I met Fred while working at Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio and in his role as a principal he served as a an assessor of leadership skills for upcoming campus administrators for our region. He demonstrated a real caring for the role of assessor, providing guidance and support to the candidates that went through the leadership assessment. He always brought a personal connection and provided a related story to the work. He was such a great leader and always made everyone feel appreciated. I had not realized until today that he had passed. My prayers go to his family and I want them to know how much he was loved and respected by those of us in the education field.

I retired from active full time teaching in 2006, so missed the news of Fred's death in 2008. I just saw this obituary, and it makes me very sad. I worked for him as a counselor at Thornton Elementary for a year and want to let his friends and family know what an incredible human being and awesome boss he was. The support he lent me during what had to be one of the most trying years of my career in education was so appreciated. I will always think of him with love and gratitude. May God rest his soul and his memory be a blessing.

Mr Dyas, was sad to learn he is gone. Fred Dyas was the most influential teacher I have had. He taught me so very many things: Mathematics, History, and probably most importantly Chess. His impact on my life can not be overstated. Without Fred Dyas I would never had gone on to studying Engineering, Science, and Languages. I went on to become a code-breaker for the US Marines and broke many codes and ciphers in the 80's and 90's. I was able to do this because Fred Dyas pounded Math and Chess into my head which gave me the discipline and knowledge early on in life. It is with great sadness to learn that he passed away in 2008. I exchanged emails with him from time to time before he was gone. He will be missed.

RIP my dear mentor, What a loss I am so sorry for his family and want you all to know this man helped me become the human I am today. I am so happy that in the last part of the year of 2007 I was able to write to him and let him know how much he ment to me, and to let him know that I to followed in his footsteps. Thank you Mr. Dyas for everything...

I met Fred my first year of teaching at Adams Hill. He remained a friend for my entire teaching career and for years afterwards. He was a friend first and later became my principal at Cody elementary. 
I left teaching to go into educational publishing and saw Fred at PDK meetings and kept in touch. 
The last time I saw Fred was at Alamo Cafe where he kissed my bald head as he was leaving! 
Always a character and a friend.

I am so sorry. It's now October and I just heard the terrible news. I loved Mr. Dyas, he was my 4th and 5th grade teacher at Adams Hill Elementary in the 1970s. He changed my life in so many ways. We found each other again many years later, I'm now an adult and a mother. We had lunch together a couple of years ago and I couldn't believe everything that he remembered about those years I was in school. He remembered my friends and things that I did. I couldn't believe it. I will always remember our last visit together. I wish I had known of his passing. I am so heart broken. God bless him and his family. There will never be another teacher, friend, caring person like Mr. Dyas.

Fred and I graduated from Bossier High together in 1966. He was always a joy to be around and had a smile and laugh for everyone. He is missed.

I beat Mr. Dyas at chess during my final year at Thornton Elem. I was on my way to middle school, and Mr. Dyas acknowledged my win during the final awards ceremony held at the school cafeteria, good-naturedly presenting me with a certificate, completed by his handwritten signature. Six years and many more awards later, I hold this most special to me. To be 11 again, and harked by dear Mr. Dyas as 'the best' is an experience I have been privileged to behold. Mr. Dyas, you have touched so many young minds with the wonderment of achieving things beyond our childhood dreams. Your encouragement remains in me to this day, and I hope to never lose the magic you have brought into my young life.

Words are an inadequate expression of what we carry in our hearts. Our words seem insufficient even to measure the sacrifice both you and Anna Marie had to endure to live through your illness. You were a true hero to all to the end, holding steadfast the love for your wife! Your truest testimony is in the way you led your live---with dedication, honor and an unquenchable desire to capture the imagination of the people you knew...be it your family, friends or students; you inspired us with your restless spirit of discovery; a true teacher send out to an entire people, instilling us all with the excitement of this journey we ride on this earth. We will all miss your quick wit and sense of humor and you will forever remain in our hearts! 
Love and prayers, 
Xavier & Emma

