Skip to main contentThe family of City Commissioner Amanda Fritz will celebrate the life of Dr. Steven Fritz at a public memorial service at Terry Schrunk Plaza downtown this evening. All are invited to attend the 5 p.m. ceremony.
Steven Fritz died Wednesday morning in a collision on Interstate 5 on his way to work. He was a psychiatrist at Oregon State Hospital.
In a press release about her husband's death, Amanda Fritz wrote that she first learned about the crash from passersby — not police — who noticed her husband's crumpled car along the side of the highway. Steven Fritz drove a Nissan Sentra that he had painted with zebra stripes.
The public memorial service this afternoon promises to be equally off-beat. The Fritz family is encouraging guests to "have fun dressing in whatever you feel is appropriate to honor him and/or amuse yourself and others."
Here's the entire press release from the commissioner's office:
Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz has announced plans for events to celebrate the life of her husband, Dr. Steven Fritz, who died suddenly in an automobile accident in Salem, OR on September 24, 2014, while on his way to work at Oregon State Hospital. He was killed instantly by a pickup crossing the median on I-5 in wet weather, hitting his beloved zebra-painted car. He had often loaned it to his wife for community parades. Commissioner Fritz first heard about the crash because passers-by recognized the car and contacted her.
One
of Steve's friends wrote on hearing the news, "If you've ever thought
your car was boring, and you'd like to paint it up, say, turn it into a zebra
car? Well DO IT, people! And when you die, people will not sit around
wondering, "Did she do the things she wanted? Did he express his inner
self? Did she tragically ignore her inner weirdness?" They will be
horrifically sad, but they will smile every time they think of you, your car,
those stripes.â
"That comment illustrates why people loved and were inspired by Steve," said Commissioner Fritz. "He made the most of every day, finding entertainment even in mundane chores like the daily commute. Our children and I are greatly comforted by the outpouring of support we've received. He touched so many lives, in great and small ways. We appreciate seeing the recognition that he made a difference in our community – while at the same time having fun."
Everyone is welcome to attend the public Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 28 at 5p.m. in Terry Schrunk Plaza, SW 3rd and Jefferson. Participants are encouraged to bring a candle, and to have fun dressing in whatever you feel is appropriate to honor him and/or amuse yourself and others. A private family service will be held on Saturday, by invitation.
The family suggests donations to honor Dr. Fritz in lieu of flowers and cards be made to:
The Salvation Army,
Portland Tabernacle Corps or West Women's Shelter
WWeek 2015