Fred Steven Edwards
September 28, 1952 - April 2, 2019
Fred Steven Edwards left us unexpectedly on April 2nd. He dedicated himself to improving the lives of family, friends, students, and strangers through love, generosity, humor, conversation, education, and service. Fred was a hat collector, a champion of the underdog, a known orator, a desert rat, a fan of a good cruller, and a many-layered man.
Fred was born to Fred & Afton Edwards in Salt Lake City in 1952, one of 6 children. He attended East High and the University of Utah, then spent his career teaching history and caring for alternative students that so-called regular schools didn’t want. Throughout his life Fred both participated in and was a fan of a variety of sports. He was in Little League, went fishing with his dad, played tennis at Liberty Park, skied the Wasatch, ran marathons, and even played a bit of cricket. Fred was a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan and was SO pleased when they finally won the World Series in 2010. And then won AGAIN in 2012…AND 2014! The games he got to see at Candlestick and AT&T Park were a couple of the best-days-ever for him. He kept tabs on the Utah Jazz, the Utes, the NHL, and the PGA, too.
Music was a large part of Fred’s life, too. He had fond memories of listening to his father play the trumpet, which he later played himself. Fred also played banjo and guitar, jamming with friends at Geppetto’s here and there. There was always music close at hand in the house, in the car, and in his head. He loved to listen to a variety of genres: classic rock, jazz, blues, zydeco, folk, and world music.
Fred lived in Salt Lake City his whole life, but traveled near and far, too. He visited the desert canyon lands of Southern Utah multiple times a year. He rode a ferry boat to Alaska, walked miles of streets in San Francisco, partied in New Orleans, took in some history in Washington DC, soaked up sun in Cancun, and took his sweetheart to Paris. There was many a road trip or adventure in between. Here at home, Fred took great pride in being a volunteer at the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Sundance Film Festival (2019 marked his 10th year), speed skating events at the Olympic Oval, and more.
Fred’s wife Corinne and daughter Sara benefited from his love, goofiness, support, wisdom, and encouragement for 38 years. Fred delighted in being a G’Pa to his granddaughter Abigail for the last 6 years. Our hearts are broken from losing our loving, sentimental sweetheart, papa, G’pa, dedicated friend, and brother. Freddie’s heart failed him, but it NEVER failed us.
A celebration of Fred’s life will take place Wednesday, April 10, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the clubhouse of the Shadybrook condo community (approximately 3350 South 700 East; please only park in designated parking spots).
In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness and cheer for the San Francisco Giants this year.
In Loving Memory
I am heartbroken for you all and send my love. I am so sorry we cannot be there, but please know you are in our prayers. Jan (Mrs. Bill Edwards forever) Laura and Chris Redman Mary Catherine and Caleb McKnight
My deepest sympathy regarding the loss of your beloved relative. May God comfort and strengthen family members and friends during this difficult time. (Psalms 29:11) Respectfully,
Our hearts are broken to hear this news! We didn’t know Fred long.but one could never forget him! We were lucky enough to live next to these two wonderful people for two years! We have wonderful memories him! I’ll never smell pipe smoke again without thoughts of Fred!
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Fred was an amazing man and always so funny! He will be missed! Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I had the pleasure of working with Fred at Valley High School for only one short year prior to his retirement but a memorable year it was! Fred was such a unique individual who had an amazing way of reaching those hard to reach students. Even though I only knew him for a short time, I will never forget him. Whenever I smell pipe smoke, I will think of Fred. May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. It was my pleasure to work with Fred for several years at the old Valley High. He was an intelligent historian who cared deeply for the students. His sarcasm and dry wit kept them in stitches much of the time. I know he helped open minds and a host of successful young adults are better for having had him as their teacher. Great choice on the picture, it captures him perfectly! Rest in Peace Fred, you are missed!
What a beautiful obituary. I mostly remember cousin Freddie as a younger shy, yet friendly young man similar to our younger brother Ron. Thanks to our Aunt Ardona we kept in touch to some extent still. He looks like his older brother and uncle Will. With Love. Jerry Bess. ( Uncle Archie’s Son )
So shocked to hear this news. It is so uncommon to find a truly good person in the world nowadays, but Fred was definitely one of them. Many of the most cherished memories of my youth stem from times spent with your family. My deepest condolences go out to you.
In Loving Memory
