Frederick William Poucher Jr.

1931 - 2015

Frederick William Poucher Jr. obituary, 1931-2015, Hidden Valley La, CA

FUNERAL HOME

Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel

16140 Main St

Lower Lake, California

Frederick Poucher Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 26, 2015.

Frederick William Poucher Jr.

Frederick William Poucher Jr.'s dry humor and razor sharp wit shined in rare form as he shared stories and jokes with his family and medical team on his way into open-heart surgery on March 18, 2015. Although he passed away that afternoon, his lively personality and brilliant mind were in full force to the end, finishing his life the way he lived it, a force to be reckoned with and bringing joy, inspiration, and laughter to all who knew and loved him.

Born in 1931 in Minnesota, his family moved to Brea, California where he first displayed in the family's neighborhood café, what would be a lifelong tireless and amazing work ethic. When his beloved older sister Marilyn contracted polio as a teenager, he stepped up to help. It created a special bond between them and highlighted his innate generosity of spirit and giving, which he used to help others throughout his lifetime.

Fred turned down an appointment to West Point to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree and began working for General Electric in Richland, Washington on the Plutonium Uranium Purification Project. He went on to Atomics International Division of North American Rockwell which became Boeing where he finished out his illustrious career as Program Manager of alternative energy systems. Some of his greatest accomplishments included development in the Space Nuclear Power Program, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, as well as Wind, Geothermal, and Solar Energy Programs.

He married Joan M. Lastner, and successfully raised three children, Greg, Diane, and Eileen, whom he cherished with all his heart and showered upon countless hours of love and devotion. He used his Greatest Dad Skills daily, carpooling, helping with homework (especially math), leading 4-H projects, traveling to horse shows, coaching Pop Warner football and YMCA Basketball, and just always being there when you needed him, as well as teaching us all to fish on numerous camping trips around the U.S. pulling the Shasta Trailer behind the family's Country Squire station wagon.

Over 30 years ago Fred met and later married Joan Brown, gaining an adored step-daughter, Janice Rivera, who especially appreciated the math homework help and sage advice. Her girlfriends requested to hang out at the house for the "Fred Poucher Comedy Hour" when he would always make them laugh.

In 1992 Fred retired and moved to Hidden Valley Lake, CA to be near his sister and mother. There he enjoyed puttering around the beautiful home he and Joan designed and had built. They also loved to travel the world, favorite places being Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Cancun, as he loved the warm weather.

Spending many years as a caregiver to others including his children, his sister and her two children, Steve and Lynn, when they lost their father at a young age, and also his beloved mother, Fred's giving spirit didn't stop in retirement. He became a member of the Redbud Health Care District Board, the St. Helena Hospital Region Board, and the Northern CA Network Board, and spent 20 years fighting for the community's best interests. He was instrumental in several important projects including the sale of Redbud Community Hospital to Adventist Health, the building of the St. Helena Clearlake Hospital Emergency Department, and promoting many community projects that benefited seniors, children, and those in need.

He loved working on his computer, feeding the wild birds, the San Francisco football season, ketchup , watching Bill O'Reilly and Meghan Kelly on Fox News, hitting the casino on Senior Day, being there for his family, and giving back to the community. Ironically, he loved fishing, but hated fish.

He was a fighter, never afraid to take on the Big Dogs, and in his quiet, strong way, always got things done. He was your go-to guy in a crisis, able to handle with confidence whatever problems arose while you could be rest assured he'd take on your burden and fix the problem. His could always make you laugh, had an infectious smile, was easy to be around, and in even the largest crowd, he was the one everyone wanted to be near.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Joan E. Poucher; his five children, Greg (Patti), Diane (Saadi), Eileen (Mark), John (Ann), Janice (Ken); his 14 grandchildren, Jeff, Chris, Mike, Juliane, Anisa, Zuhayr, Ibrahim, Alyssa, Jake, Gregory, Avery, Ariana, MacKenzie, and Morgan; and six great grandchildren, Ryan, Charlotte, Clarissa, Brayden, Elijah, and Isaiah.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Fred Sr. and Irene, his sister Marilyn Patterson, and his daughter-in-law Debbie Poucher.

Services will be held Friday, March 27 at 1:30 PM at the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, 15833 Armstrong Street, Middletown, California. There will be a viewing Thursday, March 26 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, 16140 Main St, Lower Lake, California.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are appreciated to St. Helena Hospital in memory of Fred Poucher, and sent to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, Development Dept., 15630 18th Ave, PO Box 6710, Clearlake, Ca. 95422.

He was always trying to get to the warm weather of Palm Springs, but now Fred basks in the greatest of God's glory, light, and warmth.

Fred William Poucher, Jr., you were dad, husband, grandpa, and good friend. We miss you and thank you for the blessing of having you in our lives. We are jealous of the angels.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Poucher

What is your first memory of Frederick?

Share a favorite memory you have of Frederick.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Frederick.

Describe a time when Frederick made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Frederick?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Frederick.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Frederick.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Frederick.

What is something you learned from Frederick?

Not sure what to say?

