FREDERICK WILSON SAILER

Fred Sailer, 93, of Richland Gardens, died on March 29, 2003 at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA.

He was born on August 25, 1909 in Preston, Kansas and had lived in Washington since 1976. During this time he and his wife, Thelma, lived in Richland, Copalis Beach, Issaquah and during the last thirteen years back in Richland. They were members of Turon Methodist Church in Turon, KS; Issaquah Community Church in Issaquah, WA and more recently, Westside United Protestant Church in Richland.

Fred married his high school sweetheart, Thelma B. Keopple on May 28, 1930 in Hutchinson, Kansas. His love for Thelma was a sweet reminder of wedding vows spoken and cherished until death. They reaped the benefits of lasting love. They would have enjoyed 70 years of marriage had Thelma lived four more months. They farmed and raised their three daughters in Turon, KS until retirement in 1976. Fred also worked for the Kansas State Dept of Agriculture.

Fred Sailer was a man of many gifts. He was strong, tough, disciplined, humorous, fun and a great story teller. His stories were rich with detail, painting a fascinating picture with history and emotion -- his words chosen carefully from the palette. He was a fine carpenter, machinist, electrician, plumber, wood worker, gardener and farmer. Fred could do anything. Perhaps one of his greatest gifts was his love for goodness. He was raised in a family with strict religious beliefs and as he grew from boyhood, his faith was tempered with love of God rather than fear. His belief system was rooted in listening to God rather than the world. Fred had a divine soul which guided him throughout life to do the ''right thing.:'' He was kind, considerate, just, patient, generous, loving and always forgiving. His love for goodness was his goal to happiness and success. He wasn't wealthy, or famous, but his spirit of love was huge and was felt, heard and seen by so many, many people during his 93 years on earth -- whether it was a neighbor, a stranger on the street, a friend, a grandchild, a clerk, a nurse, his wife, a doctor, his daughters, or another farmer -- he was a sweet soul to everyone. One person CAN make a difference and Fred Sailer made the world a better place.

Fred had another gift which will live on in the lives of those who knew him. Friends and family members gravitated to Fred for advice. He was enlightened -- he knew what was right. He got it! He was like an Indian Chief, the wise man of the tribe who everyone went to for wisdom, comfort, and affirmation. They knew he would listen. There would be silence as he studied the problem. Slowly the words would come and you would just know he was right. Fred did not know he had this gift He was not boastful or proud. Always a gentleman, Fred knew what was appropriate. His children and grandchildren have been privileged to be in the presence of greatness and hopefully a little of his greatness will be passed on for generations to come.

Fred is survived by two of his three daughters, Betty Claphan and husband, Jerry of Richland; and Judy Taylor of Richland; seven grandchildren, Mike Claphan and wife, Sue; Teri Claphan, Chuck Statler and wife, Sharon; Rick Statler and wife Susan, Inez Gray and husband, Tony; Kerry Taylor and husband, Andy; Jonathan Sandberg and wife, Lara; two step-grandchildren, Jeff and Andy Taylor; thirteen great grandchildren, four step great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and two step great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his his wife, Thelma; a daughter, Carol Statler; three sons in law, Mel Taylor, Charles Statler, and Norm Sandberg;and all of his ten siblings.

A service to celebrate Fred's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2003, at Einan's Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to: Tri-Cities Hospice, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, W A 99336-3000. Include Fred's name on memorial