Fredrick Preston Brewster

As we transition from the cradle to the awareness phase of life, where the memory phase starts is where our story begins. As his children, we were well cared for by Fred and the love of his life, our mother Bette Jean. We grew up with that support system that most people envy. Not opulent but very comfortable. A system that included family dinners, family outings, family vacations. A household that welcomed our friends to be a part of our family experience. No questions. No qualifiers. Just this very loving and supportive father at the helm that ruled with a kind and very generous manner and heart. Fred was the product of the same type of family. Born in Los Angeles to Orla and Anna. Fred's demeanor and character reminded me of our grand father Orla. Dad was also loving influenced by Bette's father, Lloyd. Dad once told me that Lloyd was the best father in law a man could have. He respected his 2nd father and loved him like his own father.

Fred was a member of the greatest generation as an enlisted man in the United States Navy during WWII. Not long after his return form the war he married Bette and they both quickly got involved in one of dad's lifelong passions.... Baseball. He was a semi-pro catcher who was a good signal caller and field general but could not hit the curveball. Dad's passion rolled over from a player to a coach and he was a good coach. A dedicated coach that cut work short to make sure his kids were getting the time they needed to learn the game. And all along there was Bette watching or scoring or working in the snack shack. His passion was to be around the field of play and he traveled to spring training in Arizona on a few occasions. He had a great in-house rivalry with Charnelle, the original Dodger fan, while Fred settled on the Angels as his team. Trouble! We all love you Charnelle.

Dad and mom also enjoyed to cut a rug and would ferry over to Catalina Island to dance the night away. They both enjoyed dancing and they were fun to watch.

Dad enjoyed family vacations.

Great memories of many weeks spent at Lake Topaz in the sun and on the water with the family and extended family members. Our cousins, our neighbors, the kid's. Family... Sandy, Julie, Dana, David, Rick, Greg, Karen and all our friends. Over the years there were many, many people that experienced Lake Topaz with dad. If you were there... you were having fun. Eating well and drinking well. Fred and Glen at the controls of the boat and the kids on the end of ski ropes. Bette and June camped out under a tree watching the kids grow from just learning status to competitors. Dana and David both took water skiing to tournament level.

Dad also loved to go on a cruise.... Like every chance he could get or afford. He shared cruises with many friends. Cruised with the family too. Greg and Jean. David and Karen. Good times rolled. Dad was with his family and friends and that made him happy.

Then... David and Karen gave us all Dana! Fred and Bette's first grandchild. What a proud pair. Brice and Carlianna followed. Greg and Jean gave us Brandy and Fred's chest was swelling out of control. Then Dana and Gretchen gave us Carter Preston... great grandpa's namesake. This story can not be told without telling everyone that Fred had a third son... David Hawkins. Fred told me recently that Karen could not have chosen a better husband and father for his grand children. Dad also had a long and wonderful relationship with our Charnelle. Charnelle and her extended family took Fred as theirs and we appreciate that. A recent addition to the family was my Judy. These two hit it off from day one and he enjoyed and loved her as the newest member of his family. Fred was surrounded by family to the end and that made him happy. His time was well invested... in family.

We just want everyone to know what we all knew. That Dad was a great mentor and father. You knew you were loved when you were around him.

WE ALL MISS HIM AND ALWAYS WILL.