Frederick (Fred) Ruppert Lieb of Whidbey Island died on Oct. 11, 2009, at the age of 86. He was born Sept. 6, 1923 in Chicago, Ill. During the Depression, his parents and three brothers moved to Washington State, traveling with all their belongings on a motorcycle and side car. He spent his adult life in Washington, moving to Whidbey Island in 1974.

He was very proud to have served in the Marines during WW II; his ship accompanied President Roosevelt back to the U.S. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Washington, then had successful careers as a Alcoa plant foreman, owner of a Renault car dealership and as a real estate agent. Community service was an important aspect of his life; he was active in a series of civic groups. Following retirement, he traveled extensively, including trips to Russia and China.

Fritz made friends everywhere he went. His humor and storytelling were legendary; even during his final days, he could keep circles of family and friends entertained with a unending supply of funny stories.

Preceding him in death was wife of 51 years, Pauline Stephens Lieb; his brothers, William, Jim and Charlie; nephews, Jeff and Rusty; and niece, Jamie. He is survived by his children, Wayne, Trudy, Teresa (Payette) and Stephen; his niece Marla Gallagher; his sisters Felicia Cochran and Francis Franchini; and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

His remains have been interned at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Memorial donations can be made to Toys for Tots. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.