Obituary of Frederick Lee Surbaugh

Frederick L Surbaugh M.D. passed away due to complications of Lewy Body Dementia in the early hours of Monday February 6th. He was at home surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born December 1, 1940 in Portland, Or to Martha Fooshee Minor and Henry Lee Surbaugh. Fred lived in Oregon through his early adult life. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1959 and Oregon State College (now Oregon State University) in 1962. Between Fred's time in Medical School and his residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Oregon Medical School (OHSU). Fred served in the U.S. Army as a Major while stationed in Nuremberg, Germany. He began his orthopedic practice in Oregon but the majestic natural playground of Southern Idaho convinced him to relocate to Twin Falls in 1980 with his wife, Carol Irene Ware (married 1962), and two sons, Mark Frederick Surbaugh and Jeffrey Scott Surbaugh. Fred and Carol later divorced. In 1995 Fred married Charlene Johnson (nee Jenks). This union would bring together Charlene's three daughters, Erin, Amanda, and Nicole, Fred's two son's, and Fred and Charlene's daughter Rachael as a loving family. It is hard to consider Fred without considering the numerous people who loved him for his dazzling intellect, singular sense of humor, and warm heart. Fred's striking personality charmed absolutely everyone. He was friendly to everyone from strangers sitting next to him in restaurants, to housekeepers, nurses, and anyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with him. Distinctions of education, wealth, or social status made no difference to Fred and he willingly extended kindness without discrimination. His closest friends could count on a late night email or surprise phone call every so often and it was impossible to doubt how much he treasured those relationships. Dr. Surbaugh was an ambassador and patient advocate, treating his patients with compassionate love and and he often stayed up late at night considering their cases. He loved his family and always wanted to be assured that they were safe and happy. Fred was brilliant and multifaceted, a true "Renaissance Man". He loved to spend time outdoors whether he was skiing in the Alps, rafting unknown waters in Alaska, or spending time on the river with his children. He especially loved fishing. When he was three, family lore has it that he fished in a mud puddle with a stick and a string. He discovered Mexico and loved spending as much time as he could in Los Barriles, where he could fish, windsurf, fix almost anything, and make even more friends. He set up an office in his Mexico garage and when "Doc Fred" was town people in the community knew he would take time to treat them. It was Fred's habit to forego sleep to read up on the numerous subjects he found fascinating. As a result Fred always offered meaningful insight to any discussion and became an expert in many topics. His expansive knowledge was not limited to academia. He was a deft chef and used his skill to delight his loved ones with gourmet meals. He loved art and over the years he acquired an eclectic collection of colorful and beautiful pieces that added to the warmth his home always offered. Fred lived life, bigger and better than most people ever hope to and his loss will leave a void in our souls and hearts forever. Frederick is survive by: His sisters, Marilyn (Dave) Smith of Portland, OR, Jean (Chuck) Lewis Lake Oswego, OR; his wife Charlene; his sons, Mark (Mimi) of Portland, OR and Jeff most recently of Los Barriles B.C.S.; his daughters, Erin (Chris) Bailey of Houston TX, Amanda (Joe) Edwards Tri-Cities, WA, Nicole Johnson Twin Falls, ID, and his baby girl Rachael Surbaugh Portland, OR; and his ten beloved grandchildren: Lucy, Catherine, Audrey Surbaugh; Luke, Jacob, Adam, Rosalie Bailey; Conner, Gavin, and Winston Edwards. There will be a viewing and gathering (5:00pm-7:00pm) followed by a sharing of memories (7:00pm-8:00pm) on Friday February 10 at Rosenau Funeral Home 2826 Addison Ave E Twin Falls, ID 83301 A viewing (10:00am) and non-denominational service (11:00am) will be held Saturday February 11 at the Twin Falls Stake Center at the LDS Temple. 2085 South Temple Dr Twin Falls, ID. Fred's love of all things beautiful and bold extended to his aesthetic preferences as well, his phone was bright pink after all. Please, honor his memory by wearing your brightest attire if you plan to attend any of the events. In lieu of sending flowers please make a charitable donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children, C.S.I Nursing Foundation, Visions Home Health and Hospice, or a charity of your choice in Fred's name. The family of Frederick Surbaugh would like to extend a special thank you to Ginger, Carl, and Don from Visions Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate care they gave in the last month of Fred's life. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.