Frederick "Fred" John Gall passed away on June 20, 2022 with his two daughters by his side. Despite a two-year battle with cancer, Fred’s humor and charm continued to shine brightly, regaling family and friends with stories of a life well and fully lived.
Fred was born in Seattle on June 27, 1944, the eldest son of Fred J. Gall and Constance N. Gall, who both preceded him in passing. Fred attended Ravenna Elementary School and Eckstein Middle School before graduating from Roosevelt High School and later, the University of Washington.
Fred was an avid follower of sports - his love of baseball began at a young age, listening to Vin Scully announce Dodgers games on the radio. Throughout life he also enjoyed following professional golf and football as well as college sports, especially his beloved Huskies.
For many years Fred was a common sight at Longacres and later Emerald Downs. He also made frequent trips to Hollywood Park and Bay Meadows - where he was often seen with a race form in hand, surrounded by good friends and shouts of “come on 3!”.
Fred held jobs in many fields throughout his life including Alaskan fisherman, Rainier Brewery worker, and poker player but his most notable occupation was his time as co-owner of Slidewaters water park in Lake Chelan. Anyone who visited the park may well have been greeted by Fred as they entered, as he wished them all an enjoyable stay, even the most mischievous season’s pass holders.
Above all else, Fred loved his family and cherished the time spent together at holidays and gatherings. Fred was very dedicated to his late mother, Connie, visiting her almost daily for many years after a stroke meant she could no longer live independently. Fred was close with his brothers, Jeff Gall and Dick Gall, visiting them in the Bay Area and speaking on a weekly basis. He was also highly involved in the lives of his daughters - attending school trips, coaching softball, accompanying them on college visits and hosting friends in Lake Chelan.
Fred was a great storyteller, he was never happier than when he was surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones - all gathered around a delicious meal with the full attention of the table listening intently to one of his stories. He was a keen observer of the world around him, made an impression on everyone he met, and had an incomparable sense of humor.
Fred is survived by his daughters Kate (David) Varvel and Stephanie (Chris) Gall, his grandchildren Oona and Rhys and brothers Dick (Joanna) Gall and Jeff (Sally) Gall.
As Frank Sinatra said, “I did it my way”. And so he did.
Donations can be made in Fred’s name to the American Cancer Society.
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