Frederick (Fred) Ruppert Lieb of Whidbey Island died on Oct. 11, 2009, at the age of 86.
He was born on Sept. 6, 1923 in Chicago, Ill. During the Depression, his parents and three brothers moved to Washington state, traveling with all their belongings on a motorcycle and side- car. He spent his adult life in Washington, moving to Whidbey Island in 1974.
He was very proud to have served in the Marines during World War II; his ship accompanied President Roosevelt back to the U.S. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Washington, then had successful careers as an Alcoa plant foreman, owner of a Renault car dealership and as a real-estate agent.
Community service was an important aspect of his life; he was active in a series of civic groups. Following retirement, he traveled extensively, including trips to Russia and China.
Fritz made friends everywhere he went. His humor and storytelling were legendary; even during his final days, he could keep circles of family and friends entertained with an unending supply of funny stories.
Preceding him in death was his wife of 51 years, Pauline Stephens Lieb; his brothers William, Jim and Charlie; nephews Jeff, Kirk and Rusty; and niece Jamie. He is survived by his children, Wayne, Trudy, Teresa (Payette) and Stephen; his niece Marla Gallagher, his sisters Felicia Cochran and Francis Franchini; and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
His remains will be interred at 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Friends are welcome to attend. Memorial donations can be made to Toys for Tots. Fred will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.