Yearbook quote:  "So in each action 'tis success that gives it all comeliness."

Fred Rohrs
Businessman, racehorse enthusiast

Though a successful businessman, former Claremont resident Fred Rohrs held on tightly to his dreams of something else: racehorses.  And, true to his passion, he and his wife owned several throughout the years, giving the "best of the best" title to their horse "Davies Lamb."  Their first pride and joy was named "Deals On".  "Fred had a very unique talent of inspiring the trainers and jockeys to succeed beyond their imagination, and they did," the family shared with the Courier.   “After the races were over, Fred would rather hang out in the stable area with the trainers and jockeys than in the turf club with the other horse owners.”

On July 3, 2006, Mr. Rohrs died from complications of pneumonia at his home in Parker, Arizona.

“It was his desire to pass at home where he could view his Colorado River, be with his dog, Andy, and share his final days with Carol, his wife of 32 years,” the family wrote.

A 1961 graduate of Claremont High School, Mr. Rohrs proudly represented the school by being a foreign exchange student to Japan. A natural athlete, he loved sports and was captain of the CHS tennis team. He was also on the varsity golf and basketball teams. His love of playing and watching sports continued throughout his lifetime.

After high school graduation, Mr. Rohrs attended Claremont Men’s College (now Claremont McKenna College) and continued forth to complete a master’s degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Journeying back to California, Mr. Rohrs began working for Northrup Aircraft as a management system specialist. At this time, he also taught business management at El Camino College. Later, he was one of 3 founders of Plessey Peripheral Systems in Irvine. In 1980, he became the company’s president.

At Plessey, Mr. Rohrs met “the woman of his dreams,” the family wrote. He and Carol were married in 1974. In 1983, the couple founded Texport in San Juan Capistrano. And as the business thrived, Mr. Rohrs pursued his love for racehorses.

“Life was great,” the family wrote, “but at the top of his game, he suffered one of two strokes.”

The first stroke occurred in 1988, the second in 2001. His degree of recovery and his courage after the first stroke amazed his doctors and awestruck his friends, the family explained.

“Fred was not only the best friend, son, brother or husband any person could ask for, but was also a fair and just businessman in all of his endeavors,” the family wrote. “Everyone who knew Fred drew strength in their own lives by his examples of fairness and facing adversities head-on with a positive attitude. Not once in 18 years did he ever complain or question ‘why me?’”

The family wishes to thank all of his friends and hospice caregivers whose compassion and generosity brought much comfort.

Mr. Rohrs is survived by his wife, Carol Rohrs of Parker, Arizona; by his mother, Patricia Rohrs of Claremont; by his sisters, Pam Kohler of Lake Arrowhead and Susan Lightfoot of Mt. Baldy.

A celebration of his life will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2006 at the Doubletree Inn, 555 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont.