84 Woodland

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick James Manas.. Fred passed away January 11, 2025, at the age of 84, after a brief illness. Fred was raised in Winters on the Goddard Ranch, his family's ranch along Putah Creek, where he helped grow apricots, walnuts, and Angus cattle.

He worked for UC Davis for 24 years as a Superintendent in the Physical Plant Department. Known as "The Cowboy", he oversaw all the heating and cooling on campus and also designed the fume hoods for the science labs. His designs for fume hoods won him national recognition. After retiring in 2000, he directed his focus on his peach ranch and cattle operation.

Fred and his wife, Alice, established Manas Ranch in 1980 planting 25 acres of peaches and setting them directly to consumers on their ranch in Esparto. As time went by, they expanded to 60 acres of fresh market peaches and apricots, being known for "The Best Peaches in the West",while continuing to raise Registered Angus cattle specializing in "Calving Ease" bulls.

Fred and Alice opened Manas Ranch Custom Meats in Esparto in 2011, but when Alice became ill in 2021, the heartbreaking decision was made to close and sell the store. Fred's priority was caring for his ailing wife. To reduce ranch responsibilities so he could continue to care for Alice, the next heartbreaking decision was made to remove the peach trees and sublet the ground. Both projects, together with caring for and loving Alice, were the fiber of his being.

Fred was on the Yolo County Farm Bureau Executive Board for over 18 years. He was an outspoken voice for farmers and was a strong supporter of the NRA. He loved football, fast cars, deer hunting, scuba diving, and his dogs and cat. But most of all he loved his family. He was a very proud Spaniard, often recollecting how his grandparents migrated to the United States through Hawaii from Estepona, Spain.

He is survived by his wife of45years, Alice, his daughter, Dana, his stepchildren, Terry and Dee Dee,, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons and numerous cousins and step-siblings. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Marie and Hugh Goddard, his father and step-mother, Roy and Ginger Manas, his daughter, Liesa Manas Lincoln, and his brother, Dennis Goddard.

He will be dearly missed by all His warmth, kindness, and the countless memories he shared will remain a cherished part of his family and friends' lives. We have lost a man who was a true Spaniard in his heart and soul.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 15, 2025, at Heidrick Ag Museum, 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland, California, from 4pm.To 7 pm.