Pachanga for Uncle Freddy

Just days before he checked out, Fred made it very clear that when his time came he didn’t want any funeral services or dreary memorials. And as we all know, what he enjoyed most was "good groceries," a glass of red and a good laugh among friends.

So, in keeping with his explicit wishes, his family and friends are throwing an "Exit Laughing" backyard party for him on April 8th in San Antonio. All friends of Fred are invited, whether you knew him as Blackie, Uncle Freddy, K5QLF or just plain Fred.

Children welcome, but leave the flowers, tears and house pets at home.

So come with your best Fred stories and be prepared to tell them on stage, or rather on the stump. The best story tellers will be awarded the coveted "Green Eyeshade," worn by the great man himself in the newsroom, or a similar item, like the "Que Me Ves Pendejo" gimmie cap.

Or, if you like, write them down and e-mail them now while the impulse is fresh and we’ll compile them as a gift for Evelyn at the party.

Also please bring any Fred memorabilia you have - from old stories to photos to framed scorpions - for public display at the shrine among the burning candles.

We'll also be passing one of Fred's hats - literally - for his chosen causes - the ACLU and NPR Radio - so please bring your checkbook.

We'll be cooking large pots of pozole from Fred's recipe and some other basic chow, but will rely upon Fred’s friends and fans for the rest. It’s a potluck affair, so please bring beer, booze, ice or your favorite home cooking. And whatever you bring, bring it large, because we expect a mob. Lawn chairs are also a good idea.

Details:

When: 3 p.m. until it ends, April 8th. Rain or shine. Tents will be provided. Optional drinks afterward at the Liberty Bar in downtown San Antonio.

Where: 8631 Post Oak Lane, San Antonio. It's just across Loop 410 from the Bonavita home. Directions below. When you turn into Post Oak, park in the lot of the Church of Christ at the corner of the access road, and then walk half a block to the house.

For more info call Nicholas Bonavita (512-217-8744) or John MacCormack (the host) at 210-854-8544. And if you have any more ideas of how to celebrate the life of one of the great guys, please don't be shy about suggesting them.

Directions to MacCormack's House which sits in the northeast corner of San Antonio, right off Loop 410 between Starcrest and Nacogdoches are as follows:

From Loop 410, exit Starcrest and go west along the access road about a half mile, past Alamo Toyota and across Salado Creek Bridge. Make right turn at Post Oak Lane (between Church of Christ and Lazy-Boy Store.) Leave your car in church parking lot and walk a half block up Post Oak to sounds of barking dogs and loud music. Come directly to the backyard.

-- From Mary Lenz via Fred King