Charges to be filed against three men in Fairbanks man's death
Originally published Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 12:11 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 6:32 p.m.
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FAIRBANKS -- Charges related to the slaying of Daniel Frederick, the owner of Blondie's antique shop, will soon be filed against three suspects, Fairbanks police said Tuesday.
Authorities found the body of the missing downtown Fairbanks businessman on Sunday night. He was found buried in the snow in a wooded area off South Peger Road. Frederick, 62, was reported missing Friday, but he may have been missing for as long as a week, according to police records.
Fairbanks Police Chief Dan Hoffman would only say that interviews with the suspects and investigation by local law enforcement led authorities to the location of the body.
Three men, Brian S. Towndrow, 21, Michael C. Moore, 23, and Raymond Jones, 29, are being held at Fairbanks Correctional Center in connection with Frederick’s murder. So far each man has only been charged with six counts of fraudulent use of an access device for allegedly using Frederick’s credit and ATM cards to rack up at least $50,000 worth of purchases at local businesses.
“I am confident that the three suspects in custody are responsible for Frederick's death and will be charged appropriately,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman took no questions from reporters at Tuesday’s press conference because the case has not yet gone to a grand jury.
Court documents filed earlier in the week shed more light on the case. When a Fairbanks police officer went to check out Frederick’s house Friday, he found only week-old newspapers and a message on his machine about unusual charges and withdrawals from his bank account.
Police used that information to track down an iPhone purchase at the AT&T Store. Jones had recently paid for the high-tech phone using one of Frederick’s cards, but he added the phone to his existing account with the company, according to a criminal complaint filed in court. Jones and Moore told police that they had gotten the cards from Towndrow.
The men allegedly used the cards to withdraw money and buy a computer, DVDs and gasoline from Wal-Mart and Fred Meyer. Court documents only referred to the various purchases as being in excess of $50 each, but the complaint states that the trio engaged in at least a dozen transactions that totaled more than $50,000.
Jones and Moore are Fort Wainwright soldiers with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry, which has been deployed to Iraq for a yearlong mission. Towndrow was discharged from the Army earlier this year and was awaiting sentencing on charges of sexual assault of a minor in an unrelated case. A small contingent of soldiers from the brigade are still at Fort Wainwright providing support to the more than 4,000 troops now overseas.
“The Army is cooperating to the full extent with law enforcement that has the lead in the investigation,” said U.S. Army Alaska spokesman Chuck Canterbury. “And of course our sympathies go out to the deceased’s family.”
Frederick was a well-known character in Fairbanks, known for his combover hairstyle and devotion to his dogs, even naming the store after them. By Tuesday afternoon, a number of candles and flowers had been placed in front of Blondie’s front door as a makeshift memorial.
Hernando Carlos, an Army veteran who came to Alaska six years ago, said that Frederick was a popular businessman among Fort Wainwright soldiers.
“I would still go in and get MREs for when I go hunting,” he said. “He was a real nice guy, very easygoing.”
Community Discussion
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Why werent those two deployed with the rest of their unit/brigade?
If the evidence supports the case, there should be no plea bargain, no leniency.
Those kids (assuming they're guilty) have done something to this community that is unforgivable.
Sad, sad story.
I find it interesting that an Army Surplus dealer would have a falling-out with two US Army active duty personnel and one former Army person.
You do not need to be a Rhodes Scholar to draw the possible conclusion the Army guys were fencing US Army equipment and supplies. If Mr. Fredricks had blown the whistle on these guys - it's what got him killed.
The question(s) of the hour...... what material did these clowns have access to and what is missing from the base? You do not kill someone over a few cases of MRE's. I would bet good money these guys have some nasty stuff stashed at home or in a U-Store-It facility around town.
There is more to this than murder and simple credit card fraud.
Gwolf-easy on the murder she wrote episode.the true facts will prevail,because the police will know the FACTS!------pbbbbbbb.
hckywtchr, alot of the soldiers are already starting to return for their R&R time and also I think one of the guys was here for a family emergency issue.
And also, just cause they are with the 1st and 25th doesnt mean they are with a deployable unit, there are guys who stay back and do more 'paper' work kind of things, not saying that is what these guys are doing, but just putting it out there.
it may be a minor thing, but I wonder if anyone has informed the CC companies of what happened. If the guy has no next of kin (anyone know?) then I wonder if that kinda stuff gets taken care of...
I've got only one thing to say to these creeps.
Plea deals are for p...kitties
I'm just sayin.
I should clarify on my earlier comment to angela. the police wil "come up" with some facts if they don't find any.
I am going to hope and pray that with the way that FPD is holding back information that they are practicing due-diligence to ensure that these criminals WILL pay.
The news media should show respect and not say, print anything until after the trial is finished.
Remember, even though even Chief Hoffman declares they're responsible, they're still considered not guilty until proved in a court of law by their peers. Being a victim of circumstance is no fun & could honestly be just credit card fraud.
But from looks, to hear even the Chief making such a statement, does usually mean there is some guilt definitely among them somewhere. But then again, the public has only seen the proof of credit card fraud in connection to the homicide.
Glacierwolf: My thoughts exactly. I really want to know the rest of the story ... hopefully, we hear about it (before they get lynched).
Case wise, this is some really excellent turn-around time on the case. Cheers to the PD.
somebody needs to pull toenails and fingernails off one at a time to those killers.
I wonder if these men got into the army under the weakening of recruitment requirements during the push for enlistments to supply personnel for the Iraq war. Sorry for that mouthful.... The murderers are responsible for their terrible actions in this crime, but does anyone out there also put the blame in the lap of Bush and his administration, and all those who okayed the war? I sure do. This is one tail-end result of the idiocy of promoting war, especially a stupid, unjust war of choice.
Thanks, George W. and your ignorant and evil minions! Thanks a lot! I hope all of you republicans think next time when you fill in the oval next to your candidate(s). Ask yourself some questions: Can this candidate name a newspaper they have read? Can they name the continents? Can they finish a sentence? Are their sentences coherent? Will they name people for top spots who are educated and experienced in the correct fields? Or, will they name political cronies and/or friends from high school? Remember these things all matter.
I don't think the news/media have done anything wrong here....
The public wants to know what is going on and wants to know every detail because the public is concerned and rightfully so.
The two who are currently active military could be here for a multitude of reasons... like the article stated a small group remains here for support, they could be home on R&R, or something else.
Just to clarify they did finally get a hold of next of kin... that's why it took so long yesterday to make the official announcement.
well its very upsetting since i know 2 of them. ray is on emergency leave from iraq regarding his daughter. Mike just got to fort wainwright not that long ago and is supposed to be shipped to iraq sometime. Ray is also supposed to be heading back to iraq sometime this week. i would have never had thought for mike or ray to do anything like what they are being accused of doing. i really don't think they would have done such thing. i don't think they where taking anything from the base.. if you knew mike and ray you would be just as shocked as i am the other guy i can not vouch for. i really hope this doesn't not give our troops a bad name. all we can do now is pray for the man that is missing and pray that the 3 guys confess if they did do something and if they didn't try to help the police as much as they can. thank you for reading.
akmimi- I think there's probably one if not several liberal blogs you could save this crap for. It would be nice to keep the focus on Dan Fredrick. Maybe you missed the original story...
