Fred Lavern Rancour

FRED L. RANCOUR JR.

August 19, 1933 – June 19, 2022

Fred Lavern Rancour Jr. passed away peacefully on June 19th at the age of 88 in Santa Cruz, California with loved ones by his side. He lived a full life and lived it his way. He spent a good portion of his life working hard to provide security and a future for himself, his beloved wife, Retha Jean, and his three sons. Fred was born in San Jose, California on August 19, 1933, to Fred Lavern Sr. and Verna Rancour. He was the eldest of three brothers and survived the late Richard Duane Rancour and is survived by his youngest brother, Donald Roy Rancour. Fred grew up in Mountain View, California during the depression years until the age of seven, when his family moved to Campbell, California, where he attended grammar school and Campbell High. Fred had several different types of jobs growing up as a young man, striving to get ahead and to make something of himself during tough times. One of his first jobs was working the apricot and prune orchards in the “Valley of Hearts Delight,” and surprisingly, apricots and prunes were still his favorite fruit. Fred also worked for the Paul Masson Winery and eventually went to work for a San Jose Pump and Well Drilling Company where he learned how to operate large equipment. In his early twenties, he entered the construction industry as a union house painter. He then entered a partnership in an underground construction company, but eventually went back to house painting. That became his lifetime career for 30 years. On August 28th, 1955, Fred married his sweetheart Retha Jean Brown of San Jose, California. Fred and Retha bought their first home in Campbell, where they raised their three sons, Rick Lawrence Rancour, Larry Lavern Rancour, and John Eugene Rancour. They were married for 67 years, just two months shy of their 68th anniversary. Fred enjoyed outdoor activities, including, camping, fishing, gardening, and hunting. Pheasant hunting was by far his favorite activity, and he enjoyed doing this with his sons, his brothers, and friends. He raised three Brittany Spaniels, Babe, Beau, and Buck during his life, who were also his hunting companions.

Fred loved to travel and some of his adventures took him to Mexico for deep sea fishing, Canada for goose hunting, Brazil, Hawaii, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. He and his wife Retha also enjoyed dining out with their friends and other social activities, which included large family holiday gatherings at their home in Campbell, neighborhood block parties, crab feeds, and dinner dances. Fred loved to dance, he loved music, and he loved tasty food! His favorite food was fresh grilled Salmon, a good baked potato, fresh grilled corn on the cob, and Lemon cake for dessert. Fred eventually semi-retired from Painting at the age of 50. He and Retha had acquired a mobile home park in Pleasure Point Santa Cruz in 1975 and they continued to manage the business well into their retirement years. In 2005, Fred and Retha decided to officially retire to Santa Cruz, California and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle near the beach, where they built their second home. In Fred’s later years, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and his ability to do the things he loved became difficult, but he still enjoyed the company of his family and caregivers. He always enjoyed a delicious meal and a good Western. Fred was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who always made family his priority. He was persistent in instilling his life-learned knowledge to his three sons, showcasing the importance of hard work and perseverance. However, beneath that tough outer shell was a determined man who loved his family above all else. With just a tenth-grade education, his strict work ethic allowed him to establish a painting career that would help provide for his family’s future, well beyond his lifetime. Fred is survived by his wife, Retha Rancour of Santa Cruz, CA; brother, Donald R. Rancour of San Jose, Ca; his eldest son Rick Rancour and his wife Sheila Rancour of Santa Cruz, Ca; his youngest son John Rancour and his wife Teri Thieme-Rancour of Campbell and Murphys, Ca; his grandchildren, Richard L. Rancour and Shawna M. Rancour of Santa Cruz, Ca. Although he will be missed, we know that Fred is finally at peace, without pain or suffering, and with the Lord. Perhaps he is doing a little fishing or pheasant hunting or enjoying a good meal. We sure hope so. Until we meet again, we love you!

Family and friends are invited to attend his funeral services to be held on July 13, 2022, at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, CA at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of the Roses. Graveside services will follow at 12:00 p.m. within the Oak Hill Memorial Park. 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125

Memorial contributions in his honor can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkisonsfoundation.org Click on this link and go to “How to Give” and then you can make a “Tribute Donation” in his name.