I need to post a tribute to one of my best friends for over 60...yes 60 years. Met Fred Hampton when I was in second grade. He and his family moved into our neighborhood. Being the same age and in the same school we became good friends and remained friends though out our school days. His family treated me like one of their own and it was greatly appreciated. Fred had the nicest bicycle in the neighborhood, a Schwinn with knee action, and would often ride me on his handlebars. After high school he went to college and eventually joined the Navy while I attended college. We stayed in close contact during that time. After his service he married the lovely Sue. His brother was best man and I ushered at the ceremony. The following week I married the lovely Veronica. Fred was best man at that ceremony. By and by both he and I had two boys approximately the same age.
As the years passed, Fred moved to Florida and started a business....Gator Glass. We remained in close contact and visited them on a regular basis. They were gracious hosts and each family looked forward to the visits. Fast forward to the fall of 2014. Fred and Sue were in Champaign and we attended a U of I football game with them. At the tailgate party, prior to the game, Fred mentioned he was riding his recumbent bike quite a bit. I mentioned, somewhat jokingly, that we should bike from Key Largo to Key West....a hundred miles....over two days. Our wives would be our support crew. Much to my surprise he agreed. So, at the end of January 2015 we completed that ride and a good time was had by all. While Fred had never ridden that distance he did a great job and finished EFI….Every Foot and Inch.
Then in 2019 Fred mentioned his boys thought they would like
to do that same ride. I guess I horned in and said it would be great if I
were invited to join them. Of course, he agreed. In April of 2019 Fred,
Aaron, Justin and I, along with two lovely support staff, Sue and
Veronica, biked from Key Largo to Key West over two days. It was quite
an adventure but at the end of day two we reached our destination.
Mission accomplished. Along the way there were signs of Fred’s
confusion but I thought it was nothing to be concerned about. Without
going into much detail, Fred was taken from us last Sunday from an
illness that is affecting more and more people of our generation
….dementia. Let it be known that Fred was one outstanding individual,
loving parent, grandparent, sibling and as good a friend as one could
hope for. Prayers to his family. We hope to continue to be part of
their lives in the future. His good nature, positive disposition and
overall kindness will be missed. We need more people like him on this
earth Rest in Peace my friend.
