FRED ROBERT "CORKY" BUEHNER
December 19, 1928 ~ February 5, 2014
We sadly mourn the loss of our talented and beloved father, Fred Robert Buehner, who peacefully joined his beloved wife in eternal rest February 5, 2014. He was 85.
Born in Portland, Oregon to Fred and Sadie Buehner, Fred (Jr.) attended Franklin High School.
As an outstanding vocalist, he lettered in music, went on to college in southern Oregon and met his pianist and eventual wife, Nancy Youngblood.
Fred served in the Army Special Services and managed all USO shows. He achieved Sargent rank and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Fred returned to southern Oregon and soon after married Nancy. After a brief time in Los Angeles working a radio show, the couple returned to Portland where Fred began an insurance career, first as a claims adjustor and later as a fraudulent claims analyst. Eventually, he taught continuing education for insurance agents and in the 1980s founded Insurance Education Seminars, traveling throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho on tour three times yearly for nearly two decades. In the late 1960s, Fred was involved with Toastmaster's which aided greatly in this successful venture.
Also during this time, the family enjoyed boating and Fred commodored the Northwest Trailer Sailors.
While his wife was his true love, their combined musical talent was their shared love. The family, in the spirit of love and goodwill, would entertain at Christmas time at nursing homes, hospitals, churches, and even at the Great Hall in Sunriver on Christmas Eve under Fred's direction.
Both Fred and Nan sang with many groups throughout their lives. Often a church soloist with First Presbyterian Church in downtown Portland, Fred was also a featured vocalist at New Hope Community Church. The lure of European travel made long-term gigs with The Meistersinger's and The Vancouver USA Singers.
Ever busy at his craft, Fred possessed acting ability and played Capt. Von Trapp in the famed Sound of Music 1974 production at Central Oregon Community College. Joining Northwest Senior Theatre in 1999, he entertained with the troop at Alpenrose Dairy and won the coveted role of "Gus" in a local children's theatre production of "Cats."
"While we miss him dearly, his generous love
and deep devotion will infuse his voice as he joins
his wife in eternal joy, entertaining the heavens."
Fred is survived by three daughters, Lori Rademacher, Paula Hawkins and Amy Hendricks; and grandchildren, Anthony and Ashley McLain; Logan and Shaylor Hendricks.
Service is at 2:30 p.m., Wed., Feb. 12 at Emeritus Fisher's Landing, 17171 SE 22nd Dr., Vancouver, WA 98683.
Whereity Family Funerals are in charge of arrangements.
Please sign his guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Sherin and I were very sad to hear of Fred's passing after we returned to town.
Fred and Nan were good friends, especially during the Meistersinger years. We'll miss them both.
Jerry & Sherin Lindsey
February 17, 2014
We enjoyed Fred and Nan in several performances, but we knew them best from playing "contract rummy" card game with them. They were both always gracious and kind.
Judi and Larry Wadley
February 16, 2014
A very kind and gentle man. It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Buehner.
Colleen, RN
February 16, 2014
I was in Northwest Senior Theatre and "Cats" with Fred. What a great voice! We all loved him and miss him.
Betty Merrill
February 12, 2014
A great man with a magnificent voice will be greatly missed but his music will live on in the heavenly choir.
Mary & Tom Linder
February 12, 2014
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