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Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118573 07/15/07 11:37 PM
Joined: Dec 1969
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Dave H Offline OP
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It is with great sorrow that I must inform everyone that Fred Kuhlman (aka The Ancient Mariner) passed away on Saturday afternoon, July 14th. In recent months, Fred's health had deteriorated rapidly. He had just returned to his apartment a little over a week ago after a stay at the hospital.

The newer members never had the opportunity to meet Fred in person, and he had not been able to participate in the Forums for a while. To those who knew Fred he truly was the patriarch of the CF. Fred was one of Harbour Lights earliest collectors and was quick to let people know that he had purchased all of his collection at retail, none at secondary expenses.

You may recall that Fred made a pilgramage from his home in the SF Bay area to his son's home in Michigan each year. For a number of those years members of the CF took turns calling Fred each night to check in with him and see how he was doing. That information was then shared so we all knew how Fred was progressing. Fred received great pleasure from his friends wanting to keep track of him on his journeys.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Fred will treasure our time with him and the wonderful memories from that time. I recall sitting with Fred at the final breakfast of the Baltimore Reunion. He was being very generous with his bids for the various offerings. The room became very silent as Fred and one other person bid against each other for a prototype of the HL Macquarie LE. This was a true one-of-a-kind as this version was not produced. My memory says that the bidding stopped at $5,000, with the room finally being able to take a breath.

Fred generally timed his trip to the midwest to be sure he would be at the International Collectibles Exposition (Rosemont) show. He would be able to spend time with the Younger family and his collector family. I think I speak for many when I say that we all looked forward to his presence. You never knew when Fred might show up.

Plans for a memorial service are being worked on, not sure of when it might be. However, the family does plan to do memorial contribution instead of flowers. If anyone would like to contribute to a combined CF memorial gift, I will collect any contributions and send them on once plans have been made. If you need an address, send me a note.

Fred will be missed. As a small way to celebrate Fred I am sharing a few images. If you have any good images of Fred, feel free to add a couple.

Fred in the South Pacific while serving in the Navy during WW II:


Fred admires his purchase of San Diego Reunion thumbnail countersamples during the Baltimore Reunon. Stephen (Jakers) and Mombo look on.


Fred hanging out with his collector family at our hotel during Rosemont 2002:


Fred finally arrives at the Long Island regional event in September 2003:


Fred and my daughter Heather in Door County in 2004. Photo by Jim Johnson, used with permission.

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118574 07/16/07 12:36 AM
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The Ancient Mariner sails on into the great sunset to join Lou, the love of his life, who passed in late 1999. I'm certain it's a happy day in Heaven!

Fred spent a lifetime working as an Engineer for Lockheed.

Fred was one of the members of the "Lighthouse Collectibles Board" on AOL when I joined in late 1996 and I first met him in person at the 1997 Collectors Reunion in San Diego. Fred went on to attend each of the Reunions and many Regional Events, despite dependence on a constant supply of Oxygen in recent years.

He loved Harbour Lights and collecting. He will be missed by his family and friends. And I am proud to count myself among Fred's Friends.

Rest In Peace, Ancient Mariner!


Lou is seated in front. Nancy Younger is pictured is in the back left.


Myself, Fred and Paul Brady



Fred in a TUX! On his 75th Birthday Party.


Fred with Sue Brady at the 2000 Rosemont Show.


Myself, Jim Gullo and Fred in Scottsdale AZ; Fred was making his way back across the country to San Jose and stopped to have dinner with Jim and I in June 2004.

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118575 07/16/07 01:34 AM
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Sue and my prayers are with Fred and his family as they have been for a long while now.. I will try and sort out some images tomorrow night when I get home from work..

There are a million wonderful Fred stories, he will be missed!!


Onward to The Land of the Midnight Sun!
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118576 07/16/07 01:47 AM
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Fair winds and following seas, Fred.


Eric
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118577 07/16/07 09:32 AM
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Time to Celebrate a great man and his wonderful life. Derith has a motto that's very apropos to the way Fred lived his life. With credit to the Pixie here it is:

"Life should not be a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely

in a well preserved body, but rather to

skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand,

wine in the other, body thoroughly

used up, totally worn out and screaming

“Woo Hoo, What A Ride ! "


I was always amazed at Fred's cross country trips with his oxygen tanks. I met Fred several times but was truly blown away when Fred stopped by at the Long Island Regional - just to say Hello and spend a few minutes with his Harbour Lights friends. And he did have many Forum friends who would take turns calling him each night on his cross country trips to make sure his was ok.

Fred we'll all miss you very much but we all know you're on to your next Adventure.

Bob & MaryAnn


LONG ISLAND BOB
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118578 07/16/07 04:32 PM
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Sounds like some of us newbie's missed out meeting a HL collecting pioneer.

I hope he's now enjoying all the lighthouse from a new perspective!


