Fred Edmund Ashbaugh

Born on Feb. 9, 1926 in a rural farm house in southern Minnesota, Fred attended a one-room school house until the 8th grade. Growing up he didn’t know what he wanted to do, but knew he didn’t want to be on the farm. University was appealing, but seemed financially out of reach.

Fred’s life changed dramatically when he joined in the Navy in WWII. His position as a radar technician sparked his interest in engineering, and with the help of the GI bill, made university possible. After the war, Fred enrolled in the University of Minnesota, the first in his family to attend college. He continued on to earn a MS in Engineering.

While at U of M, Fred met Arlene, the love of his life and wife of 67 years. They married in 1949 and moved to Seattle to begin his career with Boeing.

Fred valued honesty over expediency and doing what was right over personal gain. Once with Boeing, he worked on a joint investigation with the Air Force to discover why a key part on their space shuttle mission failed. An argument ensued with a general, who wanted to quickly close the case. Exasperated, Fred blurted out, “Your theory doesn’t even pass sophomore physics.” The general promptly called Boeing to have him fired.

From rural farmer to manager of space systems at Boeing, Fred had an extraordinary career. However, he believed family made life fulfilling. After retirement, he focused on his family, building houses for his son and daughter, and helping provide college for his grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his daughter Diane, his brother Wesley and his sister Charlotte. His survivors include Arlene, his son David (Jill), and three wonderful grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Friday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Yarington’s/White Center Funeral Home, 10708 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146.