Fred Lanphier
(1922 - 2009)

Memorial Websites / All Memorials / Lanphier, Fred
Profile:
Fred Lanphier

Birth:
July 21, 1922

Passing:
June 17, 2009


Memorial
Fredrick “Fred” A. Lanphier, 86, quietly joined his Heavenly Father on June 17, 2009. He was a music lover/performer – instrumental, song and dance; and a wordsmith extraordinaire – poetry, sci-fi and war memoirs.
Born in Hutchinson, KS on July 21, 1922, Fred played French horn in the high school band and loved spending quiet days fishing with his father and grandfather. In the late 50s he lived in Long Island, NY; 1960-1980 Glendora and Glendale, CA; 1980-2003 Laguna Hills, CA prior to moving to Yuba City, CA.
Fred served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a Flying Tiger P-51 pilot in the CBI theatre. Captain Lanphier’s WWII memoirs are in the Admiral Nimitz Museum, Fredericksburg, TX and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
He spent the majority of his working years in sales traveling all 50 states. His favorite activities were singing in church choirs, at piano bars, in a professional trio…and swing/latin ballroom dancing with his wife Dorothy, winning several dance contests.
Fred and Dorothy were very involved with the Orange County Christian Couples group (KC), the Orange County Professional Organ Guild, and activities with Dr. Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Dorothy Lanphier; sister Irene Martindell, Hutchinson, KS; son Lee (Cheryl) Lanphier, Talent, OR; daughters Debbie (Bob) Shetland, Mission Viejo, CA; Sharene Josephs, Sacramento, CA; and Sheila (Michael) Kelly-Houston, Yuba City, CA; 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 12:00 noon at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Military Honors will be provided by the Beale AFB Honor Guard. Fred’s final resting place will be at Sacramento Valley Veterans National Cemetery, Dixon, CA.

Stories
My Singing Buddy Fred
(Using Songs from the Gaither Gospel Music to Celebrate His Life)



Fred watched the Gaither Gospel Hour and heard Good Old Gospel Singing
It is no Secret what God can Do when The Old Gospel Shi...
Gary Bunney (Nephew) wrote
July 18th, 2009

Guest Book Wall (What is this?)
Lee Lanphier
June 25th, 2009
"This is the memorial I set up for Fred Lanphier. To add your own comment, click on the "Add Comment" button below. "

Corey White
(neighbor)
June 27th, 2009
"I was very honored to call Fred my friend and neighbor. His presence along with his wonderfully friendly nature was always welcome in my home and felt within my heart. His way of turning an ordinary dish into the best he's ever had was a joy to experience. He will be missed. My prayers are with his family and friends, may your wonderful memories of such a great man keep him in your hearts forever.
With Sympathy,
Corey and Vic White"

Marie Carney
(Business)
June 28th, 2009
"I am sorry I never really got to know Fred. Every time I saw him he was rather quiet and always had a smile on his face. The thing I remember most about him is how he was quick to point out the accomplishments of Dorothy and other family members. He was the kind of man who had a strong, loving presence in the home. I know he will be missed."

Steve & Daphne Martindell
(nephew and wife)
June 28th, 2009
"Dear Aunt Dorothy and Lee,

We are very saddened by Uncle Fred's passing away.

With our deepest sympathy,
Steve
and
Daphne"

Michele Edelman
(family friend)
June 29th, 2009
"Fred had the most delightful sense of humor and his poetry was passionate and beautiful. On our last vist at daughter Sheila's wedding Fred squeezed my hand then looked over at his wife Dorothy who was busy chatting with guests. He grinned as he said, "Isn't she something?" It was such a joy to see a man that much in love after more than twenty years.
Fred and I shared a love of all things Star Trek and in that spirit I commend all who knew him to be "Keepers of the Katra" until the day we join Fred in heaven!
Michele and Jack Edelman"

Betty Holbeck
(Friend)
June 29th, 2009
"To Dorothy and Family,
I only met Fred a couple of times. However, I could see what a pleasant and thoughtful person that Fred truly was. What a gentle soul!
I know how much you loved your Fred and together, what a gracious couple you were.
Dorothy, you told us so many stories of the full life of fun and adventure that you experienced with Fred.
What wonderful memories to treasure!
I have known you for several years Dorothy, and I consider that a blessing.
You have such a zest for life and a great sense of humor. You are also a very strong person and I know that you will continue to enjoy life to the fullest. Your Fred would want that for you.
I am glad that you came to join our Art class. You add so much to our group and continue to inspire all of us.
Forever your Friend,
Forever in Prayer,
Betty Holbeck"

