Fred Sylvester Washburn

Private inurnment for Fred Sylvester Washburn, 89, Lawrence, KS, formally of Oswego, NY, will be at a later date in Fairview Cemetery in Carthage, NY. He passed away Sunday, February 15, 2015 at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community.

Fred was born June 6, 1925 in Champion, NY the son of Clark and Hazel (Hotis) Washburn.

He served his country in the United States Army during WWII.

Fred enjoyed amateur radio, woodworking, sailboat racing, and most importantly spending time at the summer cottage with his family. He was a long time member of the American Radio Relay League, and the Southwest Oswego Methodist Church in Oswego, NY.

He worked in the engineering departments at the St. Regis paper company in Deferiet, NY and Hammermill/International paper in Oswego, NY.

His wife Jane Severance Washburn preceded him in death in December 1999.

Survivors include two sons, Rik and wife, Susan Washburn, Lawrence, KS, Jon “Jay” Washburn, Winter Park, FL; three grandchildren, Geoffrey, and wife, Bre Washburn, Southern Pines, NC, Elizabeth Gwinn, Champaign, IL, Johnathan Washburn, Vero Beach, FL, three great grandchildren, Noah and Stella Gwinn, Champaign, IL, Alexis Washburn, Southern Pines, NC; and one brother, Francis Washburn, Marcy, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kansas City, MO or Grace Hospice, Topeka, KS and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

6 Condolences

  1. Carol and Ted Todd on February 18, 2015 at 8:20 am

    So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. We missed him so much when he moved to Kansas. Ted and I sat behind him in church every Sunday. I went cross country skiing with him and Jane and we had so much fun. Fred was a great man.



  2. Carol (Darling) Fox on February 18, 2015 at 8:34 am

    To the family of Fred Washburn, so sorry for you lose, but please know your Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Brother, was a really terrific person. I worked with him at Hammermill Paper Co in Oswego, NY back in the early 70’s. I have fond memories of him. He will be truly missed.

    Carol (Darling) Fox



  3. Cynthia and Thomas Snyder on February 18, 2015 at 10:03 am

    My condolences to Fred’s family on his recent passing. My husband and I both worked with Fred at Hammermill for 10 years from 1980 -1990. He was a special man and everyone’s favorite engineer. He was highly respected for his knowledge and expertise as an engineer and he was also a warm and caring person. His quick wit and kindness will always be remembered.

    May he rest in peace with his beloved Jane.



  4. Laurie May nad Gary May on February 18, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. I(Laurie) worked with him for many years at Hammermill/International Paper Company. He was well liked and always took as much time as any employee needed for help on projects they were working on. As the Purchasing Manager I worked very close with him on these projects and respected him very much. We attended many party functions together with him and Jane which was always a lot of fun. May fond memories help the family get past this very difficult time.



  5. Bill and Linda Samuels on February 18, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    Fred was a devoted and active member of Oswego Center U.M.C.we will always remember his quiet demeanor and warm personality. He created many beautiful wood pieces for his church. They now grace the sanctuary of Journey of Faith U.M.C. since the two congregations merged. What a wonderful memorial to a wonderful gentleman.



  6. Orv & Jeanne Byrne on February 23, 2015 at 9:25 am

    To the family of Fred Washburn,
    In 1974 we were fortunate to move next door to Fred & Jane. Throughout the years their friendship grew as if they/we were members of the same family. Fred was always there to help me with homeowners projects from putting a track on a snowmobile, to installing garage doors, to snowblowing my driveway while I was at work and most of all he was a great friend. When he moved I stayed in touch through phone calls and emails. When his birthday card was sent prior to June 6th, I was surprised when it was returned with no forwarding address. I contacted residents of his former address and found he had moved to Kansas. Online search located Fred but personnel at that location wouldn’t forward my mail to him. We are sad of his passing.



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