Fred Raymond Sleight

Fred Raymond Sleight, 58, died in the arms of his wife and surrounded by his children on Dec. 28, 2014, after a brave multi-year battle with renal disease and complications from the disease.

Fred was born Nov. 20, 1956, in Ontario, Ore., to Raymond and Erma (Butler) Sleight. The family farmed outside of Fruitland, Idaho, for many years. Fred attended Fruitland schools his entire school life, graduating from Fruitland High School in 1975.

Fred started his first paying job working at Englehorn Garage as a teenager. His first job was working on the family farm, where he learned the strong work ethics that served him well, ethics he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Fred married Judy Garner in 1975. Two precious children were born during their marriage: Ryan Anthony in 1975 and Renee Angela in 1977. Although a young father, Fred took to fatherhood like a seasoned professional. He devoted his life to making sure they had everything they needed. Unless he was at work, one or both of the children were with him. Although Judy and Fred later divorced, Fred remained a prominent presence in Ryan and Renee’s life.

In 1986 Fred met and married the love of his life, Kari (Todd), who brought two additional children to the family: Joseph Michael and Nicole Liaene. The blended family worked together building a home just outside of Payette while spending family weekends and vacation time fishing, hunting, camping and most anything that allowed them to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fred developed a name for himself as one of the area’s premiere auto mechanics. After working years for Westpark/Sunset Toyota and Ady Chevrolet, Fred opened his own auto repair shop in 1993 on the corner of E. Idaho and NE 2^nd St. in Ontario. Fred’s Import Auto Repair was an immediate success and Fred quickly built a loyal following of customers.

Fred was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (Kidney Failure) in 1995.

In 1997, they had the opportunity to move to Alaska to follow a job opportunity for Kari and to fulfill their dream of an Alaska honeymoon, although a little delayed and greatly extended.

While in Alaska, Fred worked as a shop manager for several repair shops. More importantly, he and Kari took the time to explore the 49^th state, seeing Juneau, Kennicott, McCarthy, Katmai National Park, the great Denali National Park, north to Fairbanks and half way up the haul road, nearly every square inch of the Kenai Peninsula, Valdez and so much more.

In addition to the road and plane adventures, he especially loved the many water expeditions with his wife and family on his Weldcraft jet boat. From fishing the rivers of Southcentral Alaska slaying king salmon, to the waters of Kachemack Bay and the Gulf of Alaska wrestling halibut or hauling in the silvers, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of his adoptive state, that boat provided hours of enjoyment for him and those with him.

His favorite place in Alaska, though, was the home he built on the homestead between Palmer and Wasilla.

As Fred’s health began to fail to more critical levels, he and his wife moved back to the Lower 48 to be closer to better health care facilities. After spending a few very wet years in Washington state, they moved to the warmer climate of Victoria, Texas, in 2014 where he passed away.

Fred is survived by his wife, Kari; sons, Ryan (Patricia) Sleight of Wasilla, and Joe Mount of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughters, Renee (James) Rentie of Port Orchard, Washington, and Nicole Shawl of Copperas Cove, Texas; grandchildren, Thomas and Emily of Alaska, Ramiah and Joren of Washington and Ahstyn, Blayze and Jayde of Texas; sisters, Lois (Edward) Sleight of Brigham City, Utah, Louise Beagley of Fruitland, Idaho, Helen (Pete) Carter of Fruitland, Idaho, Connie (Jay) Stephens of American Forks, Utah; brothers, Boyd (Wanda) Aullman of Dinosaur, Colorado, and John (Cheryl) Sleight of Rupert, Idaho; and sister-in-law, Shirley Aullman of Payette, Idaho.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beverly Hunt; brother, Blake Aullman; and brother-in-law, Ralph Beagley.

Services are at 1 p.m., Jan. 17 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 325 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Fruitland, Idaho. A special family viewing is planned at noon prior to the service. Concluding graveside services are at 2:30 p.m. at Parkview Cemetery, New Plymouth, Idaho.

Condolences can be sent to the family at the church or 1187 Fleming Prairie Rd., Victoria, Texas, 77905.