Football Star, Wwii Veteran Fred Provo Lived For Family

Fred Provo was a three-way hero.

He earned the Flaherty (inspirational) Award as a running back for the University of Washington, and went on to play for the Green Bay Packers.

His college-football career was interrupted by World War II, and he distinguished himself as an Army paratrooper. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and earned two Purple Hearts.

Later, he was a marine-supply salesman in Seattle.

But his children knew nothing of his football or wartime exploits until they were nearly grown. He was too busy being a hero of a father - following their activities, taking them camping at Cannon Beach, Ore., and just spending time with them.

"He was all about family and family life," said his son, Christopher Provo of Seattle. "We'd get together at any excuse. My father built a cabin on the south fork of the Stillaguamish River. Most of the family played an instrument or sang, so we'd go up there a lot and make music."

Mr. Provo died Sunday (June 6) of leukemia. He was 77.

Born in Seattle to a logger and his wife, he grew up in Vancouver, Wash., where he played high-school football and was recruited by several colleges.

He played a year for UW while majoring in advertising. Then the war intervened.

He was wounded in the arm on the battlefield and was wounded a second time when his field hospital was attacked.

Back from the war, he beefed up his 5-foot-8-inch frame and played two more years for UW. He put up some good numbers, and led the team in pass completions in 1946.

He played for legendary coach Curly Lambeau at Green Bay in 1948, returning punts. News stories of the day describe him as short compared with the other players, but powerful and quick.

"The first thing he did after joining the Packers was to buy his mother a house," said another son, Tom Provo of Des Moines.

A new family, old injuries and the then-low salary for professional athletes prompted him to begin working in sales. He sold boating equipment for Pacific Marine Supply, and also dealt in athletic gear.

"He was a good salesman," said his sister, Margie Noack of Marrowstone Island. "He was not a boater, although he fished. But he understood (boating). What I can tell you is, he had a wonderful family life."

Mr. Provo, who also enjoyed golf, had a home on Inglewood Golf Course in Kenmore.

He continued in marine sales after Pacific Marine changed hands, then he went to Doc Freeman's supply shop on Lake Union before retiring 15 years ago.

"He didn't want to be remembered as a jock, and I didn't know he was a football star until I was in my teens," said his daughter, Meegan McKiernan of Seattle. "He was dedicated to family and to Mom.

"But he was an athlete all his life. He was an athlete even in his illness. He'd say, `OK, tell me what I've got to do' to help himself, and then he'd just do it."

Also surviving are his children Mark Provo, Spokane; and Joan Provo, Bow, Skagit County; his brother, Doug Provo, Bothell; and 12 grandchildren. His wife of 47 years, Mary Provo, died in 1994.

"My mom's death took a toll on him," said Christopher Provo. "He was not quite the same after that."

Funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. June 18 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 8900 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle.

Donations may go to the Leukemia Society of America, 2030 Westlake Ave., Seattle, WA 98121.

Information from Seattle Times staff reporter Alex Fryer is included in this report.