Over 800 people attended Fred Twyman’s Memorial Service on June 24th which was held at Paloma Valley High School. There was much wiping away of tears by mourners as friends and family members shared, from the podium, stories and fond memories of Fred Twyman. Father, husband, teacher, leader, friend… it was apparent to all that this was a man who made a difference.
I loved the story by PVHS Math teach Williams about how he and Fred both had “light sabers” on their cell phones, and that they would fight with them. “Often…” as Williams recalled. A number of times they were caught in the middle of their Jedi moves by their students. Such “boyish” enthusiasm endeared him to many staff and students at Paloma. Appreciation for him by students were voiced on various websites going as far back as 10 years, and students showed up in numbers at the memorial service.
Fred made such a difference that there is much talk about the need that the Fred Twyman name be forever remembered in the City he loved. Councilman Fuhrman would like a trail to be named the Fred Twyman Trail. Chuck Reutter suggested that the street running behind PVHS (Craig Ave) be re-named to Fred Twyman Avenue, and there are several other ideas. A trail, a street, a park, a building? What type of man is this that should be so grandly remembered? It is a man who stood out. It is a man who made a difference in people’s lives and in the world he lived in. A man thought by all to be one who truly cared. It has been made clear that Fred Twyman was such a man.
After sharing a story with Jim Twyman, Fred’s brother, Jim told me “I knew that my brother was a great man, kind and helpful to others. What I didn’t know is how he has affected and helped change so many lives. I am very proud of him.”
It is this writer’s opinion that Fred Twyman, his talents and loving nature are needed for a greater purpose in the Heavens, and that perhaps his passing was a quick one, because any other way would have been too painful to bear. Not necessarily for him, as he was a brave sole, but for those who loved him. Fred has been a great leader here in this life and he has touched many lives. I am sure it will be the same wherever he is now.
The following is the Obituary at Fred Twyman’s Memorial Service, held June 24th, 2011.
Frederick Allen Twyman III passed away suddenly on June 15, 2011; he was only 46 years old. Fred was born on February 14, 1965 in Downey California but spent most of his school years in Norco and Corona. He grew up attending Corona 1st Baptist Church. Fred was captain of his high school swim team, graduating from Corona High in 1983 with academic honors. He worked for Corona City Parks and Recreation teaching children to swim in order to pay college tuition.
In 1989, Fred graduated with a teaching degree in mathematics, accepted a math teacher position at Perris high School, later at Rancho Verde High School where he met Carolyn smith, a school counselor. Fred fell in love with Carolyn and her two beautiful daughters. Fred and Carolyn were married august 8, 1992. Son after, the Twymans were blessed with two more beautiful and talented daughters. Fred’s family meant the world to him. He and Carolyn coached their girls’ soccer teams and helped teach Sunday School, while continually promoting academics, music and the arts to their girls.
Fred began teaching at Paloma Valley High School in 1996. He taught various math courses, had been Math Dept. Chair and President of P.S.E.A. teachers union. As a member of Kiwanis Club, Fred was Key Club Advisor. He was beloved by many students and teachers. Mr. Twyman was a genuine “Wildcat.”
While working for his Masters’ Degree, Fred worked tirelessly for his new hometown, Menifee. His impassioned project was his school’s unification into the Menifee District. Subsequently, Fred was elected to the Menifee School Board. In Dec. 2003, Carolyn was diagnosed with brain cancer and retired from school counseling. But, with Fred’s encouragement, she ran and was elected to the Perris School Board in Nov. 2004, serving to date. In 2008, Fred was elected to the newly incorporated Menifee City Council. This past year, Fred became Menifee’s Vice Mayor.
Fred was passionate about teaching his students, serving his community, and being devoted to his family. His avid determination was expressed through his often “boyish” enthusiasm and his innate logic and problem-solving skills. Fred kept connected with friends and family all over the world on the Internet through Skype, Vent, and games like WoW.
We have lost an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, teacher, community advocate, and role model. We know Fred is waiting for us with open arms in Heaven.
Fred is survived by his wife of 18 years, Carolyn Twyman; daughter's Alyssa an d Fallon Twyman, Natalie Grohosky, Jennifer Washington; grandson, Henry Washington; siblings, Jenny Aviles, Danny and James Twyman; parents, Donna Joe Williams and Frederick Twyman Jr.
