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What I remember fondly about Fred is his passion for his craft. He loved helping students and teachers. Fred believed in the power of books and how they could transform people for the better. Fred was constantly striving to better himself and our school. I will miss our talks regarding fatherhood and being sports dads. The building he occupied will forever be "Fred's Library" in my eyes. My condolences to his family. Your friend, Manuel Rosales.

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Though I didn't have the privilege of knowing Fred as long as others, his kindness left a mark on me. When I started at SEMHS, Fred was among the first to extend a warm welcome. He would greet me whenever I saw him on campus and talk to me at staff meetings to check in on me. As a new teacher at this school, he made me feel valued and supported, and for that, I will always appreciate him. Sending love to his family so they navigate this difficult time, and may they find peace in these memories of Fred. -Angela Armendariz

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Fred was the utmost professional and always helped his colleagues and students above and beyond what was asked of him.

AWESOME MAN AND FRIEND!

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My interactions with Fred were always pleasant. I had a nice conversation with him one time about soccer and his kids. I think one of his daugherts played saxophone, I was giving him advice about how to be a parent of a band kid. We were having this conversation during the great girls soccer run when the won state. I don't understand too much strategy so he was explaining to me why certain things would happen during the game. It was a nice conversation.

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Fred was one of the kindest and most positive people I've ever known. He always had a kind and thoughtful word for everyone. I don't remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. Even when he was angry, which wasn't often, he'd find a gentle way of expressing it. The harshest thing I ever remember him saying was, "well, what're you gonna do?"

My heart breaks that I will never see that smile again, or hear those kind words. The world is a worse place for his absence, but how lucky we are to have known this gentle man.

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I had the honor of co-teaching with Fred every year. Each time I did, I learned a lot - right down to new considerations of what fairness looked like. He has influenced my teaching greatly.

Fred also helped me when I worked on my master's degree.

We spoke often about jazz, soccer, and books. I don't know that I ever met a better, more enthusiastic listener. I'm grateful we got to attend a match together.

Yesterday, after the news hit, I heard the song Tiffakonkae, by Kamasi Washington. We spoke about this artist, often. The song sounded better than it ever did and it felt like a great way to send off my friend, who would have loved it.

Rest well, Fred.

D

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Fred was a remarkable presence in our lives and school community. His caring heart, boundless thoughtfulness, and readiness to lend a hand left an impression on everyone he encountered. He led quietly yet effectively, inspiring others through his actions rather than words. Above all, Fred was a steadfast advocate for students, never hesitating to step up and support them in any way he could. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the difference he made every day.

Olga

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I remember when I was in high school, I went to the library this one time and asked him how many books we can check out. I was into the comic books that were at the library and he told me that the limit was 5 but he said that he was willing to let me take more if I wanted to. I was touched that he was okay with me taking more books.

Before he left to start his treatments, I talked to him about the comic books at the library and I said that I wanted to read them. He told me to come by anytime and he would let me read them. I was waiting until he got better and he could return to work to go to the library to read the comic books. I am saddened that I could never go to the library and talk to him about the comic books.

He was such a kind and friendly person. I will always remember my last encounter with him. Last year, we both were chaperoning for a field trip to an art museum. We had a great time with the students and it was nice walking around the museum. This was right before he left. My memories of him were always positive. I know he did a lot for the school and he will always be missed. Condolences to his family.

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Fred was truly part of

South El Monte High School, whether you encountered him at the library or anywhere on campus, he was kind and welcoming to everyone. I remember having conversations with him about different authors I was interested in reading about, his knowledge about books was incredible. The way he did not hesitate to help students whether searching for a book to read or research for a class assignment, he went above and beyond. His smile, kindness and just overall a great person, he was to everyone that knew him. It was an honor to have known him and a great loss to those who did not get the chance to know him. He will forever be missed at South El Monte High School. My condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.

-Cindy Salcido

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Fred, thank you for giving our students your best during your entire career and always with a genuine smile.

We have lost an amazing person who brought positivity to this world. Sending the Bautista family our sincere condolences.

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Fred was a wonderful person. He was very kind to everyone he came across. I will always remember him as calm, kind, friendly, and very knowledgable about his craft. He had a passion books. He loved it when I would take my classes to check out books for SSR. He would tell me I love that you bring your students to the library for books. You would always see Fred with a beautiful smile when we went to the library. Fred you will be missed! My deepest condolences to his family. REST IN PEACE FRED!