Pardon my spelling.. Dan Frederick
vtaylor -- My words aren't "crap," and I bet many out in Fairbanks agree with me. Many of these soldiers would not have been accepted into the military under the usual circumstances. The army needed people and relaxed the entrance requirements to include a lot of people who have criminal records, who have not graduated from high school, and so on. When you put people like this in the military communities like Fairbanks you will see some of the results in higher crime rates committed by military personnel while they are stationed in their towns. Check out the Midnight Mine -- there were so many fights with returning military men that they are now banned from the premises. That is but one other example. And yes, I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of George Bush for weakening the military during the Iraqi war which was a war of choice, his choice. So, you elect a moron and expect good decisions? Really? We're lucky we haven't gotten into world war 3. Oh, wait, we can elect Palin next time. She will have the chance to start World War 3.
katiebug, I only can offer sympathy for you and their families. While I do believe in "innocent until proven guilty", there appears to be evidence against these two. Maybe they found the credit cards, but in the press conference, the police stated that with the interviews they had found Blondie's body. That is pretty damning evidence combined with their credit card use. If they are proven guilty, there should be something done to them. So far, I cannot think of anything bad enough to do to the killer/s of this good Alaskan.
AKMIMI - Really. Can you please sell your liberal mumbojumbo someplace else? This is not thet time or place for it. It is about the senseless death of a local business man by worthless thugs. Please, stop the whining and go post your liberal crap someplace else. We are all stocked up here.
I feel sorry for this man and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with him.
Diddo with DrillANWR.
Folks are frustrated and grieving on many levels. There's just not enough room for the political "crap" at this time.
Sad thing, looking at their myspace pages, is that they have already had children. Too bad they could not lock them up before they had children and now society has to help raise children of monsters.
We still need to find justice for Mr. Fredrick.
Sell it somewhere else mimi... plain and simple... sell it somewhere else.
in my own opinion..anyone using another mans credit cards are guilty of the death even IF they were not the ones who actually killed him. Anyone that brazen to go around a small city in Alaska of the deceased mans residence using HIS credit cards has to be really messed up in the heads, because it would be so obvious... They need 'help' and Im not going to say what kind of help... but there are several things that come to mind.
I just drove by Dan's home and shop and saw the candles burning on his front steps. I cried and then cried some more. He was a small, funny man with a heart as good as gold. He was part of the local Fairbanks character and will be sorely missed.
akmimi are you serious? the next time you have want to say something do us all a favor and don't. this is about fairbanks loosing someone dear to the community it's not a place for you to voice your political stance. as for those of you that are grouping the military in the same category with the men that are accused of doing this shame on all of you for condemning those who are not here to defend themselves....wait a minute...why aren't they here to defend themselves?? THAT'S RIGHT!! they are half around the world defending your right to run your mouths!! my father and my husband both served and are still serving with the army at ft wainwright and have made their home in this community. i remember three years ago when the local community was in fear of loosing eielson and the devestating effects it would have on the economy. how quickly you bite the hand that feeds you! since when is ok to classify people by their profession? and how does the fact that these guys were soldiers have anything to do with this tragic crime? do any of you actually think before you open your mouths? and really what kind of world are we living in that grown folks are relying on myspace for accurate information? REALLY??!!! Seriously people grow up and honor this man with some dignity and show his family give him the tribute he so obviously deserved.
I hope whoever is found guilty of this gets the maximum sentence allowed. Even then, it won't be enough.
Fairbanks will always love and remember you Dan, thank you for your contribution to our community. You will be sorely missed.
It is a complete shocker since I know Ray as well and he definitely doesn't come off as the kind of person who would harm anyone, especially an elderly man. There is always a side of someone that very little people see, but innocent until proven guilty. There could be many scenarios as to why they came across Dans credit cards. Their time in court will come.
Me, too, Packersfan.
It was my small way of honoring Dan. I'm still thinking about a community effort to honor him, though; collectively, this town could do something big.
akmimi: Do you really think these are the first scumbags to join the military and be shipped off to Ft. Wainwright or that this all started just since the war? How long have you lived here? Having been born here myself, I can definitely say there have been PLENTY other "bad apple" soldiers stationed up here, and it had nothing to do with the Bush administration. In fact, I'm pretty sure a democrat was in power at that time... for 2 terms, as well.
Criminals and felons have been "joining" the military to avoid prison time long before Bush was elected. Come on.
The sad reality is that most of these type of recruits can probably only make it into the infantry, which is what a majority of Wainwright consists of, it seems. But I'm sure the lower 48 loves dumping their excess would-be criminals in our lap... considering our jails are too full, they must think being in the military during an Alaskan winter is a close second. This makes for a lot of disgruntled, already close to the edge outsiders with cabin fever and no respect for our community (and yes, I have personally heard how some of these boys speak about Alaska, Fairbanks and even their disregard for the people here), pissed off that there's "nothing to do but drink" up here, that still harbor all the freedoms of peaceful, law-biding citizens.
Lose-Lose situation for true Alaskans.
Locking down Wainwright is sadly implausible, but giving so much special treatment has started to seed an ego in the minds of these "bad apples", of whom we're pretty much forced to respect.
Scary combination.
Corruption of any system is, inevitably, the promise of its demise.
Alaskan independence, anyone?
this story breaks my heart. i hope justice is done and the killers get what they deserve. i hope they serve their sentences here in fairbanks so hopefully some fairbanks prisoners who knew dan can impart a little *ahem* "prison justice" on these disgusting thugs.
i, too, believe they are innocent until proven guilty, but the quick police turnaround leads me to believe [or at least hope] that they have got some good evidence.
with regards to these people who are attempting to vouch for these man's character; based on the article, the very best situation would be that these men found poor dan lying in that snowbank and instead of alerting the authorities, they ransacked his corpse for valuables. sound like real golden boys to me.
My words do not obviate the anger and grief concerning Dan's death. It is a sad sad event, and I am as shocked and as saddened as everyone else on this thread. My point is that when we have a community as militarized as our community, and when the military has admitted as many underqualified and questionable recruits as it has in the past 4 years, tragedies like this are bound to happen. If you look at the events at Haditha, for instance, where a young girl (14?) was brutally raped and then burned, probably alive, by a mentally unfit (army) man who was let into the military via questionable recruiting strategies (he had a history of problems) my words aren't so far fetched. Again, the murderers are responsible, but you can also lay blame at the feet of George Bush for getting our country into this mess in the first place.
seekouttrap -- I have lived in Alaska since 1981, and in Fairbanks since 1988. Sure, this isn't the first incident in which the military is (allegedly) involved. I think, though, there have been many many more of incidents like these in the last few years. Check out this past summer's drive by shootings, the incident at the Lathrop prom which featured military personnel, NOT high school students. There have been many more incidents over the years.
"LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE!"
Rockee
I like your idea of a community effort to honor Dan. Anyone have any ideas?
"Again, the murderers are responsible, but you can also lay blame at the feet of George Bush for getting our country into this mess in the first place."
in any tragedy there is plenty of blame to be spread around.. i think the point most people are trying to make is that we shouldn't use dan's senseless death as a political springboard for our opinions..
What is the little cemetery that is downtown and Frank Turney takes care of?
That would be a fitting final resting place who made the downtown a brighter place. Im not sure what his assests were, but maybe the city could donate a plot (not unheard of) and a community collection could be taken for burial expenses and a fitting headstone
Of course they are G.I.'s, how much of the crimes here in Fairbanks are GI related?
