Fredric Divel

February 26, 1949-February 21, 2018 To an extensive traveler, the offer from Heaven above for an astounding view of earth from the highest of heights was an offer this adventurer couldn't resist. Fredric Allen Divel seized that opportunity Wednesday, February 21 with a first-class, one-way ticket to a lofty vantage point from which to see not only the places, but more importantly, the extensive family he loved so dearly. To become a world traveler, first takes the foundation and support of a loving home. Fred was born in San Clemente to Donald Fredric Divel and Lois Driscoll Divel, just shy of 69 years ago. His father was San Clemente Patriarch until his passing in 2006, and his mother is the city's present Matriarch. Paternal grandparents Roy and Patti Divel settled in San Clemente in 1927. Maternal grandmother Bess Allen Driscoll and family came to town in 1938. She served as City Treasurer for 13 years. Fred was very close to his three surviving siblings sisters Martha Sanchez (Eddie), Jane Divel Nichols, and brother Tom Divel, plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, most of whom are San Clemente locals. Family was dearly important to Fred. Whether carving Halloween pumpkins, coloring Easter eggs, decorating for the holidays, securing tickets to exciting Broadway shows, planning anniversary and reunion parties, all generations of his big family were included. Bodysurfing and spending day reading or playing backgammon at the beach were big pleasures. He was immensely generous, patient beyond words, and a gentleman to all. You'd never hear a curse word from his mouth. He was creative, curious, and spontaneous. Family and friends knew that if Fred asked, "How would you like to…" just say yes as it would most likely lead to a vacation, theme park, cruise, or fun in general. If you needed a ride to the airport, help moving furniture, or any help at all, Fred could be counted on without hesitation. He was the guy in the family everyone adored and respected, but Mr. Low-key didn't expect that. He lived life his own way and was happy to have the company. He did not expect anything in return, but was happy to see his family enjoying the good things in life. He also enjoyed the past two years as owner to his Havanese dog, Karma. His furry friend was by his side during the past year that Fred was battling cancer and now truly misses her human Pop. Fred's achievements were many. He was an acolyte at St. Clement's Episcopal Church, where his parents had married, and he had been baptized and confirmed. He was a recipient of the God and Country award as a Boy Scout and was a Young Republican delegate at the Republican National Convention in Florida as a high school student. Fred also served as Senior Class President of his SCHS class of 1967. The first cruise of many circumnavigating the globe was aboard the SS Ryndam with Chapman College on World Campus Afloat, in 1968. He would cruise two more times with the program later renamed Semester at Sea. During his years getting his degree in Communication at Cal State Fullerton, Fred worked at Disneyland as a Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean ride operator among other park jobs. The magic of the kingdom rubbed off on Fred launching a decades long career at Disneyland, Disney World, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Entertainment, and Disneyland Resort. Balancing travel and career by that time, Fred was also watching as his hometown Spanish Village by the Sea was seeing a shift in development away from it's roots. This encouraged Fred to found the San Clemente Historical Society in 1973 with the intent to preserve the original Spanish buildings and character of the town. For decades Fred put his heart and energy into grant writing, fundraising, and efforts to restore the Miramar Theatre to a performing arts theater. It is a deep regret that that dream was not realized in Fred's lifetime. The Historical Society is still very active in the community. From his Disney days Fred launched another career as a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He was an actor with small parts on General Hospital and other television shows and various print campaigns such as the Dan Post Western Boots, Winston, and others. He attended the Academy Awards and Governor's Ball, and the Emmy Awards ceremonies several years. Fred was a smart and lucky contestant on many game shows such as Hollywood Squares, Wheel of Fortune, Card Sharks, and others winning two cars, prizes, and many vacations. Fred was a cast member in Laguna Beach's world-famous Pageant of the Masters and later worked behind the scenes in production. As mentioned before, Fred was a member of the Young Republicans. Later, through correspondence with President Nixon's administration, it was Fred's idea to introduce them to the beautiful Hamilton Cotton Estate as a potential site for a Western White House. In 1969, the Nixon family indeed purchased the Spanish hacienda they renamed La Casa Pacifica, bringing worldwide attention to the beach community. Fred was integral into getting his parents invited to Governor Reagan's Inaugural Ball, and to the donor appreciation reception for President Reagan at the White House. Now back to that travel adoration of Fred's. He was practically at sea more than on land. He was a Special Events Coordinator with Crystal Cruises for several years, at times bringing along siblings and cousins for weeks as Christmas decorators while cruising Europe, the Caribbean, and Panama Canal. He held positions with Orient Overseas Limited, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. When not working he was a passenger with friends or his parents enjoying Alaskan and Hawaiian waterways. Adding to his land and sea jobs, Fred added some air as employed with Trans World Airlines (TWA) and USAirways. If anyone sees Heaven's newest arrival, Fred is the handsome guy in the Hawaiian shirt, blue jeans, white sand on his bare feet, baseball cap, broad smile, and a chilled tropical drink in his tanned hands. At a moments notice he can don a tux and toast with champagne. He was a chameleon that way. You are at your final destination in Paradise, Mr. Divel. Thank you for flying with us. We hope you enjoyed your ride, and please come visit us again. For present or future considerations, donations in Fred Divel's memory to the San Clemente Historical Society would be greatly appreciated. Sincere thanks, the Divel family Funeral Home: Pacific Cremation Society 22772 Centre Drive, Suite 130 Lake Forest, CA 92630