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In Memoriam | Memorial Service September 2, 2005 | Fred Brim Shorts
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Uncle Fred taught me to speak while I burp. I'm a little out of practice now, but Rich and I used to be able to converse while burping. That made for some fun times at the kitchen table as there were usually non believers present that didn't appreciate the humor. Just like Uncle Fred, instigate those type moments, and then sit back and enjoy the circus that erupted.
He taught me the best way to eat Corn Flakes. Ladle some thick, fresh cream onto a bowl of Corn Flakes, top with a light dusting of sugar! It just doesn't get any better than that!
He taught me who knows what lurks in the hearts of men. Anybody? Da Shadow do.
Sheri reminded me that Uncle Fred taught us all how to pick the sweetest corn. Steal it from the neighbors field.
No "secrets to life", just some silly stuff that helped forge a bond between a little kid and his uncle. Like the bond Fred formed with all you youngsters, regardless your age.
Then again, speaking of "secret to life" stuff, there was Fred's living philosophy: Embrace where you are, who you're with, and what you're doing. How many of us go through our days embracing where we are, who we're with, and what we're doing. But didn't you feel that's what Fred was doing when he was with you? Fred believed that, and did a pretty darn good job of living it every day. ~ John Brim
For my entire life Thanksgiving has always been my most cherished holiday. As a kid from the coast (and from Coulee Dam by heart) I have always looked forward to heading east over the mountains in search of the cool bite of winter, a warm room full of family and laughter, the smells of a home cooked turkey dinner, singing and music and talent shows, and the "at home feeling" of an Uncle Fred hug. Being a Brim is one of those things that no one else can ever understand. Family is not just important, it is a way of life, a source of air, and Uncle Fred personified that. He always made sure you knew that you were important, and important to him. When he'd catch his first glimpse of you his eyes would start to sparkle and that big warm smile would come over his face, followed by a hearty booming chuckle and "well, look who we have here!". Then would come the hug. Nothing has ever and will never compare to an Uncle Fred hug.
Growing up my dad and I spent a lot of time on the road between Seattle and Coulee so that I could spend as much time as humanly possible on the back of a horse. During many of those trips we would take a few extra hours to stop by the farm in George and visit Fred and JoAnn, and that is where most of my fondest memories are found. Malamutes and porch swings, the candy jar, driving down the dirt road in the old truck, running through corn fields, skunk sprayed dogs, listening to story after story and still aching for more...I could go on forever.
Uncle Fred has always been someone that I have looked up to, laughed with, loved to be around and absolutely adored. His love for life and joyous nature is something that can never be duplicated, and although he will forever be remembered in laughter and love, his presence will always be missed come November when the leaves start to turn and the Brim family Thanksgiving Day dinner table is lacking one big mustache lined smile and some good ol' fashion sweet corn.
~Kathryn Brim
He was a fun great uncle to me. I have fond memories of being in their basement with the fireplace, marble railroad, nut crackers and his handlebar mustache. The girls said Thanksgiving won't be the same without his handlebar mustache. ~ Jeff Long
Uncle Fred was a very special uncle to me. Not to say that any of my uncles aren't special. One memory of mine in particular was when the Brims lived in Burien and Uncle Fred made pancakes for breakfast. He separated the batter into individual bowls and added food coloring so you had your choice of red, green, or blue pancakes.
I also remember visiting their house in Delano (near Grand Coulee) when he was building or remodeling and all they had for outside walls were tarps. I assume he got a better weather barrier before winter set in.
When Colleen and I got married, we were about to leave the church and when we got in the car, it wouldn't go anywhere. It didn't take long to figure out that the back wheels had been jacked up. I wonder who was behind that?
~ Don Long
So many memories, so many stories. Uncle Fred told some of the best ones. On the day after I brought Dad home from the hospital Uncle Fred stopped by the HEDQ to to see how dad was doing. While there he started telling about his summers working for Cull White, building fence, and taking trainloads of sheep back east. You could tell by his telling that these memories were very dear to him and he enjoyed reflecting back to those times. I am enjoying reflecting back to best concrete patio in all of South Seattle, the questionable (unreliable) outboard used on rented boats at Redondo in Des Moines. Sanding School Gym floors. The Magic tricks. And trailing along when Uncle Ed would come to town and the Uncles Ed, Bob, Fred, and Dad would go surplus shopping. There was never a dull moment that would not be filled by a joke or story from Uncle Fred. And as hard as it may be for some today to believe there were few fairytales told. There was plenty to draw from, having lived his life with enthusiasm and a great attitude.~Bill Dunlap
My very special Uncle Fred. We always had a special bond. I can still here his voice telling me the story of Ginger and Cull White and the indian girls all piled on with one sitting backwards with a switch. Uncle Fred would boom out " AND THEY RAN HER UNTIL SHE COULD RUN NO MORE! I remember the two houses on the coast. Especially the holes in the upstairs floor so that heat could rise. Visiting and practiacally living with the F. Brims. Learning to buck bails at his farm. I will always be gratefull that he got to know that we named a tree after him. Gary Peasley says he can see it everyday from his house. Gary said that he beamed with pride this year when they mentioned "Fred's tree". So many years and so many memories.My special special saddle. The jeep. The love.~Flora Long
The Beaver Annual from 1941 states:
FRED BRIM — A favorite to all is Freddy Jim Brim,
He makes troubles fly with his gay,carefree grin.~Flora Dunlap
August 20,2005 Floatilla
When I think of Uncle Fred, the first thing that comes to mind is that he was always good for a hug...a good, solid, heart-felt hug. You never doubted that you were loved, in Uncle Fred's presence.