AKMIMI- I'm sure that the military guys sit on post and conspire how to ruin the lives of the innocent local town folk. They are never egged on by some drunk at a bar or invited to prom by the homecoming queen who's daddy approves of the relationship because it means she's not dating the alcoholic or the meth head that lives on unemployment. Oh no never that!!! holy Toledo Batman some protect citizens of fair Gotham! PLEASE! Yes these guys get bored and drink all the time.....but so do the drunks downtown. Yep they pick spend their money on lude and "unchristian" activities...but so does the guy that was teaching sunday school at my church....and yes they lie cheat and steal...but so do half the politicians in the great state of alaska!!! Wake up people they're just like you..the only difference is the way they make their living and the sacrifices they make for your freedom. To Dan's family I am so so sorry for your loss but I'm even more sorry that people are overshadowing his life with political nonsense. You'll be in our hearts and in our prayers.
This thread is an insult to Dan and what he stood for. He served his country and sold military surplus for goodness sakes! I am quite sure that he would not approve of bashing the military in general for the actions of three of its worst.
I will leave this thread to those of you who wish to turn this political. The older thread honors Dan and his life and is what I believe he would appreciate and approve of.
the man was beaten and strangled to death. How can anyone have anything good to say about the people who killed him. They should have to die in the same fashion as the way they killed him.
Exactly, eaglerock. do to them what they did to him.
Akmimi can post whatever he or she wants. If you don't like it, don't read it.
Akmimi, I think your comments are a little overly harsh, but I do support your right to make them. Ignore those telling you to shove off.
I do think the military presence here in Fairbanks causes more than its share of problems. I'm not blaming the men and women involved, rather the instutition that takes felons like this Brian idiot and lets them loose on a small town. I think Ft. Wainwright (and possible Eielson AFB as well) should require their personnel to sign on and off base when leaving. That way, they could keep folks like these trash out of the city, and other personnel would be unrestricted.
Having said that, I want to point out that everytime someone says, "the troops are fighting for your right to say that," and follows it up with, "now shut up and don't say that," God kills a kitten. You can't have it both ways. Either he (she?) can say it or he can't. I think he can.
Gladcierwolf!!! What a barracks Lawyer you are???? Tell me have you ever heard of DRMO that sells used and surplus GI items. Do you think the FBI, OSI and CID are idiots and if there were surplus missing, GI Joes and Blondies would be the first 2 place they looked. And I believe the owners of those two business KNOW THAT INFORMATION.
For the rest of you whom think GI's only do the crimes in town and Civilians are so innocent how about giving credit too to the GI who volunteers on the local Volunteer Fire Department? Who go on the the searches for missing people. Volunteer work for the Food Bank, Rescue Mission, and so many other community activities. These Organizations are hurting when the troops deploy..
Ohhh Ohhh I just thought of something. Where do these bad Guys in the military come from?? Could it be mmm OMG the civilian sector of our great society???? What do you suppose that means.
Also Fairbanks is known as the CITY WITH THE GOLDEN HEART AND HAS MORE RETIRED MILITARY THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN ALASKA. Any coincidence there ??? So please get off the GI bashing when you DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. You make me and many others nauseous with your disqusting remarks.
Oh yea…Lets not forget there are a lot of those GI’s dying right know so we can live free. Or did you forget that??? Of Coarse there are bad apples in the military. But to blanket them is wrong. I’m repeating my self, Sorry about that.
akmimi,
Get into rehab right away. For you the blame GW BUSH for this is simply ridiculous!
Lets keep the focus on putting these 3 losers in prison for life. They should get the death penalty, but we don't have it.
The U.S. military has fought and died to allow people to exercise their freedoms, including the freedom of speech. Let's honor their sacrifice by supporting folks' right to express themselves. The Army certainly has relaxed its standards in recruitment in recent years because of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars - that is a well documented fact. And, it may have led to the enlistment of these low-lives.
The most important thing here, though, is that a good and beloved man was brutally murdered and I am very, very sorry for that. To his family and loved ones - I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that your loved one's soul is resting in peace and that you receive the comfort you need from the Lord, each other, and this community.
Should Alaska have the Death Penalty?
To everyone: the only reason I dare post this comment is because of my erroneous belief that my "anonymous" handle is exactly that . . . anonymous.
Which it isn't, couldn't be any longer, if someone actually tried to profile me from my 400+ comments since February of this year.
I'm taking a risk here:
Glacierwolf, you are more on target than you know.
I don't know exactly when the FPD is going to come out and confirm your suspicions, but, my 3rd-hand intel tells me you hit the mark. Your words are *right* on the money.
If the FPD is withholding info from the public that *they already know* it's because they want to ensure, at least, a fair trial for these 3 sc-mbags. So be it. I respect the concept of fair trials.
I *don't,* however, respect these 3 sc-mbags.
I hope they get tried by an impartial jury of their peers, get properly convicted of their heinous crimes, and have the keys to their respective jail cells thrown all the way to the local landfill.
They're murderers. All 3 of them. They STOLE the life of a person beloved by our community. And they violated our trust in our community.
Yep. I hope the all the keys to their jail cells get tossed in the putrescent garbage like yesterday's newspaper.
As to the attorneys defending them - please do our community the kindness and justice of not making these murderers out to be angels, or anything but what they are - criminals, and murderers. Please ensure that they get every justice afforded to them by our legal system, but PLEASE, PLEASE don't even try pulling the wool over our eyes by trying to get the jury to believe that these murderers are anything but that.
Thank you, in advance.
Back off akmimi, already. S/he made a valid point: the army did lower it's standards in order to increase recruitment to the two unpopular wars that our dearly beloved duh-blya got us into. And unfortunately for Fairbanks, and every other community in this country that hosts a significant military population, we're getting to see the end result of those lower recruitment standards.
And that's a fact.
And it's also a fact that the far, far majority of our people in uniform are serving our country with the most honorable of intentions. And it's very unfortunate that only a few bad apples in the bunch can so badly taint the image of all the rest.
My solution? Acknowledge that those few bad apples exist. And honor the rest of our soldiers. It's simple, really.
Ahh, but what to do about Dan?
Honor, love, and cherish the memory of him.
Someone mentioned that he had pets he cared tremendously for. Yes, let some of us continue to light candles at his store. Hopefully others of us will take it upon themselves to adopt the animals he loved so much. And maybe others of us will see to it that his worldly affairs are taken care of to the extent that we'd wish to see our own affairs handled.
From the comments here, I do have faith that our community will look after him and his affairs, after his death, in a manner he would have very much appreciated.
From the comments here, I know *exactly* why I love this little hamlet called "Fairbanks."
Sorry. I am not backing off AKMIMI or you LadyNYC. This is NOT A POLITICAL FORUM. So, quit whining about George Bush and blaming him for EVERYTHING. Get over it. He will be gone in a few weeks and then you can start whining about how your precious Obama isn't what you thought he was going to be.
I never met Dan but he sounds like he was great person. It really is too bad. I hope the system works this time around because after being here for five years, I have seen the Alaska courts system let off quite a few criminals. Such a shame.
I never knew Daniel Frederick personally, however I used to see him all over town for the last 20 years. And his cool car in the parades. I just saw him last month at Safeway. I am so sorry for his loss of life, his family, friends and pets. I hope we do have a Memorial for him - I think calling Donna Gilbert may move this forward. I am confident the lowlife thugs who did this will pay for this crime; thank God for their stupidity. Yes, a trial will take time, however I am confident they will be brought to justice.
Here we are, trying to deal with a tragedy in our community and there are dirtbags like "mimi' and co trying to politicize it.
