Obituary

Fred Preston Banks

July 16, 1954–June 15, 2022

Fred Preston Banks was born in Dayton, Wash., to Joseph and Gladys (Britton) Banks on July 16, 1954. Fred grew up in Dayton and was a 1972 graduate from Walla Walla High School. Shortly after graduation he served in the Army National Guard from 1971-77.

In May 1974, he met Berniece Meier, where it only took three months for him to know she was the one. They married in Walla Walla at Fred's parents' home on Prospect Avenue on August 2, 1974 and in August 2022, they would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three children.

From November of 1974 until 1985, Fred was a Columbia County Reserve Deputy, in Dayton, Wash. He often shared stories with friends and family about his time as Deputy.

Fred was a hardworking man. He spent his entire life working hard to provide for his family. He started right out of school, working mostly in the farming industry. A great number of his early and last years were spent on farms around the Walla Walla, Columbia, Franklin and Nez Perce (Idaho) counties.

Fred was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved being out in nature; we believe this was his little slice of Heaven. Growing up, Fred spent a lot of time hunting and camping in the Blue Mountains outside Dayton, mainly the Wolf Fork. As he got older, the hunting lessened but he never passed up an opportunity to hunt with his son. Fred loved to fish – anywhere, anytime. He went as much as he could. He could out fish anyone, even on their own boat, and often was the first one to yell, "FISH ON."

In 2016, Fred and Berniece relocated from Prescott, Wash to Sequim, Wash to be close to their granddaughter who was fighting Leukemia. Fred enjoyed the Olympic Peninsula and the waters that surrounded it. Shortly after moving, he purchased a boat and was able to enjoy retired life and fish. He fished as often as he could and when he couldn't fish, enjoyed boating with his wife. Just as they were establishing their life on the Olympic Peninsula, Fred was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a terminal lung disease caused by exposure to chemicals.

On April 16, 2020 he was given a new chance at life through organ donation. Early on the transplant appeared successful and Fred thrived however, several months later he battled increasing challenges with lung rejection, he was admitted in May 2022, to the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash, where doctors gave him an estimate of 6-12 months to live. Unfortunately, the disease rapidly increased, and Fred passed away on June 15, 2022 at the age of 67 in Port Angeles, Wash. Two years with his donated lungs were not as long as we had all hoped for, it did give us more time with him.

Fred is survived by his wife Berniece of Sequim and beloved pets Kai and Mia; three children, Karie (Marcus) Banks-Wellsandt of Dayton, Wash., Brandon (Talitha) Banks of Eureka, Mont., Amanda (Jim) Hough of Sequim, Wash.; his sister, Judy Hughey of South Carolina; his brother, Carl Banks in Walla Walla, Wash.; seven grandchildren, Preston Banks, Wesley Banks, Lillian Hough, Joseph Banks, Jocelin Hough, Kahlan Hough and Layla Banks. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by both parents, Joseph and Gladys Banks and his brother, Wesley Banks.

A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Dayton Wash. Time and location are still pending.

Many people have been asking how to help with medical, funeral and memorial expenses, so our family opened up an account at Banner Bank in Dayton Wash. You can visit any Banner Bank location and donate to my #: 2005332018 c/o Fred Banks or PayPal [email protected]. Your help and support are greatly appreciated.

Fred's family would like to thank everyone who supported him throughout the years.