During his trips, he would even make a special stop at our house, 'just for hugs'.
His wonderful smile radiated joy.
When in season, corn on the cob seemed to be his calling-card. Fresh from the field (usually not his!) corn added to many a family gathering. I think it was during one of the expeditions to Montana that the label "The Fossils" was coined, when referring to Uncle Jack, Uncle Fred and Uncle Bob. On one of those trips, a bunch of us were miles from anywhere, looking for rocks, etc. when off in the distance we could see a puff of dust, getting closer and closer. It was late in the afternoon and we hadn't seen The Fossils all day, but their timing was great... we were just serving ice cream sundaes from the camper when they arrived. Only after polishing off the sundaes did they admit that they hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast. (Sandwiches quickly remedied that). Big grins from Uncle Fred.
Always to be greeted with a smile...that was my Uncle Fred! — Ellen Arment
To Uncle Fred's closest kin,
I take the news of Uncle Fred's passing with great sorrow and sadness. Ever since I met Uncle Fred (most likely at the first Thanksgiving gathering I attended some 30 years ago), he has stood out and made an impression on me. In my view, he was always light hearted and happy. He loved everyone he knew, judged no one, and never seemed to carry any baggage. He accepted everyone just the way they were. He didn't take life too seriously and appeared to adapt to whatever came his way. His complaints were wrapped in humor and laughter. His unique style and approach to life served him well and was an inspiration to me.
I view Uncle Fred's personality as the ideal grandfatherly type. My own late grandfather, whom I loved dearly and sorely miss, is a good comparison with Uncle Fred. At family gatherings, I would always seek out Uncle Fred in order to greet him, shake his big hard hand (which made mine feel small and weak), and have some light hearted conversation with him; always with a smile and laughter. I very much noticed when he was not present and missed the opportunity to have that time with him. I will truly miss his jolly bright smile, his curled mustache, his humorous view of life, his laugh and loud voice that could be easily identified above the roar of many conversations.
It is very disturbing to me that a man like Fred can get this far into his life, having endured so much with still many good years ahead, only to have him taken so quickly and easily from us. It really makes me stop and reflect on how temporary and short our time is here. How unpredictable the end can be. How it can happen at any time. How important it is to make the best of out time. How important are our human relationships. How petty our "issues" and differences can be. How important it is to keep the baggage empty.
And when we leave this place, that it would be a very good thing to be remembered the way Uncle Fred is by everyone who knows and loves him.
Steve Phillips
Cbob's tribute to brother Fred (May 15, 1922 > August 26, 2005)
In early years Fred was the tag-a-long little brother. On one campout in 1933, Fred accompanied Bob and Bob's friend in a Model T Ford to a mining operation in Duck Creek Valley, Nevada. In the middle of the first night, while sleeping in our bed rolls, a nearby cougar let out a blood curdling scream. When Fred recounted the experience he said "there was no way the longer legs of the bigger boys were going to beat my shorter legs to the cabin of the mine owner" - and Cbob will testify to the accuracy of his recollection.
When Cbob went to Portland to enlist in the Seabees, Fred came along for the ride. While Cbob was being processed for induction, Fred decided to enlist in the Seabees also. But the excuse given for his not being accepted was he didn'?t pass the eye exam. This presented a challenge to Fred. So while activities were suspended for lunch, Fred memorized the eye chart and got in line with Marine candidates. When Cbob completed induction into the Seabees, Fred had become a Marine.
When Fred recalled his experience on Guadalcanal he said the Marines had a mantra that they never retreat - but he said, "don't you believe it!". The Marines prevailed on Guadalcanal as they did in subsequent engagements in the South Pacific.
After the "war to end all wars" Fred found and married Velda Floy Clark, known affectionately as Teddi. When Teddi departed from this earth Fred became a loner because Polly was in Seattle, Richard in Prosser, Barb in Ellensburg, and Nancy on the upside down side of the world in Tanzania, Africa.
Being a loner was an unsatisfactory situation for Fred. As a master at solving problems he found a potential candidate to remedy his situation < if > he could persuade her teenage daughter that it would be a good idea. So he asked, and received approval from Sharma to court JoAnn. When JoAnn accepted Fred's proposal they added a much needed dimension to his life.
Did Fred have a streak of mischief ? On one trip through McGill, Nevada we drove by the old Community Church. Reacting to an impulse, Fred stopped and tried to enter the church, but the door was locked. When asked why he wanted to go inside he said he was going to ring the big bell, because as a boy he was never invited to ring the big bell. That privilege was reserved for good little boys.