Absolute insanity!
hckywtchr- I believe Frank is the caretaker of the Clay Street Cemetery. I don't believe it have another name. It is a historical site being the oldest cemetery in Fairbanks, and I don't believe it is available for placement (so to speak). It may be very likely that Dan had taken his final resting place into consideration, and I will be looking forward to any hearing any plans being made for him by family, friends/community.
DrillA, get your head out from under the sand. The world could be a better place if you did, and I think, most especially at this point, Dan himself would agree.
Thanks for the suggestion to call Donna G., mandy04. I wouldn't be surprised if she got a flood of phone calls in the next few days because of your words.
I too am confident that the thugs responsible will most certainly be brought to justice. Seems like the people of this town will demand nothing less.
Yes. I think with DNA testing and everything else AK should have the death penalty. In this case I hope they get life, no parole and if they travel it be between Seward & Arizona. I wonder though, could they find a none partial jury up here, or would it have to go to Anchorage??
killing somebody for killing somebody is Insane................
dan used to love to laugh. he was a good humored man.
i'd like to see the cabin stay right where it is. perhaps someone else could keep the business going. i sure hope they don't pack it up and move it over to alaskaland.
Horrible news. The only thing I've ever heard about Blondie's from FT. WW Soldiers is that "He" (Frederick) "will turn soldiers in." (For selling stolen Army gear).
So, earlier comments about GlacierWolf's surmising shouldn't be mocked. It is a definite possability....I sure wonder what may be missing from Post.
I also hope these guys get true justice.
killing somebody for killing somebody is Insane..................
killing somebody for killing somebody, Results in the first person not repeating the act.........................
I know tht Christmas Eve is a family time. Furthermore, my actual acquaintance with Dan Frederick was through several purchases at his store over time, and by virtue of, some time ago, having an auto mechanic in common.
That said, and acknowledging that this is short notice, but in response to the question of a community memorial/gathering, I'm wondering if a candle-light vigil and even Christmas caroling -at Blondies- tomorrow night might not be something to pull together?
I think that would be a very decent farewell for someone who was so recognized in the community. I would carve a piece of time out of my Christmas Eve for that.
Either that, or perhaps the park adjacent to the State building on 7th Ave.
I also think that a community effort for purchasing a burial plot (if Mr. Frederick doesn't already have one) would be an excellent gesture.
The dignitaries of a town/city/village aren't always the folks who ride in the Grand Marshall's car at parade time, or the folks sent by mere process of elimination to Washington or Juneau.
Sometimes the dignitaries for a given place are the every-day-folks who have accepted what ever place in life they hold, without resentment or regrets, and go forth, sharing the peace found in that acceptance of a place in the world that has their name on it. Some do it more generously than others.
It's clear by the expressed sentiments and stories of many here in the several related comments sections, that Dan Frederick was one of how many unofficial dignitaries for the community of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Since "night" falls sooner than later - I think making sure candles are lit all day tomorrow would bring alot of peace to people; friends and strangers alike. I am so saddened and outraged about this I can barely see through my tears. Fairbanks is not supposed to be subjected by the deaths of Kara Zastrow, Sophie Sergie, John Hartman and other senseless deaths over the last 22 years and now Daniel Frederick. I have almost had it with this town! So, any vigil is welcome - I am sure Darryl Lewis can announce something via airwwaves or the radio stations - just put the call out there. People will be there, Christmas Eve or not. People matter and Mr. Frederick's family & friends need to know HE mattered!
yes, dan loved his animals. Can anyone else recall the photo and remembrance ad printed in this very paper, of his beloved old horse (i think her name was misty?) after she died? I remember driving by his place and seeing this bizarre scene of, yes indeed, a ancient old horse, simply standing on the porch of this old log cabin in downtown Fairbanks. That is one of my memories of Dan. The most recent was his appearance at the first and only "Cat Caboodle" where he proudly brought his big white cat ( i was thinking about the resemblance of people and the animals that live with them). He was quite obviously fond and proud of the cat, and i just wanted to acknowledge on this forum, that Dan's love and doting on his animals was an important part of his life. I suspect that the animals were part of the "unknown" between the time of his death and the discovery of his absence, which makes his death all the more tragic. I hope that those furry fellows that he so adored have been taken care of in the best of all possible ways.
p.s. For the record, if something tragic happens to me, please take care of the animals that have been entrusted to me before you do anything else.
Alright, I believe that the ball is rolling, and it's now in the works that there will be Christmas carolling tomorrow evening at Blondie's, on Christmas eve.
Not as a matter of circling wagons, expressing hatred, or animosity, vengeance or vigilanteism, but to do what many suspect Dan Frederick would've enjoyed on a Christmas eve; a driveway full of carollers, with or without candles, singing Christmas music. Peacably and with the best of positive intentions; to honor and properly send off an acknowledged member of the community.
Please be respectful of parking in that or other areas, other residents' rights to not be inconvenienced, etc.
I haven't been carolling in years, and don't plan on making much effort to wander elsewhere in town singing (few would want to hear my voice anyway), but I will be at Blondies tomorrow night, on Christmas eve, at 7:30 P.M. for this evvent.
DrillANWR, it's not about politics (if that were the cutoff, I think you'd need a new nickname), it's about WHY did this incident happen and WHAT can be done to stop it from happening again.
No-one here is saying, seriously, at least, that all GIs are like the garbage who pulled this crap. What we (Akmimi, LadyNYC, and myself) are saying, is that this happened because of the Army's lax recruitment standards; taking anyone who can breathe. Those lax standards are directly due to, like it or not, our current pair of wars, which were started by the administration of King Pinocchio / Saint George (depending on your political stance).
Is this a tragedy? Yes, of course. Is a discussion of the root causes of this tragedy making a mockery of our loss? Absolutely not!
7:30 Blondies tomorrow night. You are right, it is a time for family, and Myself and my loved ones will be there, along side our extended family in Fairbanks.
We'll see you there, Donna.
I hope that I can remember most of the words. If not, I guess that my kids and wife can help me out, or at least cover over my mumbling through.
AkMimi - you need to get one thing straight. Congress authorized the war in Iraq. A Democrat-led Congress... Bush could not do anything without them okaying it. Get your facts straight. Congress was given the same intelligence information that Bush was given, and they voted to send the troops. It was not Bush's fault the infomation was wrong or flawed or whatever. I have heard many stories about the "weapons of mass destruction" that were found and secretly removed from Iraq. You won't hear it from the liberal media. Sorry I don't have the source of that story at this time.
I have been in Fairbanks over 30 years and there have always been some military problems. Some people are just not decent people. Period. There have been murders, rapes, shootings, domestic violence and much more committed by military personnel. But guess what? Those things are also done by civilians.
On the Army website it says:
The basic qualifications for enlistment in the U.S. Army include:
• being from 17 to 34 years old
• be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, (must have the I-551)
• have a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED)
• be single with no children or married with 2 or less children
• pass the ASVAB test and ((Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
• pass the physical
You should also not be undergoing any civil actions; certain law violations will disqualify you.
So I don't know how people with criminal records get in.
I have my opinion based on what I have read, both in the news and on those people's MySpace accounts. There are some very telling things there and they are public. I don't know if one or all of these men are guilty of murdering our friend Dan, but they are all guilty by association. And by using his credit and debit cards to the tune of over $50,000! No matter what they seemed like, that made them felons all by itself.
I do hope someone will schedule some kind of Memorial. Dan's smiling face will be greatly missed.
I see a memorial has been scheduled while I was typing. thanks for that. I plan to be there.
