Fred Emmerich will be the first to tell you he has had an amazing life. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Fred's parents were divorced by the time he was two. For most of their lives, Fred and his siblings were raised by his beloved mother and step-father, even taking his last name as a tribute to him.

Early in their marriage, Fred's parents were forced to flee Germany's Nazi regime and made their way across the world, settling in the Philippines. Miles from any city on the island of Mindanao, the family worked hard to create a life on the plantation, raising food for themselves, the natives of the island and for profit.

In 1948, at the age of twenty, Fred and his family found a friend and sponsor in Mr. Bill McGowan. Bill wrote a letter and just like that, the family were sailing their way to the U.S. port of San Francisco.

Once in the U. S. Fred wasted no time in finding another skill. Enrolling himself in a four year apprenticeship program for the machinist trade, he quickly excelled, moving rapidly through the training. That was a good thing, since halfway through the course in 1950 he got his draft board notice, you're in the army now son.

Before being deployed Fred attended a dance with his cousin. The funny thing was, Fred did not particularly like his cousin and went along at the request of his mother. As he entered the hall, filled with young people enjoying the music and each other's company, Fred heard a young woman laughing from across the room. He could not see her, but that laugh so tugged at his heart that he knew he had to meet her. That night he saw the young woman home on a streetcar. Not only did he meet his lovely Joann, he married her. Together they have had three sons and two grandchildren.  

Fred planned for and was ready to retire from his career as a master mechanic, tool and die maker and tool designer at age 55 (and one day). He and Joann have traveled all over the world, South America, the Middle East, Australia and Europe. He would like to return to England and enjoy more of their "wonderful high teas".

Fred is a born leader. Overcoming challenges is a way of life for him. His philosophy is to look ahead and solve problems and issues before they get out of hand. He has used these leadership skills often throughout his life coaching challenged athletes, Indian Guides and Cub Scouts. Fred is proud of graduating an astounding seven Eagle Scouts from his troops over the years.

He says "everything" is his greatest pleasure in retirement. He is an artist, talented at Intarsia and stained glass, grows his own Bonsai gardens and has even used his woodworking skills to build the ark at the Reformed Temple of Laguna Woods.

Fred wants to stay healthy and fit. He instructs and leads the Towers Wii bowling team. He tries to go with the flow and adapt to change in a positive way, but always weighs the pros and cons and always, always has a plan.