Fred's Passing

Our most heartfelt thoughts to all of Fred's intensely devoted family and friends. We too wish we could have said Goodbye. Our lives have been so enriched by Fred. He was a model for us of a great human being, incredibly accomplished and yet modest, always seeking the best in people and inspiring us to achieve our best. His passing leaves a hole in the heart. --Bob and Cheryl Seltzer

So very sad.for you and all of us. Just when we get Fred physically close to us, Fred is gone, At least he left Sara with us to love and to hold dear and that we will gladly do. He knew what he was doing when he pushed her to move here rather than the Chase. Love, Marilyn

Our love and prayers to all of Fred's family. Our memories of times spent with Fred and Sarah go back over 60 years and we will cherish those memories. Fred will always be remembers as a remarkable and caring person. Love, Jackie and Marty

Sara, I am so sorry and sad to wake up this morning to read that Fred is no longer with us, but he is in spirit. I only knew him a short time but he had a mark on all of us here at Park East Tower. Maggie, Catherine ,John and I are so sorry for your loss and your families. We are here for you anytime. Love Liza and John

Even though it's been many years since I saw Fred, I always remembering him laughing and joking and enjoying life. My dad died this year, so I know a little bit about what you're going through. Peace and love to you all.

So many wonderful memories of Fred when we started CRC. He was always there with wisdom and support as we marched through those early years. Though it has been many years since we had seen the Epsteins, John Mike and I send love and sympathies to all of you.

Fred had a smile and gleam in his eye that I will miss every Wednesday. His stories and thoughts were always interesting and fun and I would have liked us all to have had more time to enjoy him. We are here for Sara and to take care of her just as Fred believed that moving to Park East Tower per Marilyn's suggestions was best. I am so sorry for his passing and will miss him. Hugs to you all, Maggy

Sandy and I are so saddened to hear that Fred passed away last evening. I had such a special friendship with him and he will always have a special place in my heart. He was so incredible: the love and devotion to Sara and his family, his commitment to social justice in not only thought but deed. Such a wonderful and remarkable man. I will miss our talks; I will miss him terribly. Sara, you too, hold a special place in our hearts, and our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time. Our love to you and prayers for you and your family. Con Schwartz

"They are not gone ,who live on in the hearts of those who stay behind" Native American saying May we all keep Fred in our hearts. So sorry to learn of his passing. Stephanie and Dan Weinbach

Fred is on a very short list of people who I have most respected and admired in my life. During the eight years I served with him on the board of Zelda Epstein Day Care Center I felt privileged just to be in the same room with him. His intellect and soft spoken way of dealing with sometimes difficult issues during our board meetings, always with that smile and gleam in his eye mentioned above, commanded the utmost respect. Among his many accomplishments and commitments to social justice, it should be remembered that he was one of the first business owners in St. Louis to offer on-site day care. He remains an inspiration. Bob Tucker

Our love and prayers go out to the Epstein family. Dennis and I are deeply saddened by his passing, but thankful he is in peace.

Ben and I will miss Fred immensely. His twinkle. His sound advice. His dedication. Our hearts are heavy and we send you all our love.

Dear Sara, Becky, David, Ted, and Michael: Qing and I are devastated to hear about Fred's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of him and all of you from the many family trips we took together in my youth. I confess that, as a child, I had a healthy fear of Fred! So, what a joyful revelation I had, as an adult, to engage in conversation with him time and again and to see my fear turn to a profound fondness, respect, and admiration for him. I do not exaggerate when I say that each of my many conversations with him left me feeling awestruck and inspired by his intelligence, knowledge, wit, and humanity. I am grateful to have known him, and I will miss him. Love to all of you!

Dear Epstein Family: Throughout my adult life, Fred's wisdom, commitment to principle, and courage has inspired me. He was always a leader on the cutting edge of progressive and innovative thought. I was also fortunate to call him a thoughtful and kind friend. The memories of Fred and his many achievements will continue to inspire the host of people he touched throughout his life. I hope these memories will also eventually heal the terrible heartbreak you are feeling know. You are in all our thoughts on this very sad day, Sally Barker

John Coffman: Kat and I will miss Fred deeply. His advice was always wise, his politics was both practical and passionate, and his kindness was overwhelming.

Loyse Clay: To the Epstein Family. I was hired at INDEECO back in 1983 and as you know at that time Fred was Owner/President. During his ownership of INDEECO I found Fred to be passionate for his company and compassionate, fair and honest with his employees. I'm still employed at INDEECO (now ASPEQ) and it was always good to see and talk to him when he stopped by the office. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing and please know the Epstein family will be in my prayers.

Josh and Sophie both called as I am far away . How I shall miss him .Dear Sara I send a river full of memories and hugs and love. . Pat

Fred was such a gentle soul. I will miss his smile and many stories of life lessons. My heart goes out to Sara and her family. Love, Judie

What I loved most about Fred, I discovered when I was around 10 years old, maybe even younger. It is that he took a real interest in me -- what I was thinking, what I was doing, and how he could help me. He was the first adult I ever considered a friend. He has been a constant in my life. I shall miss him terribly and forever. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. 


PHIL MENDLOW writes: It was privilege to have known Fred. I will miss his inclusiveness and generosity of spirit. He was forever reaching out to me and Frannie, ready to help or just to share in the moment. It did not take long after our marriage 45 years ago for me to feel that he had adopted me as a cousin. I know how keenly you all must feel his loss.

Dear Sara, We are so sorry... We're glad that we were able to see Fred one last time at the pool party a few weeks ago. We will keep you and your family in our prayers... Love and hugs, Maurizio and Elaine

Thoughts and prayers for Fred, a wonderful gentleman. So easy to talk to, he always made a person feel comfortable. Love to Sara and the family.

i don't think i have ever met a man with fred's combination of intellect, modesty, affability, ready smile, and lifetime of accomplishments in behalf of others. it was a wonderful surprise to see him and sara at our st. louis "frey reunions", and then this past year to receive from him some early, unadulterated photos of abraham and riette frey, undoubtedly captured by the first camera in the history of human civilization. fred, i love you and will always treasure your visage and the wonderful feelings that it evokes. dear sara and children, my love and deep sympathy to you. i regret being unable to attend the service this weekend. ---jim frey

Joan Bray The world, and specifically our community, has lost a wise and compassionate soul. Twenty-two years ago, at my request and pleas from mutual friends, Fred agreed to be my campaign treasurer to give this non-native St. Louis some credibility. He stayed with me for 18 years and seven successful campaigns, always available with support and sound counsel. What a role model he was for living his convictions. My heart goes out to Sara and his family during this very sad time.