First real smile I have had in days...Thank You..I can't sing well at all, but that never stopped me before! Just ask my family! This is a wonderful idea. I hope to see a lot of folks turn out for this. Until tomorrow night..Safe Dreams One and All
I promise to mention in on my radio show and i will tell the other DJ's in the building about it.
I see Mandy04 brought my name up at 11:10pm.
This sounds like a wonderful idea....and from the looks of things....one that will definitely take place.
I will "put the word out" of this event.....and I too will be there.
I didn't know Dan personally. But I do my banking across the street at First National. Always saw him up to something around his store. And his Collie was always walking around the place.
Another sure thing? That little red car.
I've lived here over 23 years now, and as a long-time member of the media, have covered too many senseless tragedies here locally.
This ranks up there near the top.
At Tuesday's press conference, City Police Chief Dan Hoffman said their investigation reveals that they have the three men in custody that did this to Mr. Frederick, and that they are the three who were using his credit cards for their own personal gain.
Charges most likely have now been forwarded to the District Attorney's Office, and the three men will more than likely be arraigned this afternoon in Fairbanks District Court.
Hopefully, and this is my personal opinion, no plea deals on reduced charges.
I've witnessed too many people accused of preying on this community....facing harsh penalties...later get off on reduced charges.
Mr. Towndrow, earlier this year, was facing a multitude of felony crimes, only to later "plead out" to a 3rd Degree sex crime.
Released from prison, and awaiting sentencing (which would have yielded very little, if any, additional jail time)....he's now accused of Murder.
This community should be fed up with this kind of conduct, whether said conduct comes courtesy from the military OR the civilian community here.
My heart aches for the family of Daniel Frederick, and the many extended family members he had here in the Interior.
A sad day for Fairbanks.
As I said....I will get the word out.....
Sounds like 7:30 pm over on 8th and Lacey Street downtown.
See you all there!
You all that have been commenting on Blondie's death have missed the point, most have been stating other crap, except his death, he was a weird guy that drove his red porsce in the summer and acted like a hermit. But he was killed, murdered by 3 slugs, army slugs. Quite the bull blogs and respect the poor guy. No more CSI, SVU etc crap... he was A local Fbks guy. He was just a man whom was killed, no conspiracy just poor man killed, dead. Murdered. Remember him and leave the blog crap for what ever else.
This really saddened me.... when I first heard he was missing and even more so when I heard he was found. Dan was a great guy. Passive, gentle disposition, & kind natured he was always willing to take time to talk to you. I always took visitors into his little shop and I visited at least every other year and I loved hearing the tidbis of history he had to share about all of his memorabilia. Nothing there I wanted to buy, I just liked the place. I first met him in '87 when I was walking downtown w/ my dog - I was about 16. We weren't friends or anything like that and he wouldn't have known me on the street, but I always recognized him and said hello when I saw him. This tragic crime is just plain heinous. I'm sure he would have handed over anything they demanded. And yes - as a USAF Vet myself, I found that too to be a kindred connection with Dan, and ind it twice as dishonorable that the suspects would do this to one of their own. And no - I don't think Bush had anything to do with it - these men made choices. Very bad, outlandish, heinous choices.
WOW! I posted my first comment thinking these were all about Dan. Then I just read the comments start to finish. Before we go all anti military - lets put into perspective that the FNSB is 70% Veterans - five branches of military - not one! Yah - I was shocked to find that out too - and I am one. So - out the military and your Vets... and where does that leave us - oh wait - I'm one too so I would be outed to... just for living here and having served? Possible argument for some - but completely irrelevant to Dan's MURDER.
70% folks!
I'll end this one the same way I ended my last one - these men made choices. Very bad, outlandish, heinous choices. The Army didn't make them or allow them - they chose.
I hope there is a huge showing tonight for Blondie! What a send-off that would be! He still resides first and foremost in my mind and has since his disappearance. I know by reading on here that the whole town is grieving for the loss of him. For a man that was so quite and unassuming, you would never know it. It was like he was a former mayor or big wig...something I am sure he never considered himself. This just goes to show you what living a good, honest life can do for you. RIP our fellow Fairbanksan, you have my heartfelt respect and admiration.
I know that there are probably some good soldiers, but from what I have seen a lot of these guys are jerks. I witnessed 5 beat some older native man behind a bar. Of course I stopped them. The man was totally defenseless. I was once robbed of my pizza hut pizzas, while delivering, on 12th ave.. Last year, while driving taxi, I dropped someone off at his barracks. Felipe Rodriquez. He didn't pay his cab fair. His supervisor paid it. Then about 2 weeks later, seen him at the super 8 with underage girls, and he with 2 friends threatened to kill me. No wonder the Iraqis don't like us. where do we get these guys.
the 3 military punks who stole my pizzas, had a 44 lowered on there back window, but luckily a police officer witnessed them, And arrested them. Oh and a $10,000 bail, what a joke. Lock them up and throw away the key.
akmimi- How DARE you you politicize this tragedy to promote your liberal "I hate Bush rhetoric". It is sickening and totally uncalled for.
Kimber -- I "DARE" to "politicize" anything I want to. This is obviously a terrible crime that is probably the one of the far reaching consequences of stupid mistakes made by this country in entering a war of choice. That's all I have been saying here. When you enter a stupid war of the magnitude we did, there will be consequences throughout the country, and probably for many years. This particular death, and probably even the crimes witnessed by StacyG, are some of the far-reaching consequences of our president's stupidity. Actions have consequences -- that's one of the first tenets of decision-making. I do not have "free speech" because our president entered this war in Iraq. This war was never about protecting the United States because they never attacked us in the first place, so you people who are telling me to shut up because the army is protecting me need to just get the facts straight. All of you people who backed this war and this president are seeing some consequences in this local tragedy. It is hard to face, but it is true.
I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around some of these posts.
Was Fort Wainwright and the U.S. Army not here and established in this community before President GW Bush? You mean there is No Way in the grand scheme of things any one of these three soldiers would not have been assigned here if not for OEF/OIF?
I find this a far reach for anyone's political platform. Weak at best absurd is more like it.
Not defending Bush and his actions by any means, but couldn't you find another thread that some how fits better into your rantings of GW? Might as well blame GW for the pot holes in the Fairbanks streets too while you're at it.
I feel this thread is inappropriate for this agenda. Now that I have commented and added to the futile rantings, I feel the need to shower off some vile sludge, for I am no better than those that took away what the focus of this thread was about. I apologize.
I will see you tonight at 7:30 at Blondie's. I only hope that my voice will not break through the tears that are sure to come.
their rants show up in every thread. everything is george bush's fault. they may have free speech, but they have no class. i could go into a long heavy diatribe of how liberalism has created these monsters, but i won't. no point anyway. they can't take the cotton out of their ears long enough to hear what anyone else says. it is a form of selfishness that when taken to the extreme like these soldiers did you wind up with good people dead.
Wow i cant believe some of the comments being left on here good thing no one here lives in a big city were tradegies like this happen everyday they wouldnt know what to do. and being military or civilian has no bearing on what happened. You are who u are not matter what your affliation is or your job.
