David Murray Fretz of Mosier, Oregon, passed from this life on February 28, 2014, at the Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon, after a valiant four year battle with brain cancer. David was born on May 17, 1959 in Guelph, Ontario, and came to live with his adoptive parents, Shirley and Murray Fretz at six months of age. In 1968, he moved with his family to Webster City, Iowa, where he completed his elementary and high school education, before attending Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, majoring in music.
David had two passions in life-music and computer graphic design. After college, David worked with his father Murray in the publishing business - right up to the time of his passing. His love of music (especially his trombone) blossomed when he became a member of the White Salmon Jazz Band, and also a member of a small combo (Hank and Ann Krum and Dr. Bob Fiske) that enjoyed entertaining members of senior citizen care centers in The Dalles and Hood River. Another music passion included volunteering at The Dalles High School, where he shared his knowledge of instrumental music with the students.
David loved camping each fall with his brother, Grant, and several other friends - an annual tradition for the past 23 years. He never married, but was friends with everyone he met, especially reaching out to those who he perceived as being neglected by society.
He leaves behind to mourn his passing-father Murray and stepmother Beverly of Mosier, Oregon; brother Grant and friend Lane of Sandy, Oregon; sister Nancy (Fretz) Hinderks of Stayton, Oregon; nephew Jay Hinderks and his wife Jami and children Carter and Madelyn of Salem, Oregon; step-sisters Lesley Langan and husband Lee of Portland, Oregon and Martha Capuco and husband John of Henniker, New Hampshire; step-brother Doulas Hewett of San Diego, California; numerous aunts and uncles; and long-time camping buddies Brian Guthrie, John Frick, and Mike Foley. David’s mother, Shirley, precedes him in death.
David was a member of the Hood River Valley Christian Church, and also enjoyed attending and participating in music services at Zion Lutheran Church in The Dalles.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date, out of consideration for family traveling from Alberta and Ontario, Canada. David’s family is tentatively setting May 17th, 2014, as a possible date for David’s service (David’s birthday). Memorials may be made to Providence Hood River Hospice of the Gorge or to the White Salmon Jazz Band Scholarships. Memorials may be sent to Anderson’s Tribute Center
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031