Frederick Earl Etchen passed away unexpectedly on March 6 in Gainesville, FL, surrounded by his devoted family. Fred was raised by his parents Norma (Heise) and Maurice Laney in Louisville, KY, and is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Sheila, son Steven (Sonia), daughter Katharine (Brandon Couillard), grandchildren (Virginia 10, Fritz 7, Castille 6 months), sister Carolyn Gauthier, sister-in-law Gerin Ballard, brother- and sister-in-law Kevin Schochat and Leslie Hart, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dachshund, Dixie Belle.

Fred, 78, had a quiet, reserved and thoughtful way – sometimes with a mischievous smile. He provided unconditional love to all those he held close. Fred’s life was defined by three things: his love of family and friends, his work in architecture, and his devotion to outdoors and animals. 

His two children and their accomplishments lit up his life, never missing Katharine’s field hockey games or the chance to join Steven on the next big adventure – exploring the colorful streets of India by rickshaw to traversing the Chilean desert via motorcycle. Fred was as handsome as he was fun.

Family vacations included camping through the wilds of Michigan, happy times at Winans Lake, many trips to Europe, and regular visits to the Florida Panhandle. Hiking and camping through the woods and marshes, Fred could identify every tree and leaf in Latin.

Friendships were long-lasting and loyal. During his time at Atherton High School, he and his crew formed a rock and roll band where he sang lead vocals for the Louisville Falcons, that landed a hit song on WAKY radio. He always kept in touch and always kept it real.

Fred’s academic and professional path never went in a straight line. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in biology before studying in the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Michigan. He then headed out west where he lived off-grid at a cabin in the Colorado peaks before completing his Master of Architecture at the University of Colorado. 

After being accredited as an Architect, he opened a one-man practice in downtown Louisville. Fred’s special projects included restaurant design, shopping centers and affordable homes in many inner-city neighborhoods – with some “pro-bono” side jobs commissioned by friends. His design advice was invaluable.

Fred never retired, joining the faculty of Louisville Technical Institute to teach CAD to aspiring architects and engineers while working with his children on hospitality and historic preservation projects in Florida.

Following in his mother’s footsteps, he became an avid bridge player, attracting another dynamic circle of friends. He had vitality until his final days, which were spent with his family, telling stories, laughing and listening to Bill Evans and Steely Dan. His children will never forget kissing him goodnight, when he said, “See you tomorrow. And if I don’t, it’s been fun.”

Fred’s body has been donated to the University of Florida Medical School. As a Biology major, this is his final gift. 

A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church (27 6^th Street) at 11am on March 26, in Apalachicola, FL, with a reception immediately following at the Gibson Inn (51 Avenue C). 

A Celebration of Life will occur on April 1 from 4pm-7pm at the Peterson Dumesnil House (301 S Peterson Ave, Louisville, KY 40206). All who knew and loved Fred are welcome. 

Donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Building Fund (27 6th St, Apalachicola, FL 32320) or Two Fish Food Market (First United Methodist Church, PO Box 266, Port St. Joe, FL 23456).