Fred Corfee ’52

A somewhat eccentric man whose major passion in life was helping other people, Fred Corfee was a very special FIJI.  As an undergraduate, Fred was very involved and an active participant in all FIJI activities.  Following graduation, Fred always kept the chapter and the relationships he built there close to his heart.  For many years Fred organized the FIJI Carmel Golf & Tennis Weekend (which is still being held).  Largely attended by FIJIs from the late ’40’s and early ’50’s, Fred made sure to send
out notices and make all the arrangements for the event.  An avid tennis player, he also made sure to coordinate the friendly tournaments for the weekend and always had some fun prizes.

In the professional arena, Fred returned home to Sacramento after college to run the family dry cleaning business.  However, with larger goals in mind Fred eventually sold the family business and entered the world of finance.  He was an active investment advisor and with a group of friends and family became a venture capitalist.  Some of his most notable ventures include Starkist Tuna and Heavenly Valley Ski Resort.  The latter of these also came with some personal attachment as Fred and
his wife Jeanie loved the mountains and skied at resorts throughout the world.

Fred was also a devoted supporter of our Golden Bears.  This was most evident by the tailgates he hosted before every home game.  Stationed towards the north side of campus, Fred reveled in the presence of friends and family enjoying Cal football.  Fred was also more directly involved with the university when he served as a trustee on the UC Berkeley Foundation.

Beyond Cal, Fred also was an active participant in his local community. Fred was a member of several local clubs including the Rotary and Elks Club, the second of which he led for a number of years.  Fred also ran twice for his community’s state assemblyman position.

A proud FIJI who left a positive mark on all he touched, Fred will always be fondly remembered.  He is survived by his wife Jeanie, with whom he had three children: Eric, Catherine, and James.