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118579 07/16/07 04:57 PM
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I too never met Fred, but heard much about him.
And from what I heard, his light will shine on for a long time to come!
Rest in peace Fred!


Margret
Lighthouse Duo
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Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118580 07/16/07 07:56 PM
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Wow...

I never got to meet Fred, and I guess that even though I joined in 2002, I'd missed his "prime time" on the CF. But from just what I heard about him from others, he seemed an incredible man.

The thing that always struck me about him was his devotion to his cross-country expeditions, no matter the age or condition. That kind of drive (no pun intended) is a rare characteristic...a true dedication.

That's the message that I drew from Fred, whether it be his overland expeditions or his Harbour Lights collecting. He always went the extra mile (again, no pun intended) because his mission came from the heart.

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118581 07/16/07 09:51 PM
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A couple of images from the 2005 Reunion..








Sue and Fred go onboard the Relief lighthship at the Oakland 2004 Regional..



The winners of the gold plated Lightship Relief. Fred Kuhlman, Carolyn & Roy McBee, and Lois and Will Seibel shown here. Also winning but not present were Tom Poulos (from Nesconset NY) and Joyce M Hager (from Deerfield Beach FL).

What makes this special is Fred was the last to arrive at the Oakland Regional, he bought a regional Relief Lighthouse and got a voucher (his only one in the drawing) and won a Gold Relief Lightship!!


9/20/03 Fred arriving at the LI Regional that Bob referred to earlier in this thread..



Fred at the Baltimore Reunion..


Onward to The Land of the Midnight Sun!
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118582 07/16/07 10:47 PM
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Paul found another one that I took of the whole gang at the very first WACKO gathering at Rosemont 2000.



L-R Kneeling Front: Paul Brady, Fred Kuhlman, Mike Kaiser

Standing Front Row: Stephen & his mom Cheryl Sostaric, Derith Bennett, Sue LeFever, Ruthie Cooper, Patty Kaiser, Kay Toth, Sue Brady, Carolyn McBee, Roy McBee, Ken Reese.

Back Row: Paul Sostaric, Kim Fuller, Gary Toth, Dave Hannum, Esther Andrews, Maureen Atwell, Jim Johnson, Judy Rath.

I think it's safe to say that all those in this photo are "Friends of Fred"

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118583 07/17/07 12:06 AM
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Fred and Lou..


Onward to The Land of the Midnight Sun!
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118584 07/17/07 12:55 AM
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But soon there breathed a wind on me,
Nor sound nor motion made:
Its path was not upon the sea,
In ripple or in shade.

It raised my hair, it fanned my cheek
Like a meadow-gale of spring --
It mingled strangely with my fears,
Yet it felt like a welcoming.

Swiftly, swiftly flew the ship,
Yet she sailed softly too:
Sweetly, sweetly blew the breeze --
On me alone it blew.

Oh! dream of joy! is this indeed
The light-house top I see?
Is this the hill? is this the kirk?
Is this mine own countree!

We drifted o'er the harbour-bar,
And I with sobs did pray --
O let me be awake, my God!
Or let me sleep alway.

The harbour-bay was clear as glass,
So smoothly it was strewn!
And on the bay the moonlight lay,
And the shadow of the moon.


excerpted from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1798
----------------

From AOL to the closing auctions at the reunions, I remember Fred as the consummate collector. His grace and wit always meant good conversation and I felt enriched when I spent time with him. God bless you Fred.

__
/im

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118585 07/17/07 08:54 PM
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Life has changed, Fred was a wonderful person, he will be missed by all the people whos lives he touched. God bless you, my friend!

Ruthie, Terry, John and I at dinner with Fred


Jim
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118586 07/17/07 11:33 PM
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Knowing Fred was a privilege and an honor. Farewell my friend...

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118587 07/18/07 06:57 PM
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Fred was a "one of a kind" and we will miss him greatly. We have many good memories that will stay with us forever.
John, I like the way you said it...
Quote:
The Ancient Mariner sails on into the great sunset to join Lou, the love of his life, who passed in late 1999. I'm certain it's a happy day in Heaven!

Farewell to a dear friend..our love,
Ruthie & Terry

"Good friends are like stars.......You don't always see them, but you know they are always there."


Ruthie
"Where words fail, Music speaks"
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118588 07/20/07 02:38 AM
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I am glad that I was lucky enough to have met Fred on multiple occassions. He always helped to make the various events he attended even more enjoyable.

Rest in peace, Fred. You will be missed.


Jakers
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118589 07/22/07 02:53 PM
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I just returned from Block Island to read the news of Fred's passing. I knew Fred, and his wife, Lou, for the majority of my HL collecting years. I first spoke with Fred back in the old AOL chatroom and IM days when he asked for my telephone number and promptly called me up as soon as I dropped off line.

I first met Fred and Lou in person at the Providence HL Reunion. We would IM each other on a regular basis and could talk about most anything. We all felt Fred's pain when Lou passed away. It was a very sad time for the Kuhlman Family and all those who knew and loved Fred and Lou.