But some of his Sunday School lessons must have had some influence because Fred adopted the theme of a hymn, and all of his life he always brightened the corner wherever he happened to be.
One thing all of us share in remembering Fred is his fundamental goodness in his relationship with his family, with his friends, and with his community. The conduct of Fred's life is a role model for the rest of us.
Over the years special times with Fred came with increasing frequency. At the end of each experience he would say "This has been another good one!", and he would emphasize it with a more-than-firm handclasp.
Whenever each of us remembers Fred in the future we will feel his presence, and we will hear him say, "This is another good one!".
We thank you Fred, for sharing your life with ours. With love, Cbob
My Memories of Uncle Fred:
I remember staying overnight when the Brims lived in Delano, above Grand Coulee. Nobody seemed to agree on how "Delano" should be pronounced.
I think that a calf was born sometime during the night and Uncle Fred was busy with that in the morning.
I don't remember Burien, but I do remember the place in Des Moines just down the road from Aunt Lally and Uncle Gene.
Mostly I remember Uncle Fred was simply "there." The adults would be talking about whatever adults talk about when they get together, we kids would be somewhere nearby doing whatever we were doing!
We went to visit one winter when the Brims were living in a rented house in Quincy. Someone was making a face through the window, Richard threw a snowball and the window broke. Uncle Fred never lost his cool; he just got a new pane of glass and fixed it. Of course I don't know what happened after we went home!
When my wife Kate heard that we had lost him, she said, "I liked Uncle Fred." I wanted to know what it was about him that impressed her to say that. After all, she only met him twice. She said "He gave me a fierce hug! -- Or maybe I gave HIM a fierce hug -- or maybe it was just eye contact."
I don't remember ever getting a hug myself, but shaking that big hand of his could feel like getting a hug.
Even his big laugh could feel like a hug.
What stands out to me the most is that he was simply PRESENT. He would not try to draw attention to himself, but if he was not present, it was obvious, and he was missed. I will always remember him fondly, and I will miss him greatly.
Delbert Long
At one of our original Thanksgiving get togethers in the Elmer City Schoolhouse, Uncle Fred and my husband Warren were chosen with a couple of others to help with a "skit." A couple of cousins held a sheet up and the "volunteers" were instructed to follow a flashlight with their nose. Up, down and around each light went and each volunteer faithfully kept up. From a signal given somewhere the sheet dropped and the "victims" were hit with a pie pan. Warren dodged his attack but Uncle Fred got a full on face attack. This is the only time I remember Uncle Fred being really angry. The pie pans were topped completely with shaving cream! Uncle Fred's eyes were burning big time. His advice to the perpetrators: "If, you ever to this again make sure you use whipped cream, NOT shaving cream."
There are many wonderful memories of times with Uncle Fred (hope to be added later) and he is going to be missed.
Helen (Long) Peterson
I do believe Helen is referring to this pie! ~ john brim
My first memory of Uncle Fred was the huge hug he gave me at the very first Thanksgiving in the Presbyterian church in Ephrata, I went to with Bob in 1989!! I was terrified to see so many people all but Don and Colleen were total strangers. Uncle Fred was just inside the basement door,leading into the main room. Bob introduced me to him and he boomed "Welcome" and proceeded to give me a hug. This indeed made me feel welcome. Then I was introduced to Uncle ED, who told me, with a very stern looking face, that I'd have to pass a test, which would consist of remembering everyone's name!! I again begain to have some doubts! I looked up from where Uncle Ed was sitting, to see Uncle Fred grinning at me, which chased my doubts away! And the rest is history!! His greeting ever since then has always been a big hug and a huge grin of welcome. The memories that stand out most, are those of just watching Uncle Fred at family gatherings, the happiness and joy on his face, being with those he loved, the "rememberances" he'd share of his times growing up and the places he'd been and..........the BIG fish he'd catch!!! My last memory of him will be the one of he and grandson Andy leaning into the bow of the boat they were in with son Richard, so they could gain some speed, the big grin on his face, the joy of just being on the float trip, very evident on his face. He is greatly missed and very much loved.
Lin Long
Fred was more than "just a classmate", He was family...our Coulee family. "Fred's antics" were something we looked forward to every day. In comp class he claims that he couldn't write anything. Yet I wish we could have published his stories of "HOOT MAGOOCH AND HIS MOONSHINE STILL." The class howled in gales of laughter at his imaginative creations and inventions.
One day, Fred obviously had something clutched in his closed fist. Miss Sutherland, our teacher, got suspicious and demanded that he put whatever he was holding into her hand. "Are you sure, Sudsy," he said. "Yes, I'm sure", she said. "Put it in my hand NOW", He did, accompanied by her instant scream. It was a giant sized pine beetle.
That was our Freddie. Yet if any one of us ever needed any help with anything; broken lawn mowers, cars that wouldn't run, name it, Fred was right there to help fix whatever it was. He is an important part of all of us who grew up like family together at Coulee Dam. It isn't real to be without him.
John joins me in extending our deepest sympathies. Fred will remain in our memories "ALWAYS"
Lois Benjamin Lobdell
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