July 17, 1928 - April 12, 2015
Fred Lawrence Bahr was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 17, 1928 to John and Marie Bahr. He joined his two older brothers, John and (Paul) Don. He attended schools in Salt Lake City including the University of Utah. Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army 11/6/1950, where he was stationed with the 2nd Armored Division in Germany. He took a leave on March 7th, 1951 to marry his sweetheart, Beverly Marie Loughridge, in Butte Montana. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this past March. Upon his honorable discharge from the army, Fred went to work in the JC Penney accounting division in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fred and Bev welcomed their first daughter, Coleen, in 1956, and in 1958 the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Fred managed a shoe store. In 1960, he was given the opportunity to start his own Red Wing Shoe Store in Spokane, Washington. His first store was in downtown Spokane. Thirty six years later, he owned 3 stores and retired in 1996. He ran a successful business because he knew how to take care of the customer, always going the extra mile. In 1963, the family welcomed their 2nd daughter, Shannon. Fred and the family enjoyed tent and trailer camping, while traveling each summer. Fred loved sports, spectating and participating. He ran in several Bloomsday races, played tennis, bicycled and snow skied regularly until he was 80 years old. He was a fan of the Seahawks and Mariners, but especially loved the WSU Cougars. He was a loving and giving man, who worked hard and was always there for “his 3 girls”, as he referred to Bev, Coleen and Shannon. He was an excellent provider and always wanted to make sure his family was taken care of. He was blessed with grandchildren, Brian, Kayla, Eli, Dakota and Cutter, who all loved their “Papa” so very much. Fred was preceded in death by his parents John and Marie Bahr and his two brothers John and Don. He is survived by his wife Beverly, children Coleen and Shannon, his grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale at Northpointe Clare Bridge program for taking such good care of him the past several years. They also wish to thank Hospice of Spokane (Hospice House North) for making his last few days peaceful, comfortable and compassionate. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Spokane (PO Box 2215, Spokane, Wa 99210 or by calling 509-456-0438).
