Lasting Memories

Fred W. Carnes
March 24, 1920-April 7, 2013
Palo Alto/ Sun Valley Idaho/Carmel Valley, Ca, California
Submitted by Jeffrey Carnes

On the morning of April 7, 2013, Fred passed away from complications from pneumonia in Carmel Valley, California. He was surrounded by his daughters and comforted by his wife of 71 years, Carolyn Carnes. Fred was 93 years old. Fred was born on March 24, 1920 in St. Cloud Minnesota to Blanche and Winfield Carnes. He was one of three brothers, Jack, Merk and had one sister, Viola. They all preceded him in death. Fred?s nickname was ?Ty? and he was called that up to his last day by close friends and family members. The Carnes Family moved to Pocatello Idaho in the 1920?s and Fred attended College at the University of Idaho, where he met the love of his life Carolyn Meloy. They were married around 1941. Fred was a Veteran of World War II and served our country from ?Fort Ord? in Monterey California. The Carnes Family was widely known in Idaho in the 1920?s thru 1955 as ?Ty? and his family operated Carnes Music Company in Pocatello. Fred would, soon after the war, move to Idaho Falls Idaho, to open his own Music store operated under the name of Carnes Music. During his time in Idaho Falls he also operated the ?Idaho Piano Exchange ?on the Yellowstone Highway. In 1956, Fred sold his business to partner Owen Hammond and moved to Beaverton Oregon, Palm Springs California and finally settling his family in Palo Alto California where he remained in business until he was 90 years old. He operated stores in Palo Alto at Town and Country Village, El Camino and Page Mill Road, San Leandro, San Francisco and San Jose. Fred was widely known through the Pacific Northwest as selling the Best Pianos and had a passion for unusual and wonderful sounding instruments. When ?Player Pianos? came out, his stores had the most widely selection of player piano rolls throughout the West. He had a complete shop to rebuild every piano ever made, as well as teaching studios to make sure everyone who purchased a piano or organ had a chance to learn to play it properly. Every customer and Potential customer became his friend and for years they would stop by the Palo Alto stores to visit with Fred and keep in ?Touch ?. Many generations of families continued to buy pianos and organs from Fred over the years in the Bay Area. Fred closed his business in 2011 on California Avenue, in Palo Alto, and his Son In Law, Scott McBain operates the only store left in San Jose California. He truly loved his work and looked forward to going to work each and every day. Fred was very well known in the Music Industry and received many awards from Piano Manufacturers as well as National Music associations for all he did for the Music Industry. He was a member of the Elks Club for many years on El Camino in Palo Alto. Fred and Carolyn had homes in Palo Alto, California, Sun Valley Idaho and most recently Carmel Valley Ca. Fred and Carolyn had a summer home in Island Park which they have had since getting married. Summers were spent with ?Ty? and Carolyn and all their three children while the kids were young. All relatives and friends were encouraged to stop by for a Fresh Caught Trout Dinner and enjoy the Island Park area and the wonderful fishing opportunities on the Buffalo River. Many generations of Carnes Family members have fond memories of the cabin and all great hospitality that was offered. Fred was avid hunter in his younger years as well as an accomplished horseman. The Cabin stands to this day as a testament to all the fun family and friends will continue to have for years to come. Fred and Carolyn began coming to Sun Valley Resort when Union Pacific opened it in 1936 and both were avid skiers and lovers of Sun Valley and in 1964 purchased property there. The Mosquito months of Island Park were sat out in Sun Valley until the little buggers left Island Park and the family would continue the summer in Island Park without mosquitoes as companions. Fred was proud to call Idaho home and all his children share his passion for this wonderful state. He had a vivacious spirit. A business man, a lover of life, music, pianos, fly fishing, Idaho, the mountains, black coffee, milkshakes, and pancakes with an egg on top. One of the hardest working most trustworthy and honest people I know. He loved his family, his friends, ping pong, and all of the above. Fred is survived by his wife of 71 years, Carolyn, Son Jeff Carnes and his wife Cristina and Grandsons Nick and Chris. His daughter Claudia and her Husband John McCotter and Granddaughter Britni , Daughter Tani and Scott McBain, Granddaughter?s Kati and Dylan Freytag, and Great-great Grandsons, Otis and Clive. Grandson Kellen, and Lindsay McBain, Granddaughter Kristi McBain, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

The Family will hold private services at a later date in Idaho.