Fred Alex Jaber
January 7, 1927 - June 26, 2005
Obituary
Fred Alex Jaber, age 78 passed away on June 26, 2005 in Seattle.
Fred is survived by his two sons, Fred A. Jaber, Jr. Diane and David A. Jaber; his daughter Judy Onorati Larry; four grandchildren, Alex and Erin Jaber and Michael and Christopher Onorati; two sisters, Vada Hume and Juanita Ostrom; one brother, Jim Jaber and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Nebbie Jaber.
Fred was born in Lebanon, but was brought to the United States when he was less than a year old by his parents, Alex K. Jaber and Hend “Annie” Jaber. He grew up and lived most of his life in the SeaTac area of Washington State. His early years were spent helping on the family farm while attending Angle Lake Elementary School. He was a veteran of World War II, leaving high school in 1945 before the finish of his senior year to join the military. He served as the Sergeant of a Tiger tank crew in the US Army forces that occupied Korea, where he earned a Purple Heart medal. Returning home after his honorable discharge in 1946, he graduated from Highline High School in 1947 and then went on to attend Central Washington State College.
Coming home from college to work in the family’s restaurant, the Happy Haven a dinner house located on Highway 99 south of SeaTac Airport from the 1940s to the 1960s, he eventually embarked on a very successful lifelong restaurant management career which started with Sizzler Steakhouse, proceeded to VIPs Restaurants for over 20 years, and ended in the last several years before retirement with Fast Freddie’s Sports Bar and Grill in Kent.
He always had a passion for sports and games, including playing softball, baseball, golf, bowling, and poker. He also spent many autumn Saturdays attending University of Washington Husky football games, where he “bled” purple & gold for over 40 years.
Some of his favorite memories were trips and vacations taken with family members to California, Hawaii, Canada, Yellowstone, Las Vegas and the Pacific Ocean.
Fred was a humorous, engaging, fun-to-be-with, steadfast friend, who could be counted on to lend a hand when needed by either friends or the community. This earned him back affection and respect from all who knew him.
Fred’s family loved him as a father, as a grandfather, as a brother and as an uncle. Fred gave his love in the form of encouragement, support, unselfish sacrifice & giving, and in sharing of himself in times of happiness. We will greatly miss him and those good times. If a man’s life is to be measured by the number of those he touched and the mark he left on them, then Fred’s life was definitely a success story. The world is a better place because he was in it, and we are better for having known and loved him.
Private family services will be held. The family invites all friends and relatives to please sign Fred’s on-line guest book at www.bonneywatson.com. The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 NW 9th Avenue, Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494 or on-line at www.parkinson.org.
Fred was like a second father to me. I worked at Vips from 1970 until 1976. He was always kind enough to let me work whenever I came home from college. Many people came in for lunch just to watch Fred keep us moving with the food and coffee.
Fred was a loving, lovely gentleman who never had a harsh word for anyone. We loved him and we grieve his untimely passing.
To your family I give my love and hope for healing. David connects me to you, with a friendship beginning in kindergarten. Judy and Fred, your Dad held out pictures of his grandchildren during our last visit; his eyes watered with tears of love and pride. Delores, your kindness influenced us as children and adults. I sought you out in the Highline cafeteria, knowing friendly words and smiles would lift my spirits. This last week, memories of our lives together have filled my soul. Your family story continues through eternity, woven with beautiful and tragic experiences. You are much more than this painful piece. It isn’t an ending. I love you. Patti
I REMEMBER YOU, NEBBIE AND A SISTER FROM THE 30’S WHERN YOUR PARENTS OWNED THE BLUE GOOSE. MY FRIEND, DELORES AND I LOVED TO GO THERE ON FRIDAY NITES WITH MY MOM TO MEET OUR DAD. WE ALWAYS HAD FUN PLAYING WITH YOU GUYS OUT BACK. WISH I HAD KNOWN YOU WERE IN KENT ALL THOSE YEARS. WILL MISS YOUR SMILING FACE. BONNIE
Like many neighborhood kids, I worked for Fred at Steers in Renton in the late 60’s. He was always fair, light hearted and great to work for. He was perpetual motion and set the example to learn from. He was a teacher and motivator and yet always willing to bend over backwards for his employees. Many thanks to Fred for the lessons learned
We continue to be so saddened since hearing of Fred’s passing. Our hearts and thoughts are with each and every one of you, and we send our deepest condolences to the entire family.
We will always remember Fred as a delightful combination of spunk and kindness, and the earth feels a lonelier place without him here. Throughout all the years whenever Samir spoke of coming to America he never failed to mention Fred and how very kind he was to him during his first years of adjustment. Fred carries a very special place in his heart, and he will be fondly remembered by us both.
We send our love to you all,
Samir & Arlene
Our thoughtful condolences from my whole family. Our prayers are with you.
Our get togethers on St Patrck’s Day will never be the same without you. You Have been such a special perosn in my life and I thank you for all your friendship. We will all miss you so much. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family. Bless all of you.