Anna Marie and Family, 
Please accept my sympathies with Fred's passing. Fred's unannounced visit to my home and invitation to join him at Thornton is what prompted me to remain in public education. I saw God's hand in it all. I shall miss him more than you know. In Christ, Richard Drozd 
Romans 8:38-39

Please except our condolences in your loss. We knew Mr. Dyas because of my daughter who was at thornton elementary. She had a hard time adjusting from private school to public school and he made sure everyday that she was ok. Her adjustment was amazing after that. I thank god for sending us this very special angel to have touched our lives. Sincerely, Becky Garcia

Hello, 
 I am very sorry for your loss I am a student from thornton elementry school. I graduted this year as soon as I heard about your loss I felt really bad. Mr. Dyas would help me with alot of things like catching up with my work. I had tough challenges because I went from private school to public school but Mr. Dyas helped me through the really hard times and I will have him in my prayers. Sincerly, Monica Garcia

Mr. Dyas was the principal for my three kids, now 19 years old. His smile and wit and genuine caring for all the kids at his school impressed me greatly. I have no doubt that Mr. Dyas played a major role in helping my kids and many thousands of others to get a good start in their lives.

My deepest sympathies to all of Fred's family and friends...and that includes a LOT of people! I first met Fred when my father had to do a year of internship before he could be ordained as a pastor. He went into the ministry late in life I was in high school, but he really felt God's call. Our family had been living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, for the three previous years while my dad attended the seminary there. So by the time we moved to San Antonio, where my dad was assigned to as an intern, I was in my senior year in high school. Believe me, such a big move was a huge shock to the whole family...everything was different: climate, culture, people, etc. Our family really felt sort of lost, and very much like strangers in this "new" world. Until we met Fred. This was in 1967, and Fred was President of our church's youth group. Fred really took our family under his wing, and showed us around and became a good friend to all of us...once we could understand his Texan accent. So anyway I knew him when he was a student at SAC and still unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. He and my dad, especially, enjoyed long conversations about life and theology, and I'm pretty sure he liked my mom's cooking, too! But ever since then, Fred has been a special family friend. It's understandable to me to read about how much he cared about everyone he ever met...and how we all suffered his silly stories and bad puns I think he got those from my dad,, who went to his heavenly home in 1998. No one who knew Fred ever forgot him. He loved life; he simply swallowed it whole! Even though it's very hard for me to even imagine a world without Fred in it, I'm so glad that he knew the Lord, and that his pain and suffering is over. I can just picture him and my dad, laughing together, as they always did I find it interesting how so many of you were surprised that Fred remembered you and your name. I think that kind of comes from my dad's favorite verses: Isaiah 43:1-4:"Fear not, for I have called you by name...." To all of Fred's family and friends, I pray that the Peace that passes all understanding be with you all. To Hazel: our hearts are breaking for all you have been through. My mom sends you her prayers and blessings, as do I. To Fred: farewell...for now. We'll see you soon. Sally Skramstad Petersen bg

I am proud to have known and graduated from BHS with Fred. Ron Sims

I first met Mr. Dyas when I was attending summer school at Cable Elementary. He was the principal there and my mother, Dolores Garcia, was a teacher there. I eventually grew up and moved on with my life, until recently he ran into my mother one summer and asked her how "his girl" was doing. I was surprised that he still remembered me after so many years, but that was the type of person Mr. Dyas was. He would never forget you. Mr. Dyas is someone that I will never forget. I will miss you dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and he will forever be missed.

Mr. Dyas was my principal when I was a student at Valley Hi in the early 80's. He later became a mentor when I was in college to become a teacher. He was a wonderful, caring man. I will always remember his smile, and his true dedication to our children. God must have needed another angel in heaven to watch over our kids. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

We will all miss you, to a great principal. May God bless your family at this time.

My most profound and deepest sympathies 
know that my prayers and thoughts are with you God Bless You Always.

