Fred Breit, 86; Educator Was Called `Solution Maker'

They called Fred Breit "the solution maker." Seattle School District colleagues counted on him to chill hot spots and settle disputes. Blessed with equanimity and a sense of fairness, he faced problems - and problematic people - with dignity and respect.

"People admired him for the way he handled things," said his daughter, Bonnie Collette, of Redmond. "He listened well in an argument. Both sides went away happy." He encouraged people to reach their potential and try new things.

"Fred was . . . a real gentleman," said former Seattle Schools personnel director Bob Weltzien. "He was one of my teachers at Lincoln High School. I found myself startled years later to be working for him. He rarely got angry and blew up, and if he was wrong, he'd say so."

Mr. Breit died Monday, Aug. 5, of heart failure. He was 86.

Born in Sauk Centre, Minn., he moved with his family to Sumner in 1926. He earned his bachelor's degree with honors in education at the University of Washington in 1932, and his master's in administration in 1936. While with the Seattle School District, he was a history teacher and boys' counselor at Lincoln High School, an adviser at Garfield High and a principal at Franklin High.

Mr. Breit was the first principal at Eckstein Junior High School when it opened in 1950, his daughter said. He was appointed district deputy superintendent in 1962, and took charge of instruction and general administration.

Mr. Breit, who in younger days loved to dance, retired in 1973, and traveled the world. He maintained a garden that was the envy of his neighbors. "He did a lot of reading," said his daughter. "He kind of liked everything. He was an educator, after all."

Other survivors include his daughter Barbara Breit, of Seattle; his son-in-law, Richard Collette, Redmond; and a granddaughter.

At his request, no services will be held. Remembrances may go to the Seattle School District Scholarship Fund, 815 Fourth Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98109; or to the American Cancer Society, 2120 First Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109.