Charles Fredrick “Fred” Dunlap, Known to us as Fred or Dad or Papa. And, his wife called him Sam. Apparently an inside joke that was not shared.
Fred was born on the 6 th of August 1931 in Buchanan, Michigan to Merle and Lillian Pope Dunlap. Fred was the youngest of 7 children. He left this world to be with the Lord and his loving wife of 58 years, Marsha, on the 21 st of April 2023 in Boise, Idaho. He was an amazing man whose legacy will be felt for generations.
After Fred graduated from High School in LaPaz, Indiana, he joined the Air Force. He proudly served our country during the Korean War. He was stationed in Pusan, South Korea. Fred had great stories about the trip across the ocean on a ship that carried 5,000 soldiers. As a matter of fact, Fred’s catchphrase was “That reminds me of a story …”. Up to the moment he passed, he could recall stories and facts from throughout his whole life. One of his favorite stories about South Korea was that there was a speed limit of 25 MPH. Then he would laugh out loud. He would tell us that when he was there the roads were so bad, not even a jeep could travel that fast.
In 1960, their son Douglas was born in South Bend, Indiana. He was the center of his parent’s world. Fred and Marsha wanted other children, but were not able to have them. They were thrilled to adopt a darling little girl named Karey who was only 3 months older than their son Doug.
Although many never knew it, Fred and Marsha had more than their share of trials. Following a severe car accident, Marsha had multiple surgeries. Later, she was diagnosed with cancer, and Lupus. This woman was a gentle warrior. And yet, her faith and family made her painful journey worth every second. That journey included moving to Boise in 1968.
Fred was a wood craftsman. And a creative problem solver. He created a simple cat door in a basement window from a weighted ball on a string blocking a circular hole in a piece of plywood. He helped Doug with Cub Scouts Pinewood and Rocket Derbys by creating test tracks in the living room. He even designed and built an air hockey table when his kids were in high school.
Fred was also an award winning photographer. He photographed hundreds of weddings, many portraits, and many many babies. He would tell us that he was the only person he had ever heard of that literally wore out the hinges on the trunk of a car just by opening and closing it multiple times a day to unpack and repack his equipment to take baby photos in people’s homes. After moving to Boise, he opened a photography studio servicing printers and engineers. He spent many summers working at the local horse race track operating the photo-finish camera. He used his photography skills on the many cruises they enjoyed together. They visited Alaska and the Caribbean multiple times and even traveled through the Panama canal.
Fred and Marsha volunteered their time to a grade school. It made them feel like they had the bunches of children they had wanted earlier in life. After Marsha passed, Fred continued to volunteer. He shared the story of a 3rd grader, Anabelle, who was a gifted student. Fred generally helped the children who were behind or needed a little extra TLC. Anabelle went to the teacher and told Ms. Wilson that she was unable to read the assignment. Ms. Wilson asked her “Is that the truth?”. Anabelle’s eyes welled with tears and she confessed that she could read it, but wanted to spend time with Mr. Dunlap.
Later in life Fred became Marsha’s primary caregiver. They were nearly inseparable. They were a model of love and compassion and caring.
Fred is survived by his daughter Karey, her children Kristine, Michelle, Donald, and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his son Douglas, his children Katie, Alex, and 1 more great grandchild.
Services will be held on Friday May 26 th , 2023 at 11:00 am at the Hillview United Methodist Church, 8525 Ustick Road in Boise, Idaho 83704. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to their church.