Garrett Daniel Fred

Garrett Daniel Fred, 36, died in an accident on Tuesday, October 21. His family and friends are heartbroken by his passing and deeply grateful for the life he lived among us. Garrett was born in Loveland, Colorado, and raised in Fort Collins where his curiosity, playfulness, and kindness first began to shine. Over the years, Garrett became a beloved presence in every community he joined. He worked with dedication and joy at The Hub Steakhouse and Dinner Club in Rugby, North Dakota; at Austin’s American Grill in Fort Collins; and later at The Rock Garden, where he eventually became an owner. In every role, Garrett led with love. His patience, compassion, and readiness to help others—especially those who were struggling—were hallmarks of his character. Every hardship in life seemed only to deepen his empathy and kindness. Garrett lived a life filled with love, gratitude, and generosity — showing up to every interaction with a smile, a hug, and a full heart. He was always ready for anything—snowmobiling, golfing, boating, volleyball, hunting, mule packing, traveling, both playing and watching sports while talking about them with infectious enthusiasm. More recently, he took to the airwaves as a color commentator for the University of Northern Colorado Bears football team with no formal training! Though always on the go, Garrett cherished the quiet moments: time spent still and present with the people he loved. Above all, nothing brought him greater joy than being with his children. Time with Benjamin and Molly was, for him, the most precious adventure of all. Garrett was preceded in death by his grandmother, Wilhelmina Kinney; grandfather, Dale Fred; and stepfather, Mike Heidebrecht. He is survived by his children, Benjamin and Molly Fred, and their mother, Ane Fred; his mother, Pamela Kinney; his father, Daniel (Shelah) Fred; his brother, Frank Paul (Amy) Rizo; nieces, Harper and Lainey Rizo; his sister, Michaela (Grey) Heidebrecht-Conderman; grandmother, Marlene Fred and grandfather, Bill Kinney; and many cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts. Garrett’s life was a gift of joy, kindness, and wholehearted presence. He showed up for all of it with love—and that love will continue to ripple outward through everyone who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at The Genesis Project, 400 South Link Lane, Fort Collins CO 80524. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite local charity.

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Garrett Daniel Fred

May 10, 1989 - October 21, 2025