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Frederick C. Way, 60, a resident of Albuquerque for 27 years, passed away on August 4, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Peggy Way; one son, Jeff Way and wife, Antonia of Albuquerque; sister, Marilyn Curtis and husband, David of Delmar, NY; brother, Robert Way and wife, Debbie, of Delmar, NY; three nieces, Laura, Sharon, and Andrea; and numerous other relatives and friends. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Marion Way. He was born on March 20, 1947, in Albany, NY, and graduated from high school in Delmar, NY. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Photo Science Engineering. Two years before graduation he met Peggy Clinton and they were married on June 22, 1968. They moved to Florida where Fred worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, International Laser Systems and Harris Corporation doing engineering, laser and electro-optics work. In 1977, they moved to Connecticut where their son Jeff was born. While there, Fred worked for Perkin-Elmer in the Electro-Optical Division, managing Advanced Programs and the Southwest Field Office. In January 1980, the family moved to Albuquerque where Fred worked for Spectron Development Laboratories, Helionetics Electro-Optical Systems, General Dynamics and The BDM Corporation. In 1990, Fred founded Decade Optical Systems with divisions in Albuquerque and Pennsylvania (Armstrong Laser Technologies). DOS/ALT built lasers and packaged diode bars for Government projects. For many years DOS received the "Flying 40 Award" for being one of the fastest growing technology companies in New Mexico. Some of the special projects Fred was involved in included: the Mercury and Apollo Space programs, Hubble Space Telescope, AC-130H Gunship, Patriot Missiles, ALL, ABLE-X, ATLAS, Y-Blue, OPSL, Argus, Big Crow and ABLE-ACE. Fred was a member of the professional organizations NMOIA and PACA, and he also enjoyed and supported the NM Symphony. Personal organizations he belonged to were the Eagle Scouts, the Elks, and Phi Kappa Tau Gamma Nu Fraternity. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, hiking in the Sandia Mountains, traveling, sailing, swimming and playing the violin. He was a loving husband, father and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service to celebrate Fred's life will take place at St. Chad's Episcopal Church, 7171 Tennyson, NE, on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fred's name to Boy Scouts of America, 5841 Office Blvd., ABQ., NM 87109 and St. Chad's Episcopal Church, 7171 Tennyson, NE, ABQ., NM 87122. Edna St. Vincent Millay best describes Fred in her words: "My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light." French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400 www.frenchmortuary.com
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