AKMIMI, LADYNYC, and HENRY - I am so glad that you guys feel the need to keep whining and complaining. Obviously I am getting under your skin because you are still going on and on:) While I agree with you that the Army has relaxed their standards, I disagree with your nonstop liberal whining about my current President. It is rude and disrespectful to bash the current president. Oh wait, that's right, I serve my country proudly and fight for your freedom, so you can do so. When Obama is sworn in, I will salute proudly and press on, even if I disagree with everything he stands for (along with his pathetic cabinet...ick)
I will see everyone at Blondie's tonight! I think it is a great thing to do and I am sure he would have wanted to see everyone together! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I will definitely enjoy my last Christmas in Alaska:)
I look forward to seeing everyone at Blondie's tonight.
I was thinking last night, did Dan own a white german shepherd? I just have this fleeting memory, not sure if it was when I was a kid or sooner. Just wondering if anyone can remember. thanks.
I will miss Dan. I had spoken to him for only a few brief times over the years, but I could tell that he was a nice and good guy. I will always remember him whenever I use the 35 foot parachute that I bought from him on Nov. 22, 08. I used it to heat up my vehicle.
There have always been a small percentage of people with criminal tendencies within the civilian population. Many start out that way in childhood due to bad upbringing. Some may hang around the wrong kind of "friends" in their teen years. Some may not be that bad and can be straightened out.
A few of these troubled people may get into the military. A majority of these few troubled people probably get straightened out by the rigorous discipline and physical fitness training in the military.
The vast majority of citizens that join the military are patriots. I consider our soldiers to be the very finest of our citizens. They have risked life and limb to bring a chance of freedom to the Iraqi and Afghani people.
The tyrant dictator Saddam Hussein held Iraq in an iron grip for 24 years. During that time he murdered thousands of his own people. Saddam's unpleasant sons also assisted in the dictatorship. Saddam financed terrorism against innocent civilians in Israel. Saddam launched 39 scud missiles at Israel in 1991 even though Israel was not involved in the 1991 First Gulf War. That war resulted from Saddam invading and conquering Kuwait.
Many thousands of good and brave Iraqis have worked hard to get the chance to vote and to have a constitution and have a representative government. It is an opportunity that would not have come in many generations had it not been for the brave sacrifice and endurance of the American soldiers and other allied troops.
I'm sure that the soldiers at Fort Wainwright have every bit as much distain and anger against the perpetrators of the vicious murder of Dan as we civilians do.
As a Fairbanks civilian and long time resident, I am anxious for justice to be done against the perpetrators.
7:30 tonight. I'll see you good folks there. Bring your own tissues and memories.
There's lots that could be said on both sides of this debate that really doesn't belong here at this time. It dilutes the gravity of the circumstances.
Please folks, what ever your political disposition and beliefs, don't detract from the remembrance of a kind person's untimely passing.
Imagine how pleased someone of Mr. Frederick's reported disposition, values, and beliefs would be to see all sides in this awkward debate, as well as those uninvolved, appear at his door, singing about Christmas.
Imagine the strength of singing in the face of loss.
Imagine the celebration of life that echoes through the universe when this kind of negativity is responded to with song, pleasant recollections, and comaraderie.
Imagine.
It was on this day that the Germans and allies both disobeyed orders, set down their weapons long enough to lob what gifts they could assemble from limited rations, over to the opposing side's trenches, and eventually came together to sing Christmas carols, smoke cigarettes, share some chow, and agree that tearing each other apart wasn't how they ought to spend their lives.
In my opinion, singing tonight at Blondie's serves such a purpose, even if only in an abstract manner.
Can y'all lay aside this banter at least that long?
I will miss Dan. I had spoken to him for only a few brief times over the years, but I could tell that he was a nice and good guy. I will always remember him whenever I use the 35 foot parachute that I bought from him on Nov. 22, 08. I used it to heat up my car.
There have always been a small percentage of people with criminal tendencies within the civilian population. Many start out that way in childhood due to bad upbringing. Some may hang around the wrong kind of "friends" in their teen years. A very tiny percentage of people are rotten to the core.
Some people may not be that bad and can be straightened out.
A few of these troubled civilians may get into the military. A majority of these few troubled people probably get straightened out by the rigorous discipline and physical fitness training in the military.
The vast majority of citizens that join the military are patriots. I consider our soldiers to be the very finest of our citizens. They have risked life and limb to bring a chance of freedom to the Iraqi and Afghani people.
The tyrant dictator Saddam Hussein held Iraq in an iron grip for 24 years. During that time he murdered thousands of his own people. Saddam's unpleasant sons also assisted in the dictatorship. Saddam financed terrorism against innocent civilians in Israel. Saddam launched 39 scud missiles at Israel in 1991 even though Israel was not involved in the 1991 First Gulf War. That war resulted from Saddam invading and conquering Kuwait.
Many thousands of good and brave Iraqis have worked hard to get the chance to vote and to have a constitution and have a representative government. It is an opportunity that would not have come in many generations had it not been for the brave sacrifice and endurance of the American soldiers and other allied troops.
I'm sure that the soldiers at Fort Wainwright have every bit as much distain and anger against the perpetrators of the vicious murder of Dan as we civilians do.
Very nice, Dirk :)
Rest in Peace Dan. I didn't know you, but you deserved better.
For those of you that want to use this as an opportunity to troll and military-bash, you forget that Dan was military himself, a former paratrooper as I recall. Don't use this good man's death for your personal agenda.
This crime was perpetrated by criminals. That they happen to be, or once were soldiers is saddening, but no more than that. The crime rate on Fort Wainwright itself if much lower than in Fairbanks and Noth Pole. The population held in FCC or Palmer consists of very few soldiers, a much lower ratio than the actual population merits.
Just a curious thought about how three men could rack up over $50,000.00 dollars of purchases at our local stores using another person's credit cards!
Where was the ID checks, and where was the signature verification.
I always thank the clerk who asks for my ID, as they are protecting me.
Makes you wonder about the checks and balances if you should accidently lose your own wallet!
I'm sorry for the multiple posting of the same letter. My post did not seem to take the first time. I thought it timed out. Then I tweaked it a bit.
And I don't mean to fan the flames of the extraneous diatribe, but I felt the incessant postings of a certain writer needed some balance.
Randy
Lock them up and put all of them on the death row! The killers were suppose to be our public servants! Make an example of these evil people who were suppose to defend our country! Danny is a good man who helped many people. He always helped people that were stranded here by putting them to work in return for a ticket home. God bless his family this Christmas his spirit is in good hands.
This is my first time commenting and the reason it is, is because I'm just shocked at the comments here. I have to agree with DrillANWR, this is about Mr. Frederick. Although I've been here a long time, I never new him and still grieve his death. I understand he was a Christian, I'm so relieved about that! He's in a better place and now I pray for those he left behind.
About the military. This is a very small percentage of a bad apple. AKMIMI don't bad mouth our military as if it's a whole. I agree with DrillANWR also about not bad mouthing our President. What these men did has nothing to do with anyone but themselves. Blame is on them not anyone else. There are people who can't accept responsibility for their own actions and place blame on others - broken people; people that look to others to take care of themselves and become angry at others when they're not being taken care of. These same people take up a second offense for the wrong in others lives and start blaming others for their folly.
This is a lack of relationship with God and living without the respect of boundaries.
My point? Be angry with those who are perpetrating an offense against you, leave out the rest. Seek justice through the law, not by your own means - when it's not about you it's slander and gossip. I pray for justice to be served and peace and understanding for the family and friends left behind.
I pray that all these comments that have stirred around Dan's death bring light to what is truly important in life, relationship with God. And surrounded by this season, I pray that Hope, Faith and Peace prevail those emotionally and relationally involved.