Mr. Dyas was a blessing for my whole family. He has given me opportunities to do what I love in a wonderful district. He also served as a Principal to my children, Bridgette and Ashley. He was the "cool" principal who believed in their dreams to train whales and become a photographer. He encouraged and inspired us to reach for the stars, and I don't know that he realized his impact. We are living our dreams, and he helped in that. I know Mr. Dyas is in Heaven surrounded by Saints who are hearing stories from a man who led through love and the courage of his convictions.

We first met Fred when he started coming to the gym with his neighbor Kay. He fast became a regular member of our water aerobics class. With Fred's personality and charm, he quickly made friends with all the other participants. No one will ever forget Fred's imitation of a shark swimming in the water while friends "thumped-out" the sound track of "Jaws." I'll always remember the "High Fives" I had with Fred in the water. Not really "high fives" because Fred always seemed to miss my hand as we'd go splashing past each other in the water - laughing all the way. We know Fred was a joy to his family because he was such a joy to be around for just the time we had with him at the gym. Fred will be sorely missed as a member of our water aerobics class. Our prayers are with his wife and extended family.

My sympathies to his wife, children, and his mother Hazel.

Mr. Dyas was my elementry school principal for 5 years, but his influence on my life spanned much longer. I can't count the number of times I ran into him in public and each time he remembered my name, like I was the only child to have ever walked into his office. He had so many children to watch over...it meant the world to me that 15 years later he still knew my name. He was such a caring, giving person and he will be dearly missed. Almost 2 years ago he was visiting my mother and another friend at work and was showing them some pictures he had taken. One was a beautiful pink flower. He told my mother that he thought I would like that picture and that she should take it to me. She did and as my husband and I were packing to move into a house early last week I put that beautiful pink flower into a box to move to our new house...little did I know laster that week that picture would mean more to me than I thought it ever could. When I found that Mr. Dyas had gone to be with the Lord last Friday my first thought was of Ashley, as we went to school together when we were young and I just recently lost my step-father...I know its hard and my heart is with you Ashley. But my second thought was of that pink flower and how it will have a very special place in our new home. 
You will be missed My. Dyas. You were a wonderful man. Thank you for the impact you had on my life. You were more than just a principal, you were an influence, an inspiration, and a friend.

Fred will be missed. He was a dedicated educator who inspired many children from all walks of life. He also was a passionate advocate for Parkinson's and worked tirelessly to fund Parkinson's reseach and find a cure.

Throughout my many years of school filled with a myriad of educators, my single year at Thornton Elementary stands out most of all. Mr. Dyas is one of the most influential memories from my time there. He was more than simply a friend of my family and a leader for my school. He was a support system, an encourager, and a believer. At a very young age I had a dream, and where many dismissed my ambition as frivolous or unachievable, Mr. Dyas showed me enthusiasm. When that dream came, he was just as excited as my family at my accomplishment. I can only hope that I can influence others in such a positive way that Mr. Dyas influenced me.

Mr. Dyas was truly one of a kind. Our PTA meetings were always filled with laughter and it was usually because of some story or joke that he had told. He was so proud of Thornton and truly loved each and every one of the students who passed him in the halls. You could see it in his smile and hear it in his voice. It was because of his spirit that he was loved by students and parents alike. We will miss him and his laughter. Dureen, Jeff, Jessica, Megan, Noah and Eli Siebersma

My heart goes out to the family in the loss of such a wonderful person. 
I have known Fred for over 30 years as we worked together in NISD and PDK. 
After we had both retired, our paths crossed as we worked together at the NISD School Museum and participated in water aerobics class. 
Fred never met a stranger and he valued his position as an educator to the extent I believe he considered it truly a privilege to assist a child in their learning. 
He genuinely loved watching children learn and being a part of that. 
What courage he showed us all in later years.

Anna Marie, my heart and prayers are with you and your family. Fred was a true friend and classmate at BHS. I'll always remember the great weekend he and I spent at Buzz's house last year. He kept Buzz and I up all night with his stories and great wit. I will miss him.