Fred continued on but never forgot his loving bride. He fast became a legend to all those collectors who knew him, and to many of those who only heard of him and his cross country travels. It is truly a sad day that no new "Fred" stories will be added to his folklore.

Our memories of Fred will linger forever. Fred was truly a legend who will not soon be forgotten by me, and the majority of our fellow CF members who are proud to call Fred a friend.

Rest in peace, my friend, and give Lou a hug and a kiss for Lorna and I.

Bob

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118590 07/24/07 01:23 AM
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Sounds like a wonderful man. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him. For those of us who never met him, we will have to get to know him though his many long time friends.


Cyndi
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118591 07/29/07 10:48 PM
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Here is Fred's self-written obituary as published in the Visalia Times-Delta and the San Jose Mercury:

Quote:
Fred Kuhlman

Fred Kuhlman was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 12, 1927. He was raised in Des Moines and Storm Lake. He was active in his parish and served as the head altar server for the Bishop in Storm Lake. He graduated from high school in 1945, and entered the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class Radio Technician serving in Guam, on the island of Truk, and in Michigan.

Upon discharge, he enrolled at Iowa State College and graduated as an electrical engineer in communications. While in college he met and married Luella Partington of Des Moines. From 1952-1955, he worked for North American Aviation in the San Fernando Valley. He worked for Lockheed Aircraft Company in Southern California for two years, then transferred to Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale, where he worked for 34 years. He retired as a senior staff scientist.

Fred was a Knight of Columbus, second degree, and a member of the degree team. He was a coach for the Phillies in the Moreland Little League. He helped established Cub Scout Pack 325 and was a Boy Scout Troup leader in San Jose's West Valley area. Fred was active in the parent organizations for St. Clare's Catholic School in Santa Clara, Mother Butler High School in San Jose and Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. He volunteered and facilitated Mitty Bingo for many years and was honored as Volunteer of the Year, along with his wife. Fred showed beagles in the Santa Clara County Beagle Club.

After he lost his wife of 46 years, his constant companion was Kahlua, his black Russian terrier. Fred was an avid Harbour Lights lighthouse collector and a "WACKO" and was known as the "Ancient Mariner" to the club members. He and his wife founded the local chapter of the club. In retirement he, his family and friends enjoyed vacationing at their cabin in Blue Lake Springs in Arnold.

His son, Steven Kuhlman, is married to Gerry and they have three children, Caroline, Andrew and Travis. His daughter, Mickey, is married to Frank Spratling and they have two children, Rochelle and Bryan.

He is survived by his older brother, Bob Kuhlman, of Clive, Iowa, and his half-sister, Ethel Pounds of Sioux Rapids, Iowa. Fred looked forward to his annual cross-country drive despite requiring continuous oxygen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In 2006, with trepidation, he left San Jose and his Bela Drive neighbors of 50 years to move to Quail Park in Visalia. He considered the community to be his extended family.

He inspired many with his independence, tenacity and drive. Fred passed away comfortably in his home with the assistance of Optimal Hospice on July 14, 2007.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 21, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel at Gates of Heaven Cemetery at 22555 Cristo Rey Drive in Los Altos.

A memorial service is being planned in Visalia at Quail Park. Contributions requested to either the Pulmonary Paper, P.O. Box 877 Ormond Beach, FL 32175, (800) 950-3698, or the Point San Luis Lighthouse, P.O. Box 13556 San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 540-5771. Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Online condolences: www.smithfamilychapel. com

Originally published July 19, 2007
The memorial service was held last week. As you can see one of the memorial donations suggested is to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Before you send a donation, please stand-by until we can coordinate a combined gift from Fred's "Wacko" friends.

This might be the ONLY obituary that mentions the deceased as being a "Wacko". But you can see how close we Collector Friends were to Fred that he would make a point of mentioning his friends.

The San Jose paper also carried a photo of Fred which I will post shortly in this thread.

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118592 08/01/07 11:52 PM
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Sorry I never got to meet Fred. Looks like I missed out on a great time.

Thanks for the stories and pictures... Helps give me a good idea of your wonderful friend.

Rusty

Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118593 08/02/07 11:05 AM
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Our prayers are with your family Fred, you are now in the presence of the greatest lighthouse of all...
Jesus! Thanks for all the wonderful memories!

Larry and Kat Waterson


KAT {=*+*=}
Re: Fred Kuhlman, 12/12/1927 - 7/14/2007 #118594 08/14/07 02:02 AM
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I have not been here in quite some time, so I was shocked and saddened to hear of Fred's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Fred and his family.

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says She is gone. Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large now as when I last saw her. Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her. And just at that moment, when someone at my side says she is gone, there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and other voices take up a glad shout - There she comes! That is what dying is. A horizon and just the limit of our sight. Lift us up O Lord, that we may see further.

3 Long and 2 Short to our dear friend Fred - who's sails stand even prouder today with The Father than yesterday with us.


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