I am writing today to share the sad news that Fred Hering, former Northshore Schools Foundation Board President, passed away last weekend.

Fred was a great leader who was dedicated to our community, our schools and our children. His lifetime service and leadership to the community included Northshore Kiwanis (40 years), Northshore Schools Foundation (14 years), PTA, Boy Scouts, Northshore Senior Center, America Cancer Society, GOP District 1, and the Greater Bothell Downtown Association. All of this and he was retired U.S. Navy, proprietor of Hering Real Estate in downtown Bothell, and father to three boys Kevin, Tim and Dave.

He was best known for his advocacy for doing what’s right and encouraging people to get involved and make a difference.

Fred was instrumental in the establishment of the Northshore Schools Foundation, was honored in 2010 with the Torchbearer award, which acknowledges those who hold the torch for others to the see the way and to get involved as an advocate for “lighting a fire for learning” in our children. His service has directly affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in our district and community, and indirectly we have all benefited from the thriving community organizations that he has led.

Paraphrasing what Isaac Parsons, the president-elect of Northshore Kiwanis said today in the Kiwanis meeting…

I want to acknowledge that there is an empty seat in the room today, one that has not been empty for much of the 40 years that Fred has served with us. I was going to ask for a moment of silence, but then I thought, that was not what Fred would do. Fred was always the first person to bridge the silence, and reach out to introduce someone, or find a connection. He would speak up about what was important, and how we can get involved. No, a moment of silence would not do, so instead I invite us to applaud a life well lived.

On a personal note, Fred was one of the first people I met when I came into this job in 2010. He took me under his wing, recruiting me to Kiwanis and helping me see the value of the long-standing relationships and community connections that are alive and well in our growing small town. I would call him often for his advice and perspective and grew to depend on him for direction personally and professionally and also for encouragement as our Foundation has continued to grow. I always looked forward to our next meeting and connecting with him was one of the things that always made me remember what was most important. My heart is broken at the loss of such a great friend.

The Northshore Schools Foundation mourns the loss of a great man who will be greatly missed.

The family is holding a memorial service this Saturday July 2 at 1 p.m. at the Lifetime Celebrations by Washelli, located at 18224 103rd Ave NE Bothell, WA 98011.

The Northshore Kiwanis will be hosting a benefit Memorial BBQ in his honor on Sept. 25 at Brightwater Event Center. The Foundation will be involved in this process and information will be available in the coming weeks about this event.

Carmin Dalziel, Northshore Schools Foundation Executive Director