I'm very sorry to have gone on, but everyone else seems to have a point, and thanks to our military, I can state my point as well.
vtaylor, I recall visiting Blondie's in the late '80s when he had a horse (!) and a white german shephard in the shop.
Just a curious thought about how three men could rack up over $50,000.00 dollars of purchases at our local stores using another person's credit cards!
Where was the ID checks, and where was the signature verification.
I always thank the clerk who asks for my ID, as they are protecting me.
Makes you wonder about the checks and balances if you should accidently lose your own wallet!
I use only a visa debit card or a credit card for purchases
I cant think of the last time ANYONE asked for an ID. Usually they look at the back of the card and hand it back to me. They dont match the signatures.
I'll try this one more time.
There was a terrible crime committed in our small town. A nature of crime that is both especially cruel and rare here in Fairbanks. A lot of people will miss Dan, including, I'm sure, his pets. No-one here has denied that this was a terrible tragedy. Not even Evil-commie-liberal Akmimi.
No-one is badmouthing the majority of our uniformed men and women, whether currently serving or veterans. No-one has said anything, as far as I can tell, to take away from the sacrifices made by men like Dan.
What has been said is an inquiry about the cause of this tragedy. Some people believe that it stems from the lax recruitment standards the Army uses to put garbage like Brian Towndrow in the same ranks as Dan Frederick. I think that's a problem, not just because you introduce scumbags like Brian into small towns like ours, but because that lowers the value of all the sacrifices made by men like Dan.
It is my belief that the number of bad apples in our military has increased, greatly, since 2003. Yes, the majority are committed by civilians. Yes, most of our servicemen and women are among the most patriotic of all citizens. But is is my belief that the few bad apples that do get in cause more than there share of problems, and it is not unreasonable to ask the Army to assist the small towns into which it introduces these scumbags.
I had earlier proposed a potential temporary solution. Make the armed services personnel sign on and off base. When you have someone like Brian who is awaiting sentencing, restrict them to the base. Keep them out of our town.
I won't be able to come caroling tonight, but I will be thinking of all of you. Sing loud and be safe.
~Wow, Dirk.
Thank you.
vtaylor:
Yes, Dan did have a White German Shepherd. The dog's name was Blondie, that's who Dan named the store after. I bought my bunny boots from Dan about 7 years ago, and he told me about the dog. Blondie had died quite a few years before.
"Kimber -- I "DARE" to "politicize" anything I want to."
Spoken like a true angry, confused brainwashed liberal who has no respect or regard for anyone or anything that does not line up with your vitriolic so called progressive-tolerant idealism. It would not surprise me to see the likes of you outside Blondies with a "Bush lied Dan died' sign.
Peace to Dan and his family during this time of loss. I'm sorry for those who choose to degrade Dans life and this loss to his family and friends by using it as a platform to spew their hateful trash. I apologize to his family for them because they obviously do not have enough backbone to do so themselves.
With the voice of Sara Mcolocphln...
"In the arms of an angel,...fly away from here"
((Dan))
I wonder if Dan had any idea how important he was to this town. As I have said, though, I didn't know how important he was to me until realizing he won't be around anymore. Devastating to think about it.
I am thrilled being a part of this forum learning more about Dan. Thank you all of your stories. When I think of Dan through the years, I think that he sure had a good balance between quiet sensibility and outlandish, eccentric weirdness. That little red car, a Toyota with a lift kit, comb-over... I remember as a kid having to hold back the desire to stare at the interesting local attraction that was Blondie. This is the first real smile I've had since this nightmare began.
I'm so sick of these comment threads. One side blames the military, the other side defends the military. There is good and bad in EVERYONE in EVERY community. There have been some amazing people that have come out of the army and that serve in the army and they do awesome things to help out the community they are stationed at. There are also some bad seeds who had a troubled childhood or some other issue that caused them to be who they are today. There are some amazing people who have come out of this community, Mr. Frederick for example. Some of these people volunteer where others wouldn't care to, people who just bring a smile to your face. Then there are also some bad seeds, remember just a few weeks ago a soldier was shot and killed in downtown Anchorage? It was a civilian who was JUST released from prison. Remember a few years ago the kid who shot another kid over a little bit of weed behind the Carlson Center? Civilians...
Good and bad everywhere...what I see going on with this distinction of army and civilian is just discrimination in another way. If this was 40 years ago and a black man had shot a white guy, everyone would say to lock up ALL black people. Whoever killed this man did a horrible thing, but drop the whole army vs. civilian/community thing.
Out of what dignity remains of the memory of a Fairbanks icon, I suggest ending this thread immediately.
Redredrose, You may think it is insane to execute a person for committing a horrible act against society but it makes certain of one point for sure..............THEY WILL NOT COMMIT THAT ACT EVER AGAIN. WAKE UP YOU LEFT WING IDIOTS. The bad part is that most of you that deny the death penalty would think nothing of using abortion.
How sick are you, really?
olypopper...there are too many innocent people in prison tho, how many innocent lives would be killed if the death penalty were enforced? Don't compare it to abortion either because that's a different subject.
Steve Floyd announced the vigil tonight at 7:30 at Blondie's store. Hopefully there are alot of people listening to KFAR this morning at home or in their cars.
jkbay
12/24/2008, 7:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
" Wow i cant believe some of the comments being left on here good thing no one here lives in a big city were tradegies like this happen everyday they wouldnt know what to do. "
Um, that's exactly WHY most of us choose to live here. At least there's still a few places left in the world that gives a damn when someone is brutally murdered.
Steve announced one last time on Problem Corner on KFAR about the get together tonight at Blondie's. Let's all tell all our friends about it and hopefully there will be more people than can be counted for this event. Frank Turney also came on the radio and thanked KFAR and said he will be there, and I am sure he will tell everyone that he knows about it as well. Please spread the word folks to give this deserving Fairbanksan a proper send-off. He never deserved to die the way he did, he was a part of all of us. RIP Dan.
I never knew Dan, but when I heard my heart broke, I drive pass blondies every day to get to work and I always thought to myself "I should go in there one of these days" I wondered what types of cool things he might have that my husband and his brothers would enjoy cause they too are prior millitary, but I never did. Today as I drove passed there was a couple lighting candels... I have lived in fairbanks for 6 yrs but I am a long time alaskan resident. I grew up in a smaller town outside of fairbanks and even as a little girl I remeber passing blondies. I have read all the comments and heres my opinion, the men that did this are bad apples just like the gangmembers from this summers shoot out were bad apples. fairbanks is not LA or NY, we are still a small commuinty who cares about our neighbors and when this kind of violence happens we get devastated, I grew up with blondies being a long term fixture in fairbanks and now because of a few bad apples, the heart and soul of blondies is no more.
Things like this remind us just how short life is and how forgranted we take each day. This is a good community over all, we just have a few bad apples for whatever reason.
I won't be able to join the rest of you this evening but thank you so much for doing something in his honnor.
May you rest in peace Mr Fredrick you will always be remembered in the heart of this community.
Dirk,
I don't always agree with you but I do consider you an "honorable opponent" and I agree with you on this one. Out of honor and respect for Dan, we should "leave aside" all of the extraneous banter. Too bad that some of the less honorable probably can't restrain themselves...
I have a very good question. WHY DON'T PEOPLE CHECK ID'S!!!
Hey Newsminer
How about creating a short blurb on the webpage for the Community Celebration of Dan's life.
