By Senators Darneille, Zeiger, O'Ban, Becker, and Conway

WHEREAS, Fred Oldfield was born on March 18, 1918, in Alfalfa, Washington; and he was one of nine children; and

WHEREAS, Fred was raised on the Yakima Indian Reservation near Toppenish, and his youth was filled with adventure as he lived the life of a cowboy with covered wagons, galloping horses, and starting fires with cow chips; and

WHEREAS, As a young man, Fred had an array of experiences including gold mining, boxing, farming, hunting, and working as a cowhand, all of which would influence his paintings; and

WHEREAS, Often called an "unconventional man," Fred went against all odds to spend his life living out his passion for painting, and he will forever be known as one of the premier painters of the American West in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Fred was always active in his Pacific Northwest community, and he used his talents to raise funds for many causes including kidney disease research, the Emergency Food Network, and a variety of scholarships for students in need; and

WHEREAS, Fred enjoyed sharing his love of painting with children, and he was forever grateful for the looks he saw in their eyes when he told them stories of his days on the range, telling tales around the campfire, and eating a can of beans from the chuck wagon; and

WHEREAS, Fred believed in the power of a positive outlook on life, making a friend out of everyone he met, and sharing a smile and a story with his friends and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, The Fred Oldfield Western Heritage & Art Center was built in 2002, dedicated to the preservation of Fred's dream to share his love of life, Western Art, and the history of the American West with all generations; and

WHEREAS, Fred Oldfield passed away on February 24, 2017, saddling up his horse and tipping his hat for the last time; and

WHEREAS, The Fred Oldfield Western Heritage & Art Center will commemorate Fred's life with a breakfast celebration and fund-raiser for the Center at the Puyallup Fairgrounds on March 17;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate celebrate and honor Fred Oldfield the person; acknowledge his invaluable contributions to Washington State and beyond; and recognize that the history, passion, and art of Fred Oldfield will live on for generations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the family of Fred Oldfield, including his daughter Joella; to the Fred Oldfield Western Heritage & Art Center; to the Governor; and to the Lieutenant Governor.