Frederick R. Lund

Lifelong Bellingham resident, Fred Lund, 87, passed away at home December 2, 2023, with his loving wife by his side. Fred was born at the old St. Joseph Hospital to Gertrude and Ronald Lund. Fred grew up in the Sunnyland neighborhood and maintained friendships from those years all his life. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1954, and WWU in 1972, after serving in the National Guard and the U. S. Navy.

Fred met Pat on a blind date at Western and they married in 1965 while both were students and Fred was working full time at Georgia Pacific. He later worked for Bellingham schools’ maintenance department.

Fred was truly interested in people and loved discovering connections. He could find a shared acquaintance with almost anyone, maybe from the old neighborhood, the theater, the motorcycle club, or scouting. He had an exceptional memory for details and a quick wit, and he was a master of the pun. He and Pat enjoyed traveling to other countries, though Fred sometimes took a little urging. He spent a lot of time outdoors, working the garden, chopping wood, beach camping, and hiking—including to the top of Mt. Baker!

Fred joined the Catholic Church in 1975 and shared his rich voice in the choir for 45 years. At age 62 he tried out for his first play at Bellingham Theatre Guild and got hooked. Over the years, he performed in 22 plays, and was particularly fond of musicals. He enjoyed playing saxophone in the BHS alumni band, marching in the 1998 parade. Other creative endeavors included writing, carving wood and soapstone, and constructing shadow boxes and birdhouses. At age 84 he took up guitar. He loved living on Lake Whatcom, being in or on the water, or watching it from the deck in the sun or from the hot tub in the wind and rain. He liked poetry, local history, singing, lasagna, ice cream, and spending time with friends.

Fred is survived by his wife Pat, his dear niece Rhonda (Martin) Hansen, nephew Rory (Wilai) Rhoades, great-nephew Kyle Daly, and Pat’s family, Sandy Ellingson, Mary Miller, Marge and Tom Murray, Mike and Mary Wingren, Steve Murray, Valerie and Steve Webber, Matt Wingren, and Mark and Laura Wingren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lynene Rhoades.

A Vigil Service will be held Monday Dec. 18th at 5pm at Westford Funeral Home with an opportunity for sharing. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday December 19th at 10:30am at Church of the Assumption, followed by reception.