Alfred Wayne Soares

Alfred "Fred" Wayne Soares, beloved husband, father, and friend, was born on May 22, 1954, in Sonoma County, California, and grew up in the close-knit community of Penngrove. He passed peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 — a day that, for a man of such deep and abiding faith, could not have been more fitting.

Fred spent his entire married life in Santa Rosa, the place he loved and the community he quietly served for decades. On March 27, 1976, he married the love of his life, Marguerite "Peggy" Christine Rooney, and just over a year later, the two were sealed together for eternity in the Oakland Latter-day Saint Temple in April 1977. This past March, Fred and Peggy celebrated 50 beautiful years of marriage — a milestone that reflected everything Fred held most dear: loyalty, devotion, and a love that only deepened with time.

Our parents were extraordinary role models who taught us independence, self‑respect, and the belief that we could accomplish anything—“no” was never an option They also showed their love through action, never missing our activities and always being present and supportive in every stage of our childhood lives.

His membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not simply a part of Fred's life — it was the foundation of it. His faith shaped the way he loved his family, served his neighbors, and showed up quietly in the background whenever someone was in need. Fred never sought the spotlight. He was the kind of man who did the best when no one was watching, and that was exactly how he liked it. His steady, selfless contributions to his community left an impression that words can scarcely capture.

Fred built a proud career as a transportation refrigeration technician — work he genuinely loved. More than the craft itself, Fred treasured the relationships he built along the way. His customers weren't just clients; they were friends, and many became part of the wide and wonderful circle of people who simply loved being around him.

And it was easy to love being around Fred. He had a warmth and a humor that lit up every room he entered. His practical jokes were legendary — always harmless, always perfectly timed, and always guaranteed to leave everyone in stitches. He had a gift for making people feel at ease and for turning ordinary moments into memories worth keeping.

Fred survived by his beloved wife, Peggy; his four children and their spouses: Jason and Jennifer Soares, Jodi and Erik Richardson, Janaea and Daniel Hunter, and Jared and Bailey Soares; his 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, with 3 more great-grandchildren joyfully on the way that he will be escorting to earth shortly. He is also survived by 2 brothers Lee and Dan Soares and a sister Kathy Stinson.

Fred was especially grateful for the friendships he shared with his brother Lee Soares his sister Kathy Stinson, and dear friends Dennis Richardson, Kip Smiley and Bruce Morrison, who made it a point throughout the years to nurture and maintain their bond with him. Their devotion to that relationship was a source of deep joy and comfort to Fred, and a reflection of the kind of loyalty he himself gave so freely to everyone he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Dorothy Soares, who raised him in the rolling hills of Penngrove and set him on the path of faith and family that defined his life.

Fred lived a life of faith, laughter, and unassuming grace. He leaves behind a family who adored him, a community that was better for knowing him, and a legacy of quiet, generous love that will echo for generations to come.

Celebration of life will be on Saturday, May 23 at 12:00 p.m., American Made Miniatures Farm Sanctuary, 155 Sonoma Mountain Road, Petaluma.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84936118830?pwd=Kj236UqXbtnScnbyayKMTcTYEgPRt4.1