Frederick Charles "Fred" Batt

On Tuesday, May 9, Fred Batt slipped away from us, following a heart attack. He was born July 15,1946, son of Mira and Wendell Batt of Wilder.  There he grew up with many cousins and friends. Following graduation from Wilder High School in 1964, he enrolled at the University of Idaho, He joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon, from which he gained many life-long friends, and started his degree in Business Management.  His college years were interrupted by a tour in Germany via the US Army. Returning in 1969, he worked briefly on the family farm.  Just before resuming classes at the University, he met Ellen Barton, who was teaching in Boise. They were engaged while he finished his degree and married on July 1, 1972. They moved to Wilder where he raised hops and various crops with his brother Norm. They also established some vineyards and a winery.  Daughter Laura was born in 1979, followed by Annie in 1982.  In 1985, Fred and Ellen moved to Caldwell, where they currently reside.

Fred was a force who will not be forgotten.  He enjoyed wonderful years growing up in Wilder and created his share of mischief! In high school he was an excellent athlete, especially in football and baseball. He was SB President and always “proud” to proclaim that he graduated among the Top Ten in his class!  Fred made friends throughout the Idaho from Bonners Ferry to the southern border of the state thanks to his business and Vandal connections. He was active in the Hop Growers of America, served on the board of directors from 1994 to 1999 and traveled several times internationally on behalf  of USA hop growers to promote the sale of USA hops. Some described him as grumpy, gruff and rough if one knew him at Wilder’s Furrow Café at daily morning coffee.  To others he was a teddy bear when he allowed his soft side to show.  He loved his family… wife and daughters, siblings and cousins. His grandson Makani was his number one guy… just ask anyone who saw Fred regularly! He loved flying and airplanes.  He learned fishing from his parents. He read constantly and loved to tell stories or spend time visiting and joking. His number one favorite place was McCall on the beach or deck with a book and his dog, Murphy.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Wendell and Mira, as well as his brother Warren. He leaves his wife Ellen B. Batt, daughter Laura and grandson Makani Kekahuna, daughter Annie and her husband David Yost, and his brother Norman (Ellen G.Batt), and nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to count.

Memorials may be made to Jenna and Patrick's Foundation of Hope, 400CapitolMall #650 Sacramento, California 95814 or a favorite charity.

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