Frederick Randall Fosmire

Frederick Randall Fosmire, 90, of Sheridan, passed away peacefully Monday, March 20, 2017 at Green House Living. He led a long and productive life. He was smart, funny, kind and daring. He was also a fine musician.
Fred was born June 23, 1926 in Edinburg, Texas to Frank and Marjorie Fosmire. He started college at age 16, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in World War II as soon as he was 18. He served as an aviation electronics technician’s mate for about three years. Upon being discharged, he went to the U. of Texas, earning a Ph.D. in psychology.
In 1953, he married Barbara Schunk, at the First Congregational Church in Billings, Montana. After teaching, a few years at the U. of Montana, he took a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at The U. of Pennsylvania. He wanted to return to the West and worked as a psychologist at the VA Hospital in Sheridan in the late 1950’s, until accepting a job as a professor of psychology at the University of Oregon, becoming head of the clinical program there.
In 1981, he became Senior Vice President for human resources, technology and engineering, and labor relations for Weyerhaeuser Company in Federal Way, Washington. He assisted in the re-design of the company and was responsible for the preservation of joint-ventures in Indonesia and Sabah, Malaysia. Civic involvements included serving on the boards of the Corporate Council for the Arts and the Seattle Symphony and serving on the Canadian-American Committee.
Among his many distinctions: President of the Oregon Psychological Association, co-founder of Oregon Research Institute in Eugene, and serving as consultant and advisor at several VA hospitals in Oregon, Washington and California.
In addition to enjoying skiing and fly-fishing in retirement in Sunriver, Oregon, he served on the board of the High Desert Museum, and was chairman from 1994-96. Winters were enjoyed in Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico.
After spending several years in Eugene to help a son with young grandchildren, at last it seemed the right time to move to a place he had never forgotten, known for its mountains, great fly-fishing and wonderful people: Sheridan, Wyo. In 2007, Fred and Barbara moved to the Powder Horn for the last years of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughters, Helen and Emily; his sons, David and Lee; and four grandchildren: Matthew, Dan, Barbara and Tyler.
Once many years ago, he remarked that on his tombstone, if he had one, he would like it said, “He was a good man and he loved his family.”
A service to remember Fred’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2017 at the First Congregational Church/UCC, 100 W. Works St., in Sheridan with Pastor Bob Miller officiating and military honors. A reception to follow at the Powder Horn Country Club. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.