March 20, 2021

Spouse

Barbara Varat Kerkhoff

Fred & Joan, their daughters and son were neighbors of ours. Diane taught my son Michael,to ride and we kept his horse on their property. We were all quite close. Michael died in 2016 leaving two children. They are now with me along with their mother. My second husband, John, died from a neurological
disease in 2018. He was an engineer in the business of accident reconstruction. Michael and John were in business together (Keva Engineering) along with several other fellows. Losing my beloved son and
husband within 2 years of each other was almost beyond my ability to bear.

April 8, 2015

Gillian Stott

April 7, 2015

Heart goes out to the family.

Scott laing (SFI Family)

April 7, 2015

I have only just found out that Fred has now gone. I'm in shock. He was a great Man and I will miss him.

Posted by

April 7, 2015

The friends Fred made at SFI are sorry for your loss.May you find comfort in the great memories you shared.
Naomi (Kenya).

April 7, 2015

Sandra Hutchison

I am so sorry to hear about Fred's passing. He will truly be missed by everyone, especially by his SFI Friends.
Rest in peace dear friend. My prayers are with your family.

April 7, 2015

Linda Rosche

Dear Poucher Family,
I was saddened to hear of the great loss of Fred. I did not know him personally, but am a member of his SFI family. We all loved and respected him so much. He will be so missed by us all!
Strength to the family I hope by knowing that he touched the lives of so many that he never even 'met'.
Prayers for you all.

April 7, 2015

Diane Allinson

Sorry to hear this sad and unexpected news about Fred. I was beginning to get to know Fred through the SFI business community where he was well-liked and respected, where I know his presence has been missed. My thoughts go out to send strength to his family. God bless you.

April 7, 2015

Edward Ockert Stokes

RIP

April 7, 2015

Bevan Woodbury

Will miss Fred in SFI

April 7, 2015

BRYCE WOODBURY

We will miss Fred

April 7, 2015

Elsie Ayeh

May his soul rest in peace.

I got to know about him through the SFI family. We miss you but God has called you to eternal rest.
Elsie Ayeh (Ghana)

April 7, 2015

Masood Awan

Very sorry to hear about his passing. I remember his last posting at SFI forum asking for prayers. We do remember you Fred and keep praying.

April 7, 2015

Isabelle Suman Lata

We miss you at the SFI forum.
Our prayers was always there for you and I believe God knew better.
Rest in Peace our dear SFI friend.

My condolences to all family members.
God bless.

Isabelle Suman Lata
SFI Affiliate

April 7, 2015

Janice Horr

If love could have saved him, he never would have passed.
SFI Affiliate

April 7, 2015

Lauree White

Thinking of you now, Fred -- whole, healthy and full of life. I know you will be seeing these messages, just know that you are missed, and will be thought of frequently.
In Love, Light, Rainbows and Song, Lauree/rainbowdream from SFI

April 6, 2015

Gopakumar Rajan

On behalf of the SFI Family let me pass our deepest condolences on the recent passing of our colleague Frederick William Poucher Jr. He will always be remembered as a great team player and a good human being.

April 6, 2015

Ronelle Tharp

To the family of our friend, Fred Poucher, so very sorry for your loss! I very much enjoyed his Forum posts at SFI. He will be sorely missed!! God Bless and sustain you, from my heart to yours, Renee

April 6, 2015

Fel Villanueva

Our deepest sympathy to the family. May he Rest in Peace.

March 28, 2015

Lou and Lee Haba

Sorry to hear about Fred's passing. I never worked with him but knew him as a neighbor in Somis. I hired Greg while working on the hill. Once again sorry to hear the sad news.

March 27, 2015

The Poucher Family !
It was in a pleasure working for a very fair and qualified Supervisor.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
Hank & Gary Dellamalva

March 27, 2015

Mac & Joni McAllister

One of my fondest memories was at the annual golf tournament at hidden valley. He and his wonderful wife keep track of one of the golfing events. Fred was watching to ensure each golfer got on the green. When it came to my turn I struck the ball with an unusual skill level and landed on the green. Fred watched the golf ball slowly roll to the hole. The way he was jumping up and down and shouting, you would have thought I had done something. His stoic wife turned and looked at me, and said "I think you got one the green". By the time we drove up to where Fred was he calmly looked at me and said "well that was exciting". I got my pot of gold tickets and went on, glad in the fact Fred had gotten to see something exciting, and that I was very fortunate to have known this man.

March 27, 2015

Roger Moore

Joan and family - Fred had a kind but stern presence. I enjoyed working with him. All my best to you and the family.

March 26, 2015

Thomas Holwager

I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. My recollections of Fred were in Hawai with the OTEC Energy Converter. Fred was unflapable in running a program with minimum funding.

March 26, 2015

Barbara Kerkhoff

Dear Joan, Greg, Diane, Eileen, Janice. So sorry to read of Fred's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I hope you are protected by the love of family & friends and happy memories.
Your ex-Somis friend and neighbor, Barbara
Varat Kerkhoff.

March 26, 2015

chuck quirk

Although we can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in our thoughts from afar.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Frederick Poucher's name

Memorial Events
for Frederick Poucher

Mar

26

Viewing

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel

16140 Main St PO Box 284, Lower Lake, CA 95457

Mar

27

Service

1:30 p.m.

Middletown Methodist Church,

15833 Armstrong Street, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel

16140 Main St PO Box 284, Lower Lake, CA 95457

How to support Frederick's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Frederick Poucher's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more