Frank Frutos died in his sleep in Oak Harbor April 6, 2002; he was 87. He was born July 7, 1914 in San Francisco the eldest son of Joseph and Teresa Puerta Frutos. His parents came to the United States from Zamora and Jaen, Spain, respectively.

Mr. Frutos graduated from Armio High School in Fairfield, Calif., and attended Fresno State College. Frank worked at Benicia Arsenal, Benicia, Calif., during World War II and stayed until the base was closed. He was then transferred to Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, Calif., where he served as an inspector in shipping cargo.

Mr. Frutos purchased a walnut farm in Oakdale, Calif. He retired from civil service in November of 1970 but continued operation of the walnut farm until 1978. In 1996, Frank and Roberta moved to Oak Harbor and on July 16, 1998, they were married.

Frank was a member of the Oakdale Golf and Country Club, the Neighbors of Woodcraft and AARP. He was an avid golfer for many years.

Mr. Frutos is survived by his beloved wife Roberta at the family home, Oak Harbor; by stepchildren Cheri Lee Duncan-Westerdyk and Rick Duncan, both of Oak Harbor and Rebecca Duncan of Forestville, Calif.; by two loving aunts, Angela Palumbo of Menlo Park, Calif., and Matilda Brown of Santa Rosa, Calif. Four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a sister-in-law Dianne Frutos of Sacramento, Calif., two nephews, one niece, and one great-niece also survive him. His parents and one brother, Joseph Frutos, Jr., preceded him in death.

Frank found great joy surrounded by family and watching the bustling farmyard menagerie. It was a beautiful life for his later years. Family and friends will miss this kind and gentle man; a true gentleman from head to foot.

Mr. Frutos requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment at Susuin Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield, Calif. A celebration of the life of Frank Frutos will be held for family and friends at Frank’s home, 2799 N. Strawberry Point Road, Oak Harbor at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2002. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. This obituary is at: http://burley.plan4ever.com