Frederick Jude Marden

Switzerland, Italy, Lundy, South of France, North Devon, Coventry, Birmingham, Farnborough, London & Rugby. On trains, planes & automobiles etc. Where we laughed, loved & fought with each other. On & off - like scorpions. Lol - for 25 plus years. And like we agreed in the new year, a little corner of our hearts will always belong to each other. In an eastern Bulgarian kind of way. Ha ha. Forever my friend #FredMarden. Whether we liked it or not. Tee hee. RIP my lovely ... xxx

I can’t believe how empty my life is without you. Our umpteen calls and messages consumed my days. We discussed everything, anything, and nothing. We laughed, we argued, we reminisced, we dissected it all. But most of all we were there for each other. I’m just so sorry I couldn’t be there to kick your arse all the way to the hospital but I wasn’t the only one. Stubborn doesn’t cover it...I have students I’m going to wait until half term and see how I feel. Famous last words from the worlds most stubborn man ever.

I met Fred as a 14 year-old looking for some advice on getting into radio - he was at Lantern FM. He went over and above - inviting me in to the studio, giving me a 'grand tour' and spending time offering his thoughts. I even returned the following year while on holiday and I still have the mug he gave me, 25 years later! That meeting and his generosity helped me forge a career in radio when others might have told me to 'write a letter'. It was really good to catch up with Fred recently. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

One more memory - I remember a weather forecast he did out of the news:

Today Hot, Tomorrow Hot, Outlook....Hot. A real lesson in just saying how it is!

Best wishes to his family.

James

Very sad that I could not be what Fred wanted but I think that was a theme. A larger than life character who had many friends and admirers. I hope you find peace and are with your parents , safe and happy where you belong.

Fred was so easy and responsive to work with. I particularly appreciated how committed, enthusiastic and creative he was in supporting his students and I will miss his presence. His passing truly is a great loss. He is such an example of how to be.

Far too soon. Fred was a big character in every sense of the phrase. Considerate, kind and honest - he was the best of colleagues. One of the good guys.

I was lucky enough to spend lots of time with Fred from 1986 at Swansea University and throughout much of the 90s. I remember spur of the moment trips he initiated to California, France and Hong Kong, and another one dark Friday night climbing a hill to see Swansea Sound’s transmitter close up. It seemed to make sense at the time!

Always huge fun, at work and play, boundless energy and generous with his time. A hugely talented radio man who never forgot about those in society who were struggling. The last record he played on university radio in Swansea was Simple Minds - Don’t You Forget About Me. We won’t. Rest in Peace Fred, I owe you more than you ever knew. Adrian

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Fred at Farnborough College. He was a big man with a big personality and a big heart. He possessed the ability of touching the hearts and minds of everyone he came into contact with. I'm thankful that we met again on Facebook. It would be nice to think we could share that drink we spoke about if we meet in another place. God bless your friends and family.

Fred, we did some radio stuff at the University of Surrey in the '90s, but it was as a friend that I shall remember you. A very funny and warm-hearted friend. Someone who could find humour and absurdity in the most mundane of situations. Being with you was always a rush, and always made my belly ache with laughter. You perfected the art of not taking things too seriously (or even seriously at all) whilst still remaining professional, and I thank you for setting that fine example. RIP, Sir. You made an impact.

Sometimes you meet people in life who leave a lasting impression. Fred was one of those people. He was warm, funny, hugely encouraging, and I learnt so much from him. Fred offered me my first ever presenting gig at Star FM in Slough - he made my radio dreams come true. We later worked together on the breakfast show at BBC Southern Counties Radio, where I was his radiocar reporter. There were so many hilarious moments on and off the air. You never knew quite what to expect, such was Fred's spontaneity. We also shared a love of aviation, and had so much fun at Farnborough Airshow Radio, which Fred organised for many years. His enthusiasm was infectious and inspiring. Thanks for all the great memories Fred. Rest in peace my friend.

One of your loves was flying but I think this is taking it to extremes! Fred, a lovely gentle man who thought of others and was always ready to offer advice and guidance relating to broadcasting or indeed any subject about which he had knowledge.
I first met Fred at County Sound many years ago and we spoke every so often on the 'phone, in fact recently we had shared our thoughts about the current lockdown which is causing frustration for many.
Fred was also very keen on cars, a real "petrol head" who always had time to chat about anything with an engine! To sum up a kind and thoughtful guy and the world is a lesser place without him.
RIP Fred and who knows, one day we may get to go flying together.
Richard.

