Fred William Dykes

Fred William Dykes, 90, beloved father and grandfather, died May 30, 2018.
Fred was born to Fred E. and Lina Dykes on January 20, 1928. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1946 and spent two years serving the Army in Korea, 1947-1948. He returned home to Pocatello where he met and married Peggy True. Fred and Peggy had two sons, Mark William and James Fred Dykes.
Fred earned his degree in chemistry from Idaho State University and spent his entire career at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. He worked to improve plant capability, increase operator safety and mitigate environmental impacts. Fred and his colleagues published many papers dealing with innovative and technological advances in the safe handling of radioactive materials. Fred’s technical career lasted 41 years, with his retirement in 1993 at age 65.
Fred’s lifelong intellectual interests tracked the United States’ westward expansion, especially the Oregon Trail. He authored and published, ‘Jeffrey’s Cutoff, Idaho’s Forgotten Oregon Trail Route.’ He also co-edited the diary of Oregon Trail pioneer Winfield Scott Ebey. Fred was a member of the Oregon-California Trail Association, publishing several articles in its journals. He also served for several years as President of the Bannock County Historical Society. He acquired and worked tirelessly to restore the windmill, other pieces for the Bannock County Historical Society’s museum, and steam engine, both located at Ross Park. In 2011, The Idaho State Historical Society honored Fred with its annual Esto Perpetua Award.
Fred served as Scout Master at the Central Christian Church for over 20 years. He is a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award.
Fred returned to Seoul for a visit in 2005. Amazed by the growth of the city, Fred gathered his personal photographs and memorabilia from his time in Seoul and donated all of it to the Seoul Museum of History. In 2009, the museum organized a special exhibition, ‘Three Foreigners’ Reminiscences of Seoul.’ The exhibition highlighted the expansion and growth of Seoul as documented by Fred and two other individuals. Fred’s contributions are now a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Fred leaves behind his son, James Fred Dykes (Patrick Lynch), his nieces and nephew; Rachel Rainy (Jeff Rainy), Sarah Moser (Randy Moser), John B. Dykes (Beth Dykes), his grandchildren; Jamie Appleby-Dykes, Erinn Durmick (Kerry Ann Durmick), Zachary M. Amador (Tasha Hutzler); Hannah Paige Dykes (Alex Vazquez), and his great granddaughter, Vanessa. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Dykes, wife Peggy Dykes, and his son Mark W. Dykes.
A visitation time for friends and family will be held on Friday, June 8th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N 15th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201.
Memorial services will be Saturday, June 9th at 11:00 AM, at the Central Christian Church, 918 E. Center St, Pocatello, where family will receive friends one hour prior. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
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