile for EVERYONE everyday, and I will make everyone feel welcome and comfortable to the best of my ability everyday. He was more than a strength coach for the SRC kids (and the Pop Warner boys years before) but a mentor, a support, a counselor. He had a heart of gold, and a soft spot for babies. He was genuine. May we all remember his love for family and friends, his zest for life, his hugs, kisses and his laugh.❤️
God bless.
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