Fred Stray was the kind of man who led from behind, empowering others to shine.
Born in Seattle and raised on a farm in Redmond, Fred always carried with him a zest for life, a love for apple orchards, and a down-to-earth spirit marked by honesty, humility, and care. He graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1954.
After high school, Fred served two years in the U.S. Army in Alaska, where he first strapped on a pair of cross-country skis — soon competing and kindling a passion that would shape his life. Returning home, he worked at Boeing briefly before launching a successful lifelong career in sales, eventually founding Eastside Ice Company and later Eastside Ice Machines. Fred didn’t just sell machines — he built lasting relationships based on trust, service, and support.
Though he began as a “klutz,” Fred quickly became one of the most graceful skiers on the mountain. He credited his coordination to years as a near-professional roller skater. Fred would go on to race Masters events for 21 years, including Nationals in Alyeska, AK, and McCall, ID, with slalom as his specialty.
In 1963, Fred met the love of his life, Frances (Fran) Barker, during the infamous Slush Cup at Mount Baker. Post skiing, at the bar, Fred spotted Fran and asked for a dance. Rejected, Fred pulled a bold table-top dance invitation, Fran finally agreed to join Fred on the dance floor — and the rest was history. They married later that year, made Kirkland their home, and raised two children, Deanna and Eric. Both Fred & Fran would become ski instructors for Audett Ski School.
In 1968, Fred and Fran bought a cabin in Skykomish and became members of the infamous Skykomish Yacht Club, a misfit crew known for tubing down the river, golf tournaments, blueberry bake-offs, potlucks, and endless dancing. They also became active members in an equally zany social club known as the Old Farts Ski Instructors (OFSI).
In 1972, they purchased Art and Vivian Audett’s ski school, rebranding it as Ski King, Inc.. Under their leadership, Ski King grew into one of the largest contract ski schools at Stevens Pass, running programs for five school districts — Mercer Island, North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, South Kitsap, Bremerton, and the sporting goods store -TheGood Sport, owned by fellow instructor Clarke Gray. At its peak, Ski King brought up 30–35 busloads of kids on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays, ran Mighty Mites programs for children ages 8–12, and adult classes mid-week. With an average of 80 instructors each season, Ski King became more than a ski school — it was a family.
Fred had a special gift for mentoring. Many students returned as instructors, drawn in by his kindness, patience, and quiet strength. He modeled integrity and humility, and he always had your back. Even in the practical details — like painting first initials on instructor signs to help kids find their teachers — Fred’s solutions were thoughtful and simple. He created a culture where younger instructors would come to teach side-by-side with their instructor parents, a tradition that endured long after Fred and Fran sold the school in 1992.
Somehow, Fred balanced three businesses — selling ice machines, running Ski King, and delivering party ice — while never missing the moments that mattered most. He was there for every soccer game, school event, and milestone. At home, he built family traditions like weekly Taco Tuesdays, making sure his family (kids, grandkids and Great grandkids) knew they were always his greatest priority.
Fred passed away on June 16, 2025, in Kirkland, Washington, after a long and courageous battle with vascular dementia. He was just ten days shy of his 89th birthday.
He is survived by his beloved wife Fran; daughter Deanna (Leingang); son Eric; grandsons Marcus (Madeleine), Nilserik (Tiffany), and Devin; two great-grandsons; sister Anne (Wil) Salmi; sister-in-law Sunday Stray; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Thorvald, Arne, and Trygve.
A celebration of life will be held (was held) at the Newport Covenant Church (12800 SE Coal Creek Pkwy, Bellevue, WA 98006).
Edited By Bryce James