It’s hard to know where to begin to leave something here which does you justice Fred. Your wit, intellect, culture, audience commanding, raconteur skills and general life living knew no bounds. You really cared about people and if someone was positively in your life, you repaid it thousands of times over.

There are so many highlights for me; you giving me a place on the MA course after one question about Chris Evans, working together at the BBC, being one of the managers of Farnborough Airshow Radio, studying under your leadership, you ringing me up after hearing an hour of live Drum n Bass on ECHO FM saying it was the most energetic radio you’d ever heard, you introducing me to the Little Chef Jubilee Brekkie, boozing in the Tumbledown Dick and finally you letting me drive your e-type Jag to Horsham.

I’m so glad we spoke last year. I don’t know what made you feel more happy, the fact that my youngest's first name is your middle (I had no idea! Such a great name), or that I was readying to pack up and move to a Celtic nation 500 miles from the south coast. We made it!

Rest easy, I will never forget you nor your massive influence on my life. Selfless, funny, caring and irreplaceable to the last. My life is better for having had you in it.

My thoughts are with your other friends, family and dogs, who I know thought the world of you too.

Sleep well.
Karl

Dear Fred, always professional, always fun to work with. Loved listening to your shows, never quite knowing what you would say but sure in the knowledge the link could be edgy but said with humour and a smile.
Taken far too soon, Rest In Peace xxx

I was so Incredibly sad to hear of Fred's passing as he was such a caring, warm and friendly man.
I got one of Fred's famous "phone calls" about radio about 3 years ago. He gave me 30 minutes of his time on a SUNDAY too. His passion and enthusiasm for his beloved radio was inspiring and very infectious too.
Fred I am so very privileged to have known you and blessed that you've inspired me.
God bless you lovely man.

Thank you Fred for being such a kind and fun radio mentor and friend 30 odd years ago at Surrey Uni. Rest In Peace. Wishing strength to your family.

Fred was my university lecturer for my MA on radio in 2004 -2005 - a year of learning that still inspires me and makes me smile to this day. Fred was a nurturing and fun person to be around and I always recall having fun in his relaxed lessons. I'm grateful that he shared his passion and knowledge for radio with me which led to my career in broadcasting for 15+years. I was truly sorry to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his family. With love

Enjoyed listening to Fred on the radio Eagle and Biscuit and seeing him on twitter. A lovely chap from all accounts. He will be missed a great deal.

Fred Marden, you have been taken way too soon. I loved working with you because you were a gentleman and our joint love of radio was and will always be a bright and shining star....as are you. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten xx

Oh Fred, why did you have to leave us so soon. I have such fond memories from the first time we met in the mid eighties, until we spoke on the phone recently. I was always happy to see you, and chat, and laugh, and put the world to rights. We always seemed to pop up together somewhere, County Sound, Star FM , Delta Radio, Eagle FM ,Appledore, Sunderland. You were always good at keeping in touch, far better than I, and we had spoken regularly over the years, even when we were miles apart. I’ll miss your chats but most of all your laughter. How we laughed! You were a consummate radio professional, and it was a honour to have worked alongside you. Your wise, compassionate and caring nature will live on in your legacy. Sleep well and much love. ValoX

You are in our thoughts and prayers today. Remembering happy times with you and auntie Philomena. God bless and rest in peace Fred from your cousin Rory and family.

Fred carried a gentle light within him, born to speak with people and to people.
You could speak to him, listen to him and laugh with him. He was always about the laugh. This made him an inspirational educator and colleague, an inspiration to us all, and us who taught with him, a mentor.

Fred, you will always be welcome in my home, and I will keep my promise, I will come to Ireland to have my very first glass of Guinness. I will save that moment for you.
My deepest condolences are with your loved ones and beloved dogs.

Thank you Fred, for the time you took to be a mate to us all. You will forever be loved, missed and remembered. You leave your light in us all.

With a very heavy heart, for this very sad loss of a