FHG 29 Frederic L. Tolleson

October 29, 1932 – June 10, 2021 

We were saddened to receive the following message from Lieutenant Colonel R.L. (Bill) Cody, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) and FHG 30:

“It is with heavy heart that I must report Colonel Fred Tolleson, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) recently passed away peacefully at home, in Seattle Washington.   Fred has been a devoted supporter of the Fort Henry Guard for many years.

He will be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be announced. (Arlington has a waiting list of several months.)

Fred cherished the time he spent with his friends in the Fort Henry Guard. He is survived by his loving wife Cyd, and several children and grandchildren.”

Bill’s message continued:

“At a time like this we Marines bring into mind the following verse of our Corps’ Hymn:

IF THE ARMY AND THE NAVY EVER GAZE ON HEAVEN’S SCENES,

THEY WILL FIND THE STREETS ARE GUARDED BY UNITED STATES MARINES…

Let us pray that when our time comes, Colonel Fred Tolleson finds us worthy of passing through the Pearly Gates.

SEMPER FIDELIS, FRED. R.I.P”

Fred, Richard (Bill) Cody and his brother Joe (FHG 22) were an important part of the Club’s awards program for many years.  In addition to donating trophies for two awards (Col. James B. Ord Memorial Award for best fifer, Lt. Col. Joseph F. Cody Award for most proficient gunner), the three Marines also came to Kingston for more than 15 years to see the Guard, to remind them of the link with the USMC, and to participate in the Awards Ceremony.  Joe Cody became an honorary member of the Guard in 1970.  Fred Tolleson and Richard Cody were recognized as honorary members of the Guard in 2008, and we will always remember and cherish these special and unique friendships.  

Colonel Frederic Tolleson, USMC (ret) and FHG 29, presenting the General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. Bowl to Guard Captain Brendan Monahan in 2014.