Compassionate and spirited Fred Chase was admired by many

Compassionate human beings suffer alongside those experiencing pain -- at times to a point where the pain becomes almost tangible. Fred Chase, a Fallbrook Village News photographer, possessed a soul of such compassion that he dedicated much of his life to finding ways to alleviate the pain of others. However, at times the pain of others became almost tangible to him. This man with an empathetic spirit slipped into the presence of the Lord during the early morning hours of Monday, May 5, dying of a progressive lung disease.

A Christian’s desire is to become more Christ-like each day. Fred exuded the love of Christ. One could see it in his eyes, in his smile, and in the works he did, especially for St. Peter’s Catholic Community. As a manager at St. Vincent’s de Paul Thrift Shop his bright countenance was a comfort to many. Fred also served on the Board of Directors for the Temporary Assistance Program.

With his desire to prayerfully intercede for others coupled with his caregiving spirit, Fred volunteered at the Healing Rooms of Fallbrook, praying for the ill, grieving and spiritually needy.

“He gave of himself to the community and he gave freely,” said his wife Jeanette, a loyal companion for 25 years. “His main interest was helping people.”

Fred was born on September 24, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was proud of his East Coast roots. He served for three years in the U.S. Army on a missile squad, then, during the mid-seventies he moved to Whittier, California. Fred met Jeanette when both were active in a group called “Parents Without Partners.”

Jeanette recalled that at times Fred would take the group’s children on hikes to a waterfall where there was a natural slide emptying into a pool. When the children would slide into the pool he would encourage them, “Look at that -- you did it!”

Fred and Jeanette moved to Fallbrook in 1996. A hard-worker, Fred enjoyed being a grove owner and marketed the avocados from his 256 trees himself. He also loved his goats — which he talked to – according to Jeanette.

For six years Fred raised two of his grandsons, Dustin and Brian. He encouraged the boys to excel in their 4-H projects and was a willing 4-H grandpa helping with the care and feeding of pigs and chickens.

Fred was an invaluable asset to the Village News and his welcoming smile will be missed. Once, when I was working on a story about Ida Howell, the first woman homesteader in Fallbrook, Fred and his grandson, Brian, took me on a hike to the site where Ida’s home once stood. Fording streams and climbing grassy hills I excitedly took notes and photographs. Afterwards I thought to myself that Fred had given up his own photo opportunity just so I could get some photos of my own. That’s the way his mind worked – if he could help someone he would do it and forgo any gain of his own.

In addition to his wife Jeanette, Fred is survived by sons Jamie, Brian and Scott (Kirsten) Chase; and grandchildren Kai, Kalei, Kirra, Dustin and Brian. He is also survived by a step-daughter, whom he called his “bonus daughter,” Jennifer (Joe) Davidson and “bonus grandchildren” Randi and Kevin. Also surviving are a sister, Elvira (Robert) McAteer and a brother, William (Martha) Chase. Fred was predeceased by his parents William and Elvira Chase.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 9, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Interment at San Luis Rey Mission Cemetery will follow the service. Flowers may be sent to Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary by 4 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund that has been established in his name. Donations may be made out to St. Peter’s Catholic Church with “Fred Chase Memorial Fund” in the memo line, and sent to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 450 S. Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

“He was always there for me and taught me not to give up on myself,” his son Scott commented.

“Fred believed in the goodness of people, and people loved him for that,” said Jeanette. “He was an amazing man.”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”

--John 3:16