Fred (Alfredo) Vidaña Contaoi

Alfredo (Fred/Freddy) Vidana Contaoi, age 75, passed away at 01:07 a.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Redlands Community Hospital. He suffered a massive heart attack at his home in Yucaipa, CA. Fred was born November 27, 1943 in San Bernardino, CA to Gregorio and Catalina Contaoi. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda; a son, Fred Jr. (Julie); his daughter, Lana (Ang); grandsons, Tyler and Adrian and great granddaughters, Cali and Eternity (their mother, Sabrina); siblings, Ida (Bob), Virginia, George (Janene), Manual (Coletta), and Joe (Aurora). Others include aunts, uncles and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Gregorio and Catalina; sisters, Jenny and Ramona; brother, Alphonso; daughters, Denise and Suzanne; grandson, Cameron; nephew, David; and brothers-in-law Dave and Jim. And last, but not least, the whole Kasinger family. Some who have survived his death and others who have preceded him in death.

Fred retired from San Bernardino County as the Assistant Director of Transportation and Flood Control in the year 2000. He worked 38 years in the field of Civil Engineering for the County. He also represented the County in several legal matters as an Expert Witness. He continued testifying as an Expert Witness after his retirement. It required many hours of research and preparation for these legal cases which kept him from enjoying time with his family and pursuing his hobbies. These hobbies were, but not limited to, rescuing stray animals, fishing, hunting, classic cars (from hunting down their original parts to rebuilding them), car shows and the Casinos. Most of his knowledge about classic cars came from his brothers as they were growing up and one of his best friends, Jerry Cabanoc. His pride and joy, for which he won numerous trophies, was his red 1955 Chevy Nomad. This restoration was made by him shedding lots of his own blood, sweat and tears. Fred was very intelligent, a sort of McGuiver, who could fix just about anything. He was a kind, generous, and loving man who was well liked and loved by all who knew him.

He will be missed but never forgotten by so many of us he left behind here on Earth. May you forever Rest in Heavenly Peace.

My Father whom I miss dearly. I can honestly say that he was one of the most affable people who I have ever known. He was liked by young and old alike. Animals drew to him like a moth to a flame. In return he was kind and sympathetic to any human or animal in need.

Fun! I can’t even begin to think of how many people he touched through the years of his life. Quick to dance, do just about anything at the spur of the moment. He was a natural in the outdoors so hunting and fishing came easy to him. I was lucky enough to have received the outdoor genes and have made my livelihood in the outdoors business all my life. We shared many trips on the water and hunting for quail in the middle of nowhere.

Family was a large part of dad’s life… brothers, sisters, us kids, his parents, in laws and anyone who claimed some attachment to the family was welcome in his world. He was so even keeled that he was rarely rattled. As my Aunt Ida mentioned, he was no stranger to heart break yet he somehow always was the shining light and responsible party when something went wrong or there was loss. His life lessons to us children were always on point and you could never argue his reason. Must have been nice to have been such a wise old sole. He was loved and cherished by my two mothers Nancy and Brenda, as well as my sisters. We were lucky to have him, too bad he had to leave us so soon. Grandma Kate and Grandpa George raised dad and all of his brothers and sisters to be beautiful human beings. I am so thankful Julie got to spend time with you and get to see part of where I came from.

If there was anyone more intelligent, I never met him or her. Dad’s dedication to learning was second to none. He carried his quest for learning throughout his work career and climbed the ladder at the County of San Bernardino to his retirement. I am pretty sure he was a delight to work with and could solve complex issues as if they were rudimentary. His cars, family, the casinos, fish, friends and animals will miss him and his bright smile. I will carry him through eternity along the river, at work, at home, and at play.

I miss you dad!!! Thank you for all you have done for those who knew you. We will all keep you near our hearts.

Love your son,

Fred

*Fred was such an animal lover. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers to please make a donation to the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley.