Mike Harmon
I hired on with what was then known as the California State Division of Highways (now Caltrans) in early 1972, joining the Right of Way Department as a Right of Way Agent in San Bernardino. Fred worked in Right of Way in the mapping unit, preparing maps for use by the Agents. Fred also accompanied Agents in the field during the inspections of properties that were to be acquired by Right of Way for the construction of freeways. During these inspections Fred would quickly locate and measure all of the property features, and upon returning to the office he would create very accurate, beautifully drawn layouts of the properties for use by the appraisers. These sketches were invaluable to both the Agents and later to others researching the files. When Fred retired he was not replaced, as as was becoming more common in government jobs. His work has been missed ever since.
Fred sometimes worked on cars after work and on weekends, a service several in Right of Way were thankful for. Fred was always ready with an opinion or a story, often related to his time in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic during WW ll. Having been in the Navy myself in the late 1960's I easily related to the stories, finding it interesting that little had changed over the 20 years. Fred was a character, an interesting person. He will be missed.