Early in my education career, when I first moved to San Antonio, you offered me my first job at Thornton Elementary NISD. You were so proud of your school, teachers and students. You encouraged and supported all to excel ? you believed in life, love, and family. I treasure in my memory your gift of charity, leadership, and encouragement. Because God put you in my path, my life is richer. Thank you. 
Anna Marie and Family ? may memories of your loved one comfort you at this difficult time. 
Carmen Rodriguez, Ed. D.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Fred's passing. I met Fred when he was principal at Valley Hi Elementary. Over the years, as we crossed paths, I relished his wonderful sense of humor and his positive outlook on life. It was impossible to talk with Fred and not come away happier than before. I am privileged to have known him. He and his family will be in my prayers.

I wanted to take the time to share my thoughts about Fred. I hadn't known Fred for very long but he made everyone he came in contact with feel they had known him for ever. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Even his bad jokes some were really bad were funny when he told them! I will never forget the last time I saw Fred at the Parkinson's Walk in April. He looked so tired but he still felt he had to come. He had such a heart for the People with Parkinson's and was committed to doing his part. Fred will truly be missed. Valerie

The Pipes family would like to extend our sympathy and sorrow to Fred's family on his passing. He was always someone even during his illness that always left you smiling and laughing. He had the ability to uplift people when they were down and great energy that was contagious. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him and those he touched. Those children that he touched and counseled through the years will carry on that energy and spirit that Fred had and he will live on through them. We pray for God's speed to Anna, Scott, Anne and Matt. The Pipes Family 
Randy, Dianne, Nathan,and Andrew

My condolences go out to the Dyas family. Mr. Dyas will be missed !! My daughter attended Thornton Elementary and he was her principal for those 5 of her 6 years. She absolutely loved him. Thornton has not been the same without him.

We would like to send our sincere sympathy to all of you. I know Fred will be terribly missed by all. You are all in our prayers. I remember when Fred and Anne Marie were going to get married and they asked if I could make their bridal shower cake, it was such a joy to do that for the two of you. We have had the pleasure of Fred blessing 3 of our children's lives through Thornton Elementary and he will forever be remembered. I know at times as this it is so hard to accept reality but just realize that he is in the arms of our most precious Lord and Savior now and he is no longer suffering. He is no longer shaking or in pain and his body is in perfect condition right now cause there is no pain and there is no suffering, no sickness and no death. He will live on forever in a perfect and healthy body. Our prayers and love are with you always. God bless you all with His peace, love, joy and comfort. Focus on the laughter and the best times you were able to share with Fred. 
Love, 
Debbie, Michael Sr., Leilani, Mandy, and Michael Antonio Irizarry

I am so sorry for your loss, Anne Marie and family. As a fellow educator, I am so proud of my fellow classmate,Fred, for the work he performed and the passion he held for the work he did. I thank Buzz for reuniting me with our class and giving me the opportunity to know that Fred was just down the road in SA doing good things for kids and families. What a man! I am sorry that I cannot be there to pay respects to a great educator, a great man, but I will need to be with my family as my 89 yr old dad will undergo lung surgery on Tues for cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Bobbie Hill Huffman, class of 66

Anna Marie and children: We have fond memories of Mr. Dyas and his many stories/jokes. At the end of our Executive Board meetings when each member had the opportunity to discuss/speak we always knew he had a joke or story to tell. We were honored to have had the opportunity to work with such a devoted administrator. His love for the children and education was his life long purpose. He has left us and our children with lasting memories we will cherish forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Anna Marie and family, 
 My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Fred was a wonderful soul who lived life to the fullest, and he will be greatly missed. May God's strength and blessings be with you and your family.

It was my pleasure to know and work with Fred. We enjoyed him coming into the office with that certain grin on his face, waiting to tell his latest joke or story. Northside has lost a true friend and one that will sorely be missed. My sympathy and prayers go out to all of his family.

I only had the good fortune to meet Fred once at a PD Support Group meeting, but it was clear from that one time that his strength of spirit and sense of humor made him a person to be truly admired. 
Best regards, 
Philip Billnitzer

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.