The message will get lost to the many who dont want to wade through the piles and piles of comments attached to these stories
I don't agree with some that akmimi says either, but the red-faced, spittle-spewing apoplexy by some people above doesn't belong here either. The D's won '06 and '08. Get over it.
The soldiers involved, if they're guilty, made their own choices. The Army didn't do that for them and isn't to blame. If they murdered Dan Fredrick (and it sounds like they did), they'll have to take the consequences. For my part I hope they are harsh.
Many prayers to the family for the loss of a great man. To all those who blame this harsh crime on politics or who try to put some sort of blame on "ALL" our soldiers think again! We are all first and foremost individuals who make our own choices as a person! So if you want to pass judgement on these people do so with the fact that they are individuals who made the wrong choice not that they are soldiers caught up in this so-called "unappropriate war". The father of my children and the other half or my life is currently serving our country in Iraq, are you gonna blame him for this crime to? Let Dan's life be remember for what a amazing person he was and not for the way his life came to an end.
I wont be able to make it tonight but I will definitely be there in spirit.
Please sing loud and proud!
I so wish I could be there!
Merry Christmas Dan and Fairbanks!
Wow. I said I was done, and I should be, but I'm sick of people questioning my honor and integrity.
Think about it this way. Would Dan have preferred this thread to be all about him, or would he have preferred it to be a discussion of WHY it happened and what could potentially be done to ensure it doesn't happen again? I think he would have preferred the latter. Maybe I'm wrong, but from the comments from people who knew him better than I, I suspect not.
This isn't a wake or a funeral. If it were, then yes, comments about the how and why would be out of order. This is a web forum on a local newspaper. This is a place for community discussion, which is exactly what some people are engaging in.
Once again, sing loud and stay safe to all those going to the event tonight. Christmas is, I think, a fitting time of year to remember someone like Dan.
would everyone Please quit argueing, That I assure you is something Dan would have never wanted to happed as he was a very sensitive person, and disliked conflict!
He was stationed at Ft.Richardsone during the end of the Vietman era, and was an Airbon Ranger, the best of the best...
From the time the plane first touched the ground in Anchorage He fell instantly in love with Alaska, and after saving all of the money he could decided to open a buissines, thats what brought him to Fairbanks, because he saw it's population of people with good old fashioned values, a plce where you didden't have to lock your doors at night, the city with a Golden Heart!
I first met him shortly after having arived in Fairbanks in the 1980's, I was dead broke and not knowing what to do to get by. He offered me a day job, for $10.00 an Hour.
Over the years(20+) that I knew him, I learned several bits and pieces about him, how many of you knew was a talented musician, who played guitar and had cut an album in the earily 1970, was an avid sports fan(it diddent matter who won, he just liked to watch sports of all kinds) and I think about his biggest joy would have to have been just visiting with the people who entered his life on a regular daily basis, his customers.
I remeber when we both had our Dogs get old and die on us (when he found out about mine dying he broke out in tears, and I was also upset when prince His last white shepard died (At one point he had two white German shepards, prince, and Blondie, the one his shop was named after).
About that old horse that he had die on him, does anyone else remember he used to give sliegh rides just about this time of year (as long as it was warm enough) before the animal got too old too pull?
I remember a close perasonal friend(now also deseased) helped remove it, it had died insde the main curios shop and and had bloated, Dan had the hardest time comming to grips about it about it, and yes, He if anyone definitely deserved the title animal lover. I have bought from him, sold to him, and just hung out to visit because I always learned something I didde'nt know before .
Dan, whearever you have gone, you with you quirky ways and genuine good big heart, you will be missed by several generations of people whom your life has touched, and I am in hopes that this will in some way touch the heart of all who in thier grind of daily madness have had the priviledge of meeting this fine man.
7:30 it is!
Personally, I think that blaming this murder on the military and its recruiting standards (which have never been high) is a little like blaming Seung-Hui Cho's murders on the Virginia Tech English Department.
However, I have to agree with Henry that this is exactly the time and the place for people to try to work out what happened and why. Obviously, we're not all going to agree, but that doesn't give anyone the right to tell anyone else to shut up.
Thank you, Dondi.
Yes, thank you Dondi
mimi's right.
it wasn't the time or place to say it, i'll agree.
but she is nevertheless correct.
lost for words---
"And yes, I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of George Bush"
And when military members do something positive for the community dol you give him the credit as well? (Personally, I doubt you would) Leave it to someone to inject politics into what is a MURDER having nothing at all to with who is in the White House. When a GI murdered someone in Fairbanks during the Clinton years (and I am sure it happened more than once)were you blaming Bill? The blame for this crime is squarely on the shoulders of the three low-life animals who did it, no one else.
I'm just sick to my stomach with this case. I helped plan B.T.'s wedding and helped him and his family, but in the back of my mind I always thought, there's something not right. I mean that man broke bread with my children. It just sends shivers down my spine. When Spring came and he was accused of torturing a baby moose. We all jumped to defend him. Maybe that should have been an eye opener for us. Maybe I should have listened to the eerie sensations he produced. That SOB needs to pay for his sins. I know Alaska isn't an executioner state but at time like this I wish it were.
Mr. Fredrick's was a very sweet man! My father remembers him and the shop, we sometime compare stories. I was station in your beautiful town once and my father at another time. He was an institution really. You start emailing soldier that have been in Fairbanks and they'll all know what Blondie's was and who Mr. Fredrick was. They beat him beyond recognition, then buried him in the snow not once but twice. That has premeditation all over it. Let them pay and let them burn for eternity in whatever hell they've made for themselves!
I hate to disagree with anyone here, but you can't blame our commander in chief. Yes these guys were soldiers but they were human beings first. Ant they made a choice, a very sinister choice. only they can be held accountable.
My heart bleeds for you Fairbanks. I wish I were there to help in the healing process. My prayers will be will you all. God Bless your little town. How I wish i were still with her! And many blessings to the affected family. I hope your children will find their way home soon in comfort!!!!
Hi every one up in Ak, I am Raymond Jones mother in law, Glacierwolf you are very bright.Ray is a thief.To the girl who is so shoched over this behavior... all I can say is you do not know this man. I would like to know where my grand baby that the state of Wa. sent to him was while he was murdering this wonderful man?
Any body know?????? And by the way Bush had nothing to do with this, and to the ones that want to knock the Military he hated being in. He wanted out real bad.Did you know that too ladybugg? Look the United States Military is huge so.. you are going to get the best and the worst of people and every where in between, but if the Capt. of Ray would of reported the theft that my daughter filled him in on and even returned the things she found when she was packing to leave, that dear man might still be alive!!!!What do you think of that Glacierwolf?
I moved to Delta Jct. in 1983, and went to school on Ft. Greely. My dad was allowed entry into the Marines at 17 so he could be used in Korea. Because of these two facts, I feel I have a legitimate opinion. I have lived in Fairbanks since 1991, and have had many interactions with military folks. My dad was taught to kill and hold others down. The same lessons are taught today. We are allowing people who don't have the mental or emotional strength to control themselves into the military to do the work of the rich and religious. Dan was a good man as far as I know and I wish we could turn back the clock for his sake. I own guns for hunting and protection, but have never felt any safer because of the military, nor do I believe they have ever protected me personally. My neighbors, and they are good, gun-bearing individuals themselves, will help me if I need protection, and visa versa. Our government officials can help solve the dumbing down of the military by only participating in worthwhile affairs. Let's hope the new administration can turn things around, like educating our people and keeping access to good healthcare. It's hard to sell other countries on democracy when you are not a true democracy yourself.
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