The Last Time I Saw Fred

In August of 2020 I attended a graduation party music jam in Gardner, MA. It was held outside with strict rules about masks and social distancing. Fred was there telling stories and singing songs. You could tell he was smiling in spite of the mask. He was a warm and friendly guy, a talented singer and musician and as I had learned an expert tomato grower.

 

In December he was given a diagnosis of kidney cancer which spread to his lungs. On January 5th 2021 he lost the battle. I was shocked to hear how quickly this all took place. His wife posted this on Facebook:

 Tuesday, Jan. 5 Dear Fred went to be with Jesus at 3 am this morning. I thought we had a few more days with him but the Lord graciously took him home quickly. No more pain, no more labored breathing, no more agitation, just rest and peace and joy, and lots of music and luscious heirloom tomatoes in the middle of winter. He’s holding our dear granddaughter Theodora, meeting her for the first time, hugging his Mom who gave the best hugs in the world, (I still miss her hugs), giving Al Aronson a high five, and loving up on all the others who have gone before.We are sad that he’ll never see our new home completed but he will be living in a far more beautiful heavenly home.Your love and encouragement, prayers and shared scripture verses have touched my heart and helped me to trust even more in our Heavenly Father’s care.Philippians 1:6 comes to mind for Fred, “I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.”With love and thanks,Wibby

The House Fire and Heirloom Tomatoes – August 2019

Fred and his wife Wibby had their share of troubles prior to his illness. In August of 2019 they lost their house and greenhouse in a fire. They owned a small cottage on Queens Lake in Phillipston, MA and took up residence there as their home was being rebuilt. Wibby makes mention of the construction in her posting. The home will be complete in 2021.

I attended a fund raiser jam at the cottage where I learned about the Heirloom Tomatoes. It was late August and ripe tomatoes were everywhere. They were carefully labeled. There were also cups of collected seeds for the next harvest. It was most impressive.

Meeting House Stage – March 2014

I’ll complete my posting with a few clips of Fred and Wibby performing at the Meeting House stage in Rindge, NH. Fred would always dedicate  “Roseville Fair” to his wife Libby and they performed it flawlessly. He was a fine man who was loved and will be missed.

https://youtu.be/WrvS5kNFGpEhttps://youtu.be/by-PBXLukkQ