A longtime friend of our hobby and a personal friend to many, Fred Padgett of Loleta, CA, passed away on May 27, 2025. Fred was an absolute expert on McLaughlin insulators and published a comprehensive book on the subject: Dreams of Glass - The Story of William McLaughlin and His Glass Company. Fred also co-authored a second book with the late Walter Ruedrich: Wood Amongst the Wires. He also wrote several informative articles for the now-defunct insulator periodical, Rainbow Rider's Trading Post.

Fred was presented with the N.I.A. Outstanding Service Award in 1996 at the Long Beach National Show, where he also, along with his wife, Sue, exhibited an incredible display of McLaughlin insulators and go-withs.

Fred had a gentle personality and was admired by all those who knew him. I will remember Fred mostly for his upbeat attitude about life in general. When you greeted Fred with, "How's it going, Fred?", he always replied with his favorite line, "I never have a bad day."

We miss you, Fred. Deepest condolences go out to his loving wife, Sue Padgett, and family.

(Re-posted with a recent photo per family request)