Frederick Lascelles Lancaster, III

Frederick Lascelles Lancaster III (Fred) December 30, 1947- April 10, 2023 April 10th Fred Lancaster transitioned to the great beyond peacefully and courageously at his home in Virginia on a beautiful spring day, surrounded by his three loving children. Born Frederick Lascelles Lancaster III to parents Louise Lancaster and Frederick Lancaster Jr. in Dunellen, NJ December 30, 1947, he was the youngest of three siblings, growing up alongside his two older sisters, Beverly Louise and Jane Ann. After high school Fred soon made his way to Texas, the first stop of many in what would be a long and winding adventure. He completed a double major in Psychology and Sociology at East Texas State University in 1970 where he first gained experience as a community activist and would soon take a stand as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, spurred by his strong anti-war sentiment and Quaker principles. He attended Woodstock in 1969, for which he still had his ticket stubs and concert bulletin framed to commemorate the experience. He loved to explore, hitch hiking across the country and picking up new stories along the way. Backpacking extensively, spending months at a time hiking and camping across the Western U.S. he had incredible experiences of wildlife encounters, expansive starlit skies and rushing waterfalls. After a chance encounter in Edom, TX, Fred discovered the art of glass blowing and soon was hooked, cultivating his passion that would ultimately culminate in owning a glass studio in Staunton, VA. His art glass was progressive and cutting edge for the time. He made sculptural pieces depicting lichen, moss, and bark. He also loved functional art which can be found both in the cupboard and on the Christmas tree, regularly enjoyed by family and friends. Fred met Sandy (Topaz) Freer at a craft show in Virginia. She was a traveling nurse and as his telling of the story goes, she stopped by his booth and he asked her out dancing. In 1986 their first child, Rose, was born in Staunton. They later moved to Hickory, NC where they had their two boys, Topher and Cedric. Fred and Sandy became members of Celo Community and moved their family to the mountains of Western NC in 1993. They enjoyed many winters sledding in the old apple orchard with neighbors, playing in the South Toe River and hosting waffle brunches as part of Cabin Fever. Fred coached the kids T-ball and Softball Teams while working for a non-profit, Rural Southern Voice for Peace, and taking part in the annual Permaculture Gatherings held in Celo. In 1999 the family took a leap and moved to Ecuador for a year of wild adventures. Fred's Spanish was never the best but that didn't stop him from making connections and telling stories everywhere they went. In 2000, they returned to the US and became members of Twin Oaks Community in Virginia. Fred later moved into Louisa where he would work for Child Protective Services. It was emotionally draining work, but he fought hard for the kiddos and families he served. He continued his work as a mental health counselor when he left Louisa and transitioned to mentoring youth, predominantly through outdoor and experiential therapy. An avid hiker for his entire adult life, he loved taking clients to waterfalls and evoking awe and wonder while cultivating a connection to nature. He loved driving back country roads and catching the sunset. Often planning his route around fishing holes and western facing views. He moved to Lake Monticello in 2018 and joined the Fishing Club, eventually serving on the board. He greatly enjoyed the friendship he found there and opportunities to help organize events for the community. Namely, he had great pride in organizing The Annual Kids Fishing Day. When not out in the woods or fishing, he loved to dance and listen to live music. He could often be spotted at Charlottesville's Fridays After 5 getting down! He loved to host and cook and was a self-proclaimed "choco-holic" always having a solid chocolate stash on hand. He was an incredible storyteller, devoted Dad, compassionate friend, artist, community organizer, appreciator of detail and nuance, bird watcher, and Backgammon beast! In 2020 he became "Grampa" and he was incredible at it, as we knew he would be. His silliness and childlike wonder were reflected back by Samira Louise and they had so much fun together. She will miss him deeply. His diagnosis of late-stage pancreatic cancer was dizzying and swift, but he maintained strength and resolve throughout. His three children will be forever grateful they were able to spend his last days with him in the comfort of his home, enveloped in love and good tunes. He leaves his sisters Beverly and Jane, daughter Rose and granddaughter Samira, sons Topher and Cedric along with son-in-law Dylan, and soon to be daughter-in-law Caroline. His love and support laid a lasting foundation and will continue on for generations to come. A traditional service will not be held but a celebration of life will be hosted at a private residence in the Charlottesville area in early May. For anyone who knew and loved Fred and would like to take part, please reach out to Rose Schepps via email, rose.schepps@gmail.com or contact Compassionate Cremation Services, 434-409-1333, for details. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Frederick Lascelles Lancaster, III

December 30, 1947 - April 10, 2023