Frederick Carl Safford

Frederick Carl Safford, born April 28, 1928 in Sandpoint, Idaho to Ray and Marion (Mertz) Safford, passed away November 28, 2017 with his family by his side. He was the hardest worker, greatest husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend to all that had the pleasure of knowing him. His father opened creameries around area so Fred attended many schools (Lakeview, Oregon, White Salmon, and Spokane) before settling in Chewelah in 4th grade. He graduated from Jenkins High School in June of 1946. He worked at Alm’s Service Station and the Curlew Creamery while in school. He was active in football, basketball, baseball and track (in track he held the 100 yard dash record for years). Gus Girnus started track with Fred running and Herm Pines throwing discuss and shot put on a piece of dirt field; he didn’t know what starting gates were until he was at a meet in Cheney. He joined the Navy in 1946 after graduation and while in boot camp in San Diego, he played on football team for them. He was a deep sea diver on salvage ship out of Panama during his term. When he returned to Chewelah he worked for Northwest Magnesite Co. and helped on family farm on Flowery Trail. On a blind date, December 31, 1950, he met his bride to be and love of his life Jo Ann Christian. They were married June 2, 1952 at Methodist Church in Coeur d’Alene, ID and spent 65 ½ years side by side doing everything together. In March, 1955 they purchased “The Riverview Ranch” at Chattaroy and were together there when he passed away. He was a farmer, logger, dairyman and had a firewood business. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid bowler, even on the Spokane All Star League. He took many hunting trips in Canada, Idaho, Montana and Blue Mountains with his daughter Kathy and friends. He loved fishing in his private pond and eating a breakfast trout. He helped many children through school as he believed “if loved and cared for, there is no bad child.” Fred is survived by wife, Jo Ann and daughters Kathy (Ken) Toner, Nancy Masingale, Carla (Jeff) Svennungsen, 10 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Sisters Virginia Tames and Nita Weinkauf, brothers Nick Delva and Gene Safford, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of great friends. Preceded in death by parents and sister Laurel Fischer. At his request, no services will be held; there will be a family memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Riverside High School Athletics Department, 4120 E. Deer Park-Milan Rd., Chattaroy, WA 99003. Please sign his on-line guest book below.