Frederick Oates

Frederick W. “Fred” Oates

October 17, 1930 ~ May 20, 2019

Frederick W. “Fred” Oates of Harrisville passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019. He was born in Sunderland, England, October 17, 1930, to Frederick W. and Sara Ellen Williamsen Oates. At age 14, a cadet in the Durham Light Infantry, he served as a messenger during World War II.

He and his sister immigrated to the United States in 1948. He is a 1950 Weber High School graduate and was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Later he enlisted in the active Navy Seabee Reserve, retiring after 30 years. Fred also attended Weber State College.

Fred married Ruth Casler. They later divorced. He then married Karen Shupe Driggs in 1986. Their vows were later solemnized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints London England Temple. Fred also volunteered as a seminary teacher with his dear wife as a Stake Missionary, enjoyed teaching in his Priesthood Quorum and also in the Stake Sunday School Presidency.

He retired from Defense Depot Ogden after 28 years. He was a mayor of Harrisville and served on several boards: Bona Vista Water, Central Weber Sewer, Utah Transit Authority, Weber Area Council of Governments, and Regional UDOT Area Council. He was president and founder of Hub of the West Toastmasters Club. He received many awards. Fred also owned a number of local businesses.

Fred played his favorite sport of football in England (soccer in America) since age 5. Salt Lake City teams he played for included Caledonia, Germainia, Incas, and teams in Ogden. He was most valuable player for Rocky Mountain All Stars and Utah All Stars. He was a coach for Orange Crush, a Weber County Girls Champion team, and a Weber Wildfire Men’s team. He was also a certified soccer referee. Fred loved fishing, was a workaholic, and he loved Real Salt Lake almost as much as his own family. A devoted husband and father, Fred will be remembered for his sense of humor and his fervent loyalty. Fred was a proud American.

Fred is survived by his wife, Karen, Harrisville; children and spouses, Carol and Bob Onishi, Brigham City; Gloria Jean and Bob Gilbert, Roy; Luana Sant, Roy; and Sylvia Oates, Ogden; Michael (Sandra) Ward, Ogden; Ray (Eva) Ward, North Ogden; Ivan (Linda) Ward, Roy; Rochelle (Doug) Owens, Harrisville; and Ellen Ward, Layton; 26 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; and sister, Hazel (Glen) Robertson. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Cory Owens, great-grandson Colton Polson, parents, and two nephews Brett and Regan.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden.

The family would like to thank Canyon Hospice especially Anne Cook and Annette Wood for their care.

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