Barbara & Jean Irvin
(Long Time Friends)
July 1st, 2009
"To Dorothy & Family,
This picture of Fred tells it all! What a great guy to have known for 29+years. We have so many fond memories to look back on. Our KC Couples Group have you Dorothy to Thank. You, our Secretary, kept us organized for the past 50 years! Now,we have more KC's in Heaven than here on earth! I think Fred makes #16 Wonderful to know we will all be reunited once again. Jean and I will always remember the great time we had when we finally got you and Fred to join Carter's and us on taking the cruise to the Mexican Riveria. All eyes were watching you and Fred on the Dance Floor! Also, loved hearing Fred sing "Karaoke", he had such a good voice! Oh yes------not to forget how he brought smiles to our faces when he did such a great job impersonating "Donald Duck"
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves us a gift of memories in exchange.
Remember Dorothy, you have friends who will listen and care...we are here for you.
With Christian Love,
Barbara and Jean Irvin"

Mike Flynn
(Friend)
July 1st, 2009
"Knowing Fred has been such a pleasure. I have known Fred for over 30 years. Back in the old ABC Arts days. I know he took great pleasure in that time of being able to work with Lee and Debbie. He was always full of surprises. I was honored to receive a copy of his WWII flying memoirs. He always had such a cheerful disposition he will be missed.
May God Bless
Mike and Garlin Flynn"

Stacey Dowdall
(friend)
July 2nd, 2009
"Dear Dorothy and Sheila,

I'm so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was such a lovely man and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed by many I'm sure.

Take care and I hope to see you all soon.
Love, Stacey"

Denny Pezzin
(Friend)
July 4th, 2009
"Fred was such a kind and funny man... I used to love it when he and Dorothy would come in to see me perform... Fred somehow would always make me laugh... And watching the two of them dance together was like "Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers"... always graceful and perfect... I will miss that so much... God bless you Dorothy... And remember... You will dance together again in Our Lord's Great Ballroom... Fred will look dapper and classy, as always...And you will be wearing your red dress.He loved you in that.God bless you."

Pat Duffié
(friend)
July 11th, 2009
"Dearest Fred,
What a delight it was to know you. Claire, you, Dorothy,and I had so many wonderful evenings dancing away our troubles and feeling joy to the core. I'm sure you've found my Claire and are sharing airplane stories and listening to swing music. We here will always remember your wonderful smile, gentle manner, and kindness. Your crooning was pretty terrific too! I still cherish the poem you wrote for me on my birthday in 1994. You will always be loved and missed. My heartfelt wishes to those you left behind, and, Dorothy, you know I will always be there for you.
With love,
Pat Duffié"

Stephani Asche
(Great Niece to Dorothy)
July 11th, 2009
"There are certain people you meet along the way that that are truly are a blessing in your life. It was mentioned, Fred always had a smile on his face, this is true! I did not have the pleasure to share a lot of moments with Fred, but the times I did share with him his smile, his character told me his soul was smiling as well I know because after spending time with him so was mine.

I love you Dorothy, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry I could not make it down on the fourth."

Matthew Bunney
(Nephew)
July 13th, 2009
"My heart is saddened to know that this world is less one wonderful light of God's glory, but I am overjoyed to know that Fred is now Glorifying God in Heaven.
Funny story, Seeing Fred and Dorothy dance live was one of the main reasons for me to take up Dance classes in University, I turned out pretty good, and goes to show that dancing must run in the family eh? Many thanks for the memories, and I am looking forward to Dancing for our Lord one fine day."

Mary Guerguerian
(Dorothy's Friend)
July 13th, 2009
"My Dearest Dorothy,
I am so sorry to hear about Fred's death. I will always remember you dancing together and being so jealous that my husband didn't do the same thing as you did, dipping and being so syncronized. He was truly a gentleman, and always said something nice to me and my husband at all the Unisys Christmas parties. My deepest condolences to you and all of your families.
Love,
Mary G"

David Gencarella
(friend)
July 13th, 2009
"Dear Dorothy:

I was saddened to hear about Fred's passing. I just wanted to share a memory with you. As you know, he worked with us for a few years at PRL. He was always the bright spot of hope and encouragement. I always new, if things looked up or they looked down, from his perspective it was always positive and it would always turn out well.

His most remembered saying had to be, "there is no one worthless because even problem people can serve as an example of what not to do" (paraphrased). No matter the situation, he had a positive spin for it. This attitude helped get us through many trials and difficulties.

Thank you for sharing him with me during those PRL years. He significantly impacted my perspective and the way I deal with situations even today.

