Frederick Barela Obituary

Frederick Peter Barela

18 Apr 1955 - 18 Mar 2023

It is with great sadness we remember our brother Frederick (Fred) Peter Barela, a family member, and a very good friend. He tragically passed away at the age of 67 and left the Barela family and his friends and relatives in shock.

Our Heavenly Father has called home Frederick Peter Barela on 18 March 2023 with these words, "Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant. Come, rest in peace with those who have preceded you and look down at the great things you have accomplished. Well Done my Son".

Fred was born in Naples Italy to Dionisio and Margot Barela on 18 Apr 1955. He was preceded in death by his father Dionisio and his older brother Dennis both Viet Nam veterans. Sadly, his mother, Margot passed away on 7 April 2023. He is survived by his brothers Michael and Timothy who reside in Tacoma WA and a son Karl from Colorado Springs CO and his close cousin Rick in Lexington KY.

Fred was a military brat, who moved around the world while growing up, but finally his family made their residence in Tacoma Washington. Fred attended Gonzaga University in Spokane Washington and became so enamored that he made this his home of record in Spokane so that he could be close to his beloved Gonzaga University Bulldogs.

At Gonzaga he became famous for his bright yellow coveralls and epic ski adventures. The trips to Mount Spokane for ski class became highlights of the winter season at Gonzaga because of Fred's ability to turn simple ski hills into adventures for everyone he was with. He was one of the drivers and participants in the "boxing smokers" of the day and even where he won more than he lost but all of his appearances were great shows! His audience appeal was matchless, and he had fans standing and cheering as if he were Rocky Balboa! He and his yellow overalls were fixtures in the yearly Rugby tournaments that Gonzaga hosted. The overalls came off and he was in the middle of the scrum and then the "socials" after each game! He was a proud Gonzaga host and led the way in Gonzaga's unique hosting of guests in the dorms!

He graduated from Gonzaga University in 1978 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army as an infantry Officer. During his military career he attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course and the Advanced Officers Basic Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Advanced Military Transportation Team Courses. He served at Fort Carson CO and in Germany.

After leaving active-duty, Fred worked for Kaiser Aluminum Industries in Spokane WA and then for the Union Pacific Railroad. Fred missed the military and joined the U.S. Army Reserves where he served in an Engineer Battalion where he served in an Engineer Battalion and then with the 3-415th Training Battalion in Spokane. He volunteered and was selected for Active Duty Tours in Iraq where he served with distinction as a "Rough Rider" and Timberwolf. ......... an avid boxer, loved playing tennis, and rugby. He loved his Gonzaga Bulldog Basketball Team. He would have told you-"they aren't ZAGS... they're BULLDOGS!"

Upon retirement from total military service, Fred returned to Spokane and to enjoy retirement in his permanent home of record. His joy in retirement was playing "World of Tanks" on the computer with his friends. He was active in his community and cared for the Spokane area greatly. He was always looking at ways to improve his house and community.

He will be missed by his family and those who knew him. May our Heavenly Father grant him eternal peace. Fred will be interred at Washington State Veterans Cemetery Medical Lake, Spokane Washington.