Obituaries
Fred Strachan, 81; Avid Traveler and Pilot
Longtime local resident and businessman had ties to the tuna fleet.
Fred G. Strachan, longtime local resident, passed away late Monday at his home in El Cajon at the edge of Mount Helix. He was 81.
Strachan was born Dec. 17, 1929, in Vancouver, British Columbia. During his youth, he completed the highest certification possible in piano playing from the Toronto Conservatory of Music, a passion he spoke about throughout his lifetime.
After secondary school, Strachan moved to Vancouver Island where he joined the logging industry and developed skills in machinery and mechanics.
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In 1952, Strachan married Stephanie Swystun. The couple started a family in Vancouver but, pursuing professional opportunities, moved to Los Angeles in 1960 and then to San Diego in 1962 when they founded Diesel Electric, a private company providing sales and service to the San Diego maritime industry, including the once-flourishing tuna fleet.
Strachan was an active member of the community, including involvement with the San Diego Harbor Kiwanis, where he served several posts over 20 years, including treasurer and president.
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During his career, Strachan maintained diversified interests, including engaging in and developing real estate and commercial properties as well as overseeing the construction of the family’s private home.
Strachan retired in 1990, after closure of Diesel Electric, to spend more time with his family and to continue traveling. In 2009, Strachan became a naturalized U.S. citizen, maintaining dual residency in both the United States and Canada.
More than anything, Fred enjoyed spending time with his family and friends with whom he loved to share stories of his adventures in life, many of which included that as pilot of a small plane that he owned and operated locally. His humor and smile were infectiously positive and inviting to anyone he met.
Strachan is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, sister (Norma Perkunder of Olympia, WA), two children (Marc of Oceanside, and Myrna of Arroyo Grande, CA), three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A private burial will be held at Singing Hills Memorial Park in El Cajon, CA; a “celebration-of-life” memorial will be scheduled in August for his closest family, friends and colleagues.
