Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Fred Wayne Stanley, 62, finally found peace after a yearlong struggle with lung cancer.

He passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at his home in Copperopolis with his cherished wife, Melinda, and dear friends at his side.

Fred’s adventure in life began on March 26, 1946 at Bad Creek, NC when he was born to Maude and Jess Stanley in a small cabin in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As a boy, his family moved to Maryland where he was influenced by his rustic surroundings. It was in the woods of Maryland and North Carolina that he developed his love of the outdoors and especially for fishing.

A fervent outdoorsman and fisherman, Fred loved traveling with Melinda through the U.S., fishing lakes and rivers. He and his numerous fishing buddies were most often found fishing Lake Tulloch, where Fred had a cabin there for 29 years.

Throughout his life, Fred worked in sales and carpentry, but found his true calling in the real estate business. He moved from Manteca to Copperopolis, where he was the owner / broker of Lake Tulloch Real Estate for 17 years. He sold his business and retired in 2001.

Fred was a charter member of the Lake Tullock Lion’s Club, member of the Angels Camp Gun Club, and member of the California Bluegrass Association.

A skilled guitar player and singer, Fred loved all types of music, but his passion was the music of his roots, bluegrass.

Throughout their life together, Fred and Melinda “jammed” their way across the country, frequenting bluegrass festivals in their motor home. They reveled in the music with their extended bluegrass family, hosting an annual fish-fry / pickin’ party at their home.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Jess Stanley.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Melinda.

Survivors include sibling JoAnn Ewart (Roy) of El Cajon, CA; George Stanley of Copperopolis; and children, Chris Stanley (Regina) and Cindy Goe (Tim), both of Manteca.

Fred will be truly missed by his treasured grandchildren Taylor Stanley, Todd Stanley, Victoria Hernandez, and Hannah Goe, all of Manteca. He also leaves countless of friends, old and new, throughout the U.S.

In true Fred fashion, his family and friends will be celebrating his life, memory and music.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, at noon at Lake Tulloch Bible Church, 3566 Spangler Lane, Copperopolis, to be immediately followed by a celebration and “pickin’ party” at Black Creek Park, 920 Black Creek Drive, Copperopolis.

Donations in honor of Fred’s memory can be made to: Hospice of Amador County, P.O. Box 595, Jackson CA, 95612 or Lake Tulloch Bible Church, 3566 Spangler Lane, Copperopolis, CA 95228.