Our Deepest sympathys to the family. We remember the Husky/Duck games and the rivelries and good times. God be with you all. Shirley and Ed
Because of his friendship with my dad, Fred gave me a job at VIPs in 1971 when jobs were few & far between. What a wonderful man! I really enjoyed working for him, and have met few people with his ability to communicate and desire to help. I know he will be missed by his family; I am very sorry for your loss.
I worked with Fred at the Safeway store in Fairwood. It was a pleasure to know him. I was amazed when he told me that the NW Airlines in Sea-Tac is where Fred’s family farm was. You will always have a special place in heart, Fred. May God bless you and keep you. You will be sadly be missed.
So long friend.
WE HOLD FRED’S MEMORY WITH GREAT RESPECT AND HONOR HIS DEEP LOVE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
As a 10-12 year old, I was fortunate to have Fred as one of my Little League coaches in the Burien area. That was 40+ years ago & I still recall the many influences he had on my young life at that time. He was a kind and thoughtful human being & I feel privledged to have known him during those great years.
We knew you long ago when you lived on 192nd St. near Angle Lake. Our condolences to your family at this time of sorrow. May you have peace.
Memories
Our early meeting was at the
farm which is now the airport.
Mrs. Jaber was in the kitchen
wearing her white apron. Alex was always kind. As for us,we played games like bottle
caps,marbles, and climbed trees.In our later years it
was any ball game. Thanks for the early years that led
to a lifelong friendship.
Sharing of the Huskies pain
will be missed. Also your
wonderful smile.
Don Malmberg
My heart ached when I learned of Fred’s passing in the paper Sunday. What a sweetheart of a man he was. I have known Fred for over twenty five years. I used to frequent his VIP’s resturant at South Center. He was quite the manager. He kept his employees hopping, no pun intended. I once won 20 pies in a coloring contest there after his goating me into entering a coloring contest on Easter. Fred and I had many good conversations. Me being a financial analyst we talked about money and life in general. I thought I knew Fred until I read his obituary. I only knew a small part of him. He didn’t talk much about himself. But he loved to praise those around him and the ones he loved. I lost track of Fred for about 5 years and then one day he turned up working at safeway in Fairwood. We had a really nice visit. You could see he had slowed down a little. The last time I talked with him at the store I asked him, “how are you feeling Fred?” He said, “You know Bob, , I am tired, I am so tired anymore”. I never saw him after that. May God grant him the deserving rest he so desired. Fred autographed my heart and there it will always be. Until we meet again my friend. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Bob Lowenstein
Fred and his family lived up the street from me when I was growing up. I went to school with his son Fred. I remember him as a kind man.
To all his family, my prayer are with you. God Bless,
We met Uncle Fred at 4th of July celebrations. He was always friendly and fun to be around. Uncle Fred was a very sweet man with a great laugh and a wonderful smile. We pray that the LORD will comfort Uncle Fred’s family and friends.
It was so very sad to hear of Freds passing, He surely will be missed by so many. I had the pleasure of working with him at Fairwood Safeway from 1995 until his retirement a few years ago.
Fred, now that you are at peace, and free of all your aches…and how you did ache with your bad knees, I hope you are dancing in Heaven and One more chocolate chip cookie for the the man who now is free of his diabetes and the Parkinsons,
the only shaking you will do now is being greeted in heaven by those who went before you!
Bye Fred I am glad to have known you.Pattycake
Fred is one of the adults I remember well from my years growing up. I recall the first day of first grade when I met Fred jr. Fred picked him up at school because they lived near the Happy Haven and he could neither take a bus or walk. Soon the family moved to Angle Lake and just up the street from me. Fred Jr and I were friends all through school and I spent a lot of time at the Jaber house. During junior high I would walk there each morning and Fred dropped us off at school. When I turned 16 he hired me at Vips Restaurant and he became my first boss. I learned alot about working from Fred watching him buzz around the restaurant always busy with the details of a well run operation.
The impact on me from Fred and all of the Jabers was important to me and I appreciate all they contributed to me and my growing up years. My sympathies to the family.
Dan Lowe
We are saddened to learn of the greater Jaber’s clan tragic loss of Fred Sr.
Growing up I heard many funny and warm stories of the antics of Fred and our Dad Al Pomeroy who, along with Geo. Tague, made up the ‘3 Musketeers of Angle Lake’ as I called them.
The Jaber family members are very special to our lives and family traditions, as we still call them friends 3 generations later.
I recall going to first grade with Freddy JR and I still have his autograph from my 6th grade ‘yearbook’. Fred SR always came to all out important family events, and we shall miss him dearly. I speak for the entire Pomeroy clan when we express our deepest sympathies over your loss of your father, brother, uncle and friend.
Warm Regards and Sincere Condolences,
Linda Pomeroy-Hull, Dan Hull and Danielle Hull