1951

scmintern@scu.edu

Maurice Henry Fredericks J.D. ’51 was a tireless volunteer and community builder, beloved by his family and friends, who led by quiet example. Born April 2, 1925, in Petaluma to pioneering Petaluma families, son of Martin Fredericks and Mary A. Cline Fredericks. His paternal grandfather Morris Fredericks came to Bloomfield in 1875 and soon thereafter Petaluma, where as a civic leader and successful contractor, collaborated with local architects and renowned Julia Morgan to build many of the city’s historic homes. His maternal grandfather, Owen J. Cline, was superintendent of the Petaluma shoe factory, employing over 100 people in the early 1900s. Maurice’s full and vigorous childhood was spent helping the family contracting business, visiting with his many aunts, uncles, and extended family, fly-fishing in the Sierra, hunting ducks on the Petaluma River, and bicycling to the coast. A senior at St. Vincent High School, class of 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17. Upon graduation, he left for flight school, graduating as a Naval aviator. After the war, he continued service as a Naval reservist. He continued his love of flying as a private pilot in his beloved Mooney airplane. Upon his graduation from Santa Clara Law, he joined Paul Golis at his Santa Rosa law firm. In 1955, the partnership of Golis & Fredericks added a new enterprise, the founding and development of the city of Rohnert Park. The pair created various land development companies, including Alicia Homes, which built temporary quarters for Sonoma State College, and donated land for Alicia Park, the adjoining swimming pool, and John Reed School. In June 1957, he met Elizabeth “Betty” Sibilia of New Jersey, who was visiting her uncle, Paul Golis, in Montgomery Village. In 1960, she returned to California and became editor of the Rohnert Park Press. In September 1961, Betty and Maurice were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Cotati, and moved into their Alden Avenue home in Rohnert Park, where they raised their three children. Maurice took active roles in his community. He joined with a handful of other residents in what became the Rohnert Park Volunteer Fire Department. In 1968, he was elected to the board of the Cotati Elementary School District, which later, largely through his efforts, became the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, where he served until 1981. He received the J.X. Wilson Award for his contribution to youth education. He was an active charter member of the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce, serving many committees and offices, including president. An active Sonoma County attorney for 65 years, he was especially proud that two attorneys who were once his partners went on to become Sonoma County judges. Maurice worked on notable cases, including arguing a death penalty case before the California Supreme Court. Since the 1970s he was a sole practitioner with emphasis on probate and estate planning. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening, tinkering in his workshop, and tending to his walnut orchard in the Santa Rosa countryside. Having just celebrated his 93rd birthday, Maurice passed on April 20, 2018, surrounded by family. He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 57 years; his children, Steve Fredericks (Sarah), Aileen Woehl (Roger), and Douglas Fredericks (Jennifer); and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Martin and Owen.

08 Nov 2018