We will all truly miss Mr.Dyas. He was a passionate man and he inspired so many. I will never forget the day he convinced me to stay working as a teacher. His words were: "Just stay for a week and then you can make a decision." Nine years later, I have him to thank for playing a part in that. I will miss his stories, photos, and jokes. ---Valerie Martinez

Refuse to be discouraged- are the words that will forever hear echo our minds when we think of Fred, AKA... Mr. Dyas. As former students of Mr. Dyas... back in 5th grade at Adams Hill Elementary... both my husband and I have fond memories of a great year. 
We are very sad to loose such a great friend, mentor and role model. Our hearts and prayers go out to Anna and his family. Find peace in knowing that Fred is in heaven and forever free of pain. Gone but not forgotten- Nancy Squatrito & Jim Kilborn & Dylan and Katy

I was in the Class of 1966 with Fred in Bossier. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest condolences to all. I am a fellow class member of the 1966 Bossier High School graduating class. God Bless

I was so sorry to hear about Fred's 
passing. I am the Weight Watchers 
leader from Saturday at the Bandera 
Rd. location. He was a joy to have in 
my meetings. He always had something 
to share to the other members. He will 
be missed by everyone. 
God Bless to you Maria and your family. 
Paula Lawson

I?ll deeply miss Fred?s passionate spirit. He was a very special man, one whom I admire and love. Mr. Dyas hired me at Thornton Elem. as an Instructional Assistant. When a position for an Elem. Computer Technologist became available I applied for the position. I admitted to Mr. Dyas that I didn?t have much experience in computers, but he gave me the job anyway. He encouraged me to take classes and expand my knowledge. This deed allowed me to grow professionally. I?ll be forever grateful to him because he took a chance and believed in me. 
I?ll miss his laughter and funny jokes, but most of all his friendship. Zelda Gonzalez

I will truly miss Fred. He was such a joy to have in our water aerobics classes. They wont be the same without him. His jolly spirit was contagious. Many blessings to his family.

You are my HERO! 
Fred a hole is in my heart with your passing but a bright star is in heaven with a new angel. I shall always remember the passion you have for education and your appreciation for children and their needs. You Fred were always the ear to listen, the hand to help and the compassion to comprehend someone in pain. Your legacy will go on for generations to come through your students to their children and your friends to our grand children and your children to your grand children. I will miss you dear heart, your stories, your charm and the love you have for your Faith Family and Friends. Always in my heart ??MMM

Precious Fred....thank you for your grace,encouragement,leadership,humor and opportunity as a first year teacher at Valley Hi Elementary...thinking of you always makes my spirit smile.....I miss you and offer my deepest thoughts and prayers for your dear family.

Thank you for all that you have done for our children.

Fred was a friend to all at Bossier High School. During that time, there was a television public service announcement that played frequently: 
"A teacher affects eternity" Fred certainly did exactly that and I'm sure he touched and affected lives of hundreds of children and that effect will truly be seen for eternity.

I'm so very sad today. I've lost such a good and long time friend, but I will cherish all the happy memories I have of working and laughing with Fred over these last 35 years! That's the best way I know to keep him with us - in our hearts. My deepest condolences to you all.

Anna Marie, 
I met Fred for the first time since we graduated BHS at the 40th year reunion. We had an opportunity to chat at length. We were not close friends in high school, but, while we were talking, I realized how much I had missed out on. Fred became one of my heroes for the way he refused to let his disease keep him from living his life. He had the same positive attitude my father had he had polio and lived in an iron lung for the last 15 years of his life, yet he was the most optimistic person I knew. My heart aches for the crater that must be in your heart, and I know you will miss him greatly for the rest of your life. My husband died 5 days after hurricane Katrina hit our area, and I still miss him tremendously. Please know the empathy, and sympathy, I feel for you. Donna Alexander Settoon

Fred was a wonderful person, I first met him when he was a principal at Ed Cody Elem. School for my children. I then got to know him as the President of the Alamo Area Parkinsons Assoc. He was a delightful man who always made people feel at ease and laugh. No matter what life threw at him he was up and in good spirits. He was a good leader, family man, a friend to everyone and a talented photographer. He loved to show his beautiful pictures of nature. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Heaven is an even better place today, with Fred in it's numbers. He lived life to the fullest and never forgot his friends.....the class of BHS '66 has lost one of our finest and we are mourning with you and for you. 
Please know we are praying for God's peace and comfort for your family and may your minds be flooded with happy memories.

