Frederic Henderson Burrow

Frederic H. Burrow
August 16, 1935, to January 11, 2019

The brilliant flame that was Frederic Henderson Burrow was extinguished with little warning after an acute illness robbed him of his reserves and his resolve. Born 8/16/35, he was the son of Frederic and Ruth Burrow, of Colorado Springs, CO. He died on 1/11/19, in Bremerton, Washington, not far from the home he shared with significant other, Marian Holt McLain, on Bainbridge Island, WA.

Never content to be ordinary, Fred strove to rise to the top of every echelon and succeeded. Possessing an unflagging work ethic and competitive nature developed during a humble childhood, he held high standards for himself and others. He expressed strong convictions and adhered to his credo: "Plan your work and work your plan." He appreciated organization and order. As a result, he excelled academically and professionally.

As a youngster, he worked in the neighborhood grocery co-owned by his father, Fred. He often shared stories about standing on a bacon box slicing bacon, working alongside his dad. Later, he ran the delivery truck. In high school and college, he played tuba and sousaphone, having inherited a love of music and the family tuba from his dad. Fred also sang lustily and with immense enjoyment.

He graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1953, and attended University of Idaho, graduating in 1957 with a BS in Business. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He married his high school sweetheart, JoAnne Minning, also of Colorado Springs. While in Moscow, they had their first child, Amy. Fred worked three jobs in order to care for his family, while achieving excellent marks.

At graduation, Fred was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Army,
completing a two-year tour of duty as an Infantry Officer at Fort Benning, and then Fort Ord, where daughter, Betsy, was born. He rose to the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve and launched his business career with First National Bank of Oregon in Portland. He was transferred to Eugene where he worked at the Polk Street office. Son, Frederic Christopher, was born in Eugene.

Fred was transferred back to Portland and held progressively more responsible positions, including Senior Vice President in charge of the 150 banking offices across Oregon. He was moved to Seattle as Executive Vice President, Pacific National Bank of Washington, now Wells Fargo Bank, in 1974, and was elected President of the statewide organization from 1976 to 1981.

He served in executive capacities in a Seattle advertising and marketing, Ehrig & Assoc., Seattle-King County Convention and Visitors Bureau and as a management action consultant in Bellevue and Anchorage. He served as King Neptune during Seafair in 1981.

He was a volunteer and member of profit and non-profit boards of directors, including the WAC, Bellevue and Anchorage Chambers of Commerce, Anchorage Center for Performing Arts, the Salvation Army and KAKM Public television. He participated in the Eugene MS Walk as a member of "Team Fred", raising awareness and funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

As a commercial banker and civic leader, he worked with several organizations focused on economic development in Portland, Seattle and Anchorage. He led two trade delegations to China to strengthen economic ties with Seattle and the state of Washington. In partnership with Marian Holt McLain, they successfully completed a strategic plan for the Tourism Alliance of Bainbridge Island, focused on the economic growth and benefits to the island's business sector.

He adored his children, grandchildren and his significant other, and maintained an abiding love and respect for his former wife, JoAnne. Fred made certain that everyone was provided for through all of life's changes and was generous with his expressions of pride and affection toward us.

He is survived by Marian Holt McClain, children Amy, Betsy (John Boyle) and Frederic Christopher, all of Eugene, OR., along with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Sandra Coulson (Dick), and nephews Bret and Bradley Briggs, all of Denver, CO.

Fred wanted it known that he had a wonderful life. His passions included music, fishing, fine food and drink, Mariners and Seahawks and Oregon Ducks teams. He loved to orate and performed spell-binding recitations of poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Service. He was leader, a teacher and mentor who left a legacy of lessons learned. He lives on through the example he set.

A celebration of life will be held on April 27, 2019 beginning at 2pm at the Washington Athletic Club 1325 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

Remembrance contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Fred's name.


Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.