Fred A. Bilyeu

Published 4:18 pm Wednesday, April 11, 2018

March 28, 1942 – March 28, 2018

On March 28, 2018, Frederick Albert Bilyeu entered the open arms of our Lord and Savior. Fred was born on March 28, 1942, in Anacortes, Washington to Melvin O. Bilyeu and Lorene (Nielson) Bilyeu. He lived in the Spokane area until 1952, when his family moved to Dayville, to live on a cattle ranch. In 1958, his family moved to Prineville where Fred attended Crook County High School, graduating in 1960. After graduating high school, Fred attended Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California, The University of Oregon and COCC.

On August 25, 1963, Fred married Shirley Lou Shell in Prineville. Together they raised their six children, James Fred Bilyeu, Jeffrey Shell Bilyeu, Saleena Anne LeClaire, Wesley CL Brown (all of Redmond) Roxane Lisa Debler (Bend) and Jayson Todd Bilyeu (Jefferson). They also fostered ten children through the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Fred was a committed father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family; camping, traveling and elk hunting with his boys. He coached Little League and was involved in Boy Scouts as a Webelos Leader. He enjoyed traveling the United States and visited Alaska four times; moose hunting and fishing with his son, Jeff. He was a avid reader and read everything he could get his hands on from sight-seeing pamphlets to history books. He collected antique tools, antique electrical meters and was a leather craftsman. In 1978, he built his family a home in Bend, where they resided until 2004.

Fred started work for Pacific Power and Light in 1964; retired in 2012, after 48 years of service in the electrical utility industry; dedicating 12+ years (July 1988 – April 2001) of service as a IBEW union representative. He loved serving the public and had a strong work ethic.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; Melvin and Lorene Bilyeu. He is survived by Shirley Shell; his six children, Jim, Roxane, Jeff, Jayson, Saleena, and Wes; nine grandchildren, Leah, Rihana, Dustin, Linley, Rayisa, Jasmine, Maddilyne, Mikaylyne, Shirley Dawn; and two great-grandchildren, Makenzee and Camden. He is also survived by Nancy Bilyeu, Ashley Bilyeu, Ron Debler; and siblings, Larry Bilyeu, Valerie Davis, Curtis Bilyeu, and Cheree Brennan; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was a big-hearted man and was loved by many! A gathering of family and close friends will be held at a later date to celebrate his life.