My greatest educational experiences occurred as we developed the team concepts at Thornton. Fred's leadership and encouragement to excel while demonstrating innovative techniques to enhance learning for all students will continue to last within those of us honored to have been part of his faculty. My prayers are with Anne Marie and all of the children, God Bless you and know that many of us that have pursued our educational endeavors will continuously be appreciative for the opportunities Fred springboarded in our lives.

Mr. Dyas reached so many people through his years of service in Northside. It would be difficult to even guess at how many students, teachers, parents, and administrators are better today because of his example and caring. I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with him. He will be sorely missed. 
I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. Whenever I think of those teachers that have had the most impact on my life, Mr. Dyas tops that list. I was a 6th grade student at Adam's Hill Elementary during his first year there in maybe 1973?. He was the first teacher that I remember that really challenged us to think. He was such an inspiration to all of us, and as we became adults , a friend and mentor to many. I will always remember him fondly.

Mr. Dyas was my 3rd grade teacher at Adam's Hill in 1976. He made a huge impression on me and my older brother, Col. Rodger Drew, USAF, and older sister, Annie, who were also students of his. He had a way of making you believe in yourself. He was bigger than life. I will always remember his huge smile. This would not be a proper tribute if I didn't mention the fact that I think about him every time I have to swat a fly. He taught us to distract with one hand and swat or catch with the other. Some things you learn in 3rd grade stick with you forever. Thanks Mr. Dyas! We all loved you :

I learned much from Mr. Dyas. He was an inspiration to me. He offered his support when I needed it the most. I always enjoyed listening to his words of wisdom.

Fred wrote the following poem in October of 2006 and gave me a copy along with a beautiful photo of a water lily that he had taken himself. The photo captured both the sun and shadows on the water lily, and perhaps that inspired this expression of his thoughts: WATER LILLY DELIGHT - A Metaphor for Life The enlightenment of life, Sunlight and 
The mysteries of life, Shadows 
Combine to make the world God has provided us. 
Sunlight begats knowledge and shadows begat faith. 
It is through the intertwining of knowledge and faith, 
The mortal words we use for what God has or has not revealed to us and 
What he demands or we accept by his command 
That allows mankind a certain spirituality. Life, the big picture as seen by mortals... 
Is woven and comes together through the tapestries of our experience. 
What we understand today is tomorrow's mystery and 
What is a mystery today was yesterday's understanding. Because beauty in totality life, 
Cannot be realized without the appropriate blend of both. 
One at hand and the other fleeting or visa-versa and ever so changing... 
The miracle of humanness. Keep the faith, 
Revel in the sunlight and endeavor to know the shadows. 
All will be revealed... 
In God's time. By Fred Dyas, October 2006.

To the Dyas Family We all know how much Mr. Dyas meant to us all. There is no greater love than when a man gives up his life for someone else. Mr. Dyas gave his whole life to serving others through his encouragements, photos and actions. 
Accept this poem as a tribute: 
Hope 
When we lose someone that we love and the loss is too great to bear 
our friends are there to comfort us 
to show they deeply care. 
Yet in the very darkest hours 
When no one is around 
That's where God's love can be found. 
Know that He is beside you 
He has been there from the start 
Just reach out and ask for help 
He will heal your aching heart. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Evelyn M. Hardaman 
Region 20 ATPE 
Past President 
---poem taken from Ginny Bryant-Journey of Love

My thoughts are with the Dyas and Cowan families. Mr. Dyas was a true inspiration and helped create a learning environment that gave rise to generations of students that were excited about learning and determined to do good things and touch peoples' lives just like he did.

OBITUARY

Fred Dyas

December 23, 1948 – June 13, 2008

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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