He will be missed by us until again, we see him with our Lord and Saviour.
David Gencarella"

Kully
(Banker)
July 14th, 2009
"Hi Dorothy
I am so sorry to hear about Fred. It was always a pleasure to see the both of you at the bank and work with you. I will always remember your wonderful stories about life adventures. I am sorry I missed you when you were in last with your cruise album. I hope I will get the opportunity again.
With sympathy
Kully
"

Roddy Behlen
(Uncle)
July 14th, 2009
"I didn't know Fred all that well (My fault) but I remember that every one of the discussions we had over the years were terrific! Also as a fellow aviator, we had some unique stuff in common.
Fred was a loving person of impeccable character.
Rod"

Hover your mouse over the wall images to see each guest book entry.

Guest Book (17 entries)
I didn't know Fred all that well (My fault) but I remember that every one of the discussions we had over the years were terrific! Also as a fellow aviator, we had some unique stuff in common.
Fred was a loving person of impeccable character.
Rod
Roddy Behlen (Uncle)
July 14th, 2009
Hi Dorothy
I am so sorry to hear about Fred. It was always a pleasure to see the both of you at the bank and work with you. I will always remember your wonderful stories about life adventures. I am sorry I missed you when you were in last with your cruise album. I hope I will get the opportunity again.
With sympathy
Kully
Kully (Banker)
July 14th, 2009
Dear Dorothy:

I was saddened to hear about Fred's passing. I just wanted to share a memory with you. As you know, he worked with us for a few years at PRL. He was always the bright spot of hope and encouragement. I always new, if things looked up or they looked down, from his perspective it was always positive and it would always turn out well.

His most remembered saying had to be, "there is no one worthless because even problem people can serve as an example of what not to do" (paraphrased). No matter the situation, he had a positive spin for it. This attitude helped get us through many trials and difficulties.

Thank you for sharing him with me during those PRL years. He significantly impacted my perspective and the way I deal with situations even today.

He will be missed by us until again, we see him with our Lord and Saviour.
David Gencarella
David Gencarella (friend)
July 13th, 2009
My Dearest Dorothy,
I am so sorry to hear about Fred's death. I will always remember you dancing together and being so jealous that my husband didn't do the same thing as you did, dipping and being so syncronized. He was truly a gentleman, and always said something nice to me and my husband at all the Unisys Christmas parties. My deepest condolences to you and all of your families.
Love,
Mary G
Mary Guerguerian (Dorothy's Friend)
July 13th, 2009
My heart is saddened to know that this world is less one wonderful light of God's glory, but I am overjoyed to know that Fred is now Glorifying God in Heaven.
Funny story, Seeing Fred and Dorothy dance live was one of the main reasons for me to take up Dance classes in University, I turned out pretty good, and goes to show that dancing must run in the family eh? Many thanks for the memories, and I am looking forward to Dancing for our Lord one fine day.
Matthew Bunney (Nephew)
July 13th, 2009
Your Contact Details







Remember to proofread. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit.

Select an icon to go along with your message.
Default Icon (Free)


Virtual Gift Icons. ($5 each)

Adding a virtual gift icon to someone's memorial is a lovely way to show you care. You may want to mark a birthday, leave a flower, or just show the family or friends of the person you are thinking of them. iLasting uses the revenue generated from these gift icons to continually update the site.

captcha


Candles

"We were blessed 29 years ago to met Fred when he and Dorothy were married. Our visits were a joy. Fred's sense of humor, kind gentle ways will be in our hearts forever. His smile,like a candle, could light up a room. Wayne & Kathie 7-15-09"
Wayne & Kathie Christensen
July 15th, 2009
"I did not have the pleasure of knowing Fred, but I worked with Dorothy for many years. She would have such wonderful stories to tell about Fred and herself dancing and singing almost every day of the week. Dorothy, my love & prayers are with you."
Peggy McDivitt
July 13th, 2009
"I light a candle to a guy who was my Singing Buddy. We really enjoyed singing together and I will miss those times but I know that he is singing away in that place that knows no sunset or dawning. Here's to you, Fred!!!"
Gary Bunney
July 11th, 2009
"Uncle Fred lighted up the world with his energy and passion for his couunty USA with his life and love for all mankind. Kudos to Uncle Fred."
Steve & Daphne Martindell
June 28th, 2009

Comment

You have 250 characters left.

captcha

Share With Family & Friends


Email

to multiple people.

Create a Memorial

Create your own memorial website and then have family and friends contribute their memories.

Get Updates

Add your email below to be notified when visitors post to this memorial.

Share this memorial with people by sending them this link:

http://www.ilasting.com/fredlanphier.php