Frederick Warren Pullen–died November 30th, 2015, at Oak Grove Center in Waterville, Maine after a brief battle with Alzheimer’s, at the age of 86.

My grandfather, or Freddie, as most knew him, owned Freddie’s Service Center in Vassalboro for more than 5 decades. He towed vehicles for Unity Raceway where he was presented a 50-yearservice award, is a member of the Maine Motor Sports Hall of Fame and was a member and Past Master of the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge, member of Kora Temple Shrine of Lewiston.

My grandfather still went to his garage every day, even if it meant just going and sleeping in his chair and talking to the customers. He was dedicated, strong willed, humble and very sarcastic. Even when he couldn’t do things on his own anymore, he still loved being at his garage and with the community he supported for more than 50 years.

As the disease progressed, he lost the ability to drive his wrecker and care for himself independently. He lost the ability to feed himself, to use the bathroom unassisted and eventually lost the ability to speak and eat. I will never forget the sadness of watching him no longer be independent and succumb to this disease the way he did.

Alzheimer’s may have taken my grandfather from us too soon, but it will never take away the impact he had on me, my family, and the community.

I will walk every year in memory of my grandfather and to support finding a cure.