"Fast Fred"

[RJ]

To all my fellow busnut friends, especially those of you who have been around since back in the days before Facebook when our sources of information were basically busnut.com, busconversions.com and the various Yahoo Groups, I'm saddened to report that our popular friend and fellow busnut "Fast Fred" passed away March 29, 2022, two days before his 80th birthday. Cause of death was heart failure after a battle with pneumonia.

Fred was quite the colorful character, and his pithy commentary was often hilarious as well as insightful. His ex-Carey Transportation PD4106 had several unique innovations, from the collapsible shower to the spinning wheel set-up for his wife, Charlene. Their coach was more of a "freighter," as he called it, because they used it primarily for their snowbird runs between their summers in CT and their winters in FL, hauling Charlene's yarns and books she authored about knitting.

I had the privilege of having dinner with Fred and Charlene after the last big Arcadia, FL bus rally over the 2016/2017 New Year's holiday. Lots of laughs and bus "war stories" were swapped - I even learned where he'd acquired the nickname "Fast Fred!" It came from his days as a United Airlines pilot, where he had gained a reputation of always arriving early to his destinations. He also said that his favorite part of the job was "looking out the window!"

R.I.P. dear friend, R.I.P

[luvrbus]

Never met Fred in person but enjoyed our telephone conversions when he was installing his 50 series DD .Dallas (RIP) told me one time never doubt  Fred when he told you something he would prove you wrong every time thanks RJ

[CrabbyMilton]

Yes that is sad to learn of. I remember his posts and always had great perspective combined with slice of life thrown in for good measure. I never saw him until now. Sort of resembles Wilford Brimley. I had no idea he was a commercial airline pilot. I'm sure that was a great source of his humor and funny stories as well. Just keep his family in your prayers.

[CrabbyMilton]

Never met Fred in person but enjoyed our telephone conversions when he was installing his 50 series DD .Dallas (RIP) told me one time never doubt  Fred when he told you something he would prove you wrong every time thanks RJ

I know he was a big stick shift fan. When he put the S50 in his bus, did he finally get an automatic or did he keep the manual tranny?

[luvrbus]

I know he was a big stick shift fan. When he put the S50 in his bus, did he finally get an automatic or did he keep the manual tranny?

Last time he called he was going with the Z/F automatic

[Lee Bradley]

Always looked forward to his comments on the subject at hand. :-)

[Lin]

These boards have had their share of interesting characters.  Fast Fred was certainly one of the more colorful.  His approach to a problem was often very different than what most strive for, but they were always creative and had there own solid logic.  I always was sure to read anything he posted.

[uncle ned]

Yes a loss of a good friend and character. He was always friend to talk to and be around.

was parked close to him at both of the first rallys a Horizon Coach.

Now if someone would help find out what happened to Two Dogs.

Another one of the great characters of the old busnut world.

uncle ned.

ps i still have the tandem Columbia bike i bought from him for 35 dollars. Now worth hundreds.

[Dave5Cs]

What happened to Brian Evans too?

[dtcerrato]

We met Brian Evans & his family on our 2016 (1st) AK road trip - very impressive conversion of Brian's talent very evident!
We never had the pleasure of meeting Fast Fred but do remember enjoying reading his posts on multiple forums before we ever joined any bus forums. RIP & now look down on your highest flight! RIP

[luvrbus]

What happened to Brian Evans too?

Brian hangs out on the MCI F/B page now