Sylvia Casillas

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Fred was a dedicated and knowledgeable librarian, who had a passion for young adult literacy. We always thought of him as our resident cataloger and subject headings expert. He was really good at all the technical details that went along with being a librarian. We knew we could call him if we had any questions about cataloging or maintaining our library databases. He was more than happy to help and share his wisdom. Aside from his knowledge and expertise, he was a very kind and down-to-earth individual, who enjoyed good discussions about education, books, music, and more. We had a lot of detailed conversations about dyslexia and how to make sure students with learning differences got equal access to content and literature. He had a heart for students and cared deeply about bringing a love of reading to all he encountered. I considered him more than a colleague; he was my friend, and I feel his loss very deeply and profoundly. I will miss hearing his library activity ideas and book suggestions at our district librarian meetings; and I will miss our monthly Waba lunches, where we got to hang out and vent about work stuff as needed :) The world lost a truly inspirational and gentle soul! My deepest and most loving condolences go out to his family. Praying that God will fill their hearts with peace and comfort in this difficult time. Though your light has extinguished on this earth, Fred, we know you are shining bright in the heavenly realm, and I look forward to resuming our book discussions when we meet again someday in glory. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

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Fred was such an integral part of our community at South, and his absence leaves a hole for us all. I have wonderful memories of long conversations with Fred in the library about young adult literature, how to get freshmen to read, and the importance of critical thinking skills. Fred was always thoughtful and inclusive in his contributions during meetings and committees, and when speaking to students. I loved seeing him at MOCA's weekend PD sessions. Talking to him always reminded me why I became an English teacher. All my love to his family in this difficult time.

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Mr. Bautista was a true scholar and a gentleman! He was kind to students and to teachers. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. SEMHS will forever be your home!! RIP Fred!

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Fred was an amazing educator. I had the privilege of having him co-teach with me in the classroom in my first years at South. His knowledge, expertise, and patience with students were what struck me. Fred enjoyed spending time with students and he always strived to help our students be the best that they could be. It was evident that he was passionate about his job, which inspired many. I always admired that he was a strong advocate for our students and for our community. Fred always smiled and greeted us with a warm welcome. He will truly be missed.

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Fred was a true professional, I had the privilege to work with him as a focus group leader for WASC in 2023. Fred was always sincerely kind, positive, and patient. When it came to service, Fred made himself available for whatever resources students or teachers needed. He would present to classes about research methods, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Fred will be missed by all, my condolences to the Bautista family during this difficult time.

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Fred is undoubtedly the most amazing librarian I have had the pleasure to work with. He was also an amazing person to collaborate with on lessons. It was his passion. He seemed happiest when in a classroom teaching an assignment he helped create. I use several techniques that have improved my classroom practice because Fred taught them to me. We worked together to perfect them and make them a powerful tool for student learning. I could go on forever. I will miss working with Fred on lessons, essential questions, units, and watching him work patiently with a student who had frustrated me all year. Those were the students he seemed to enjoy working with. He would sit with them and work through the assignment in a way I could not.

Every year that our juniors choose a painting for the library in their English class, I will think of Fred. He inspired the assignment and made it so much more interesting and challenging than the original module was written to be. Every time I teach my students how to ask questions using the questioning technique, I will think of Fred. Because of him, the research projects in my classroom are better and students feel more focused and involved with them.

I will miss Fred. Our school has lost a mighty force. Our library will never be the same.

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Great Soccer Player, Friend and Colleague

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Great Soccer Player, Friend and Colleague

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I had the opportunity to play soccer with Fred for a while. He was a great teammate and a gentleman on the field. He played soccer with such finesse, and we enjoyed discussing soccer and school after our soccer match. At school, he was just a very kind individual who always smiled and was always positive. He was never hesitant to help all of us. The atmosphere that he created in the library was very welcoming and friendly. I know his passing has left us all with a deep sense of loss. Fred, you will be missed dearly and will always be in the heart of South El Monte High School.

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Fred was a beam of light shining positive energy everywhere he went. He loved teaching and sharing the joy of discovery with the students. He showed so much patience, knowledge, and care when helping others. It was his passion. I will miss our lively conversations about art, music, and reading. I enjoyed working with him to create fun and meaningful activities for the L.A. County Bookmark Contest every year. He always greeted my classes with a smile and an upbeat attitude. I am thankful for the many strategies and tips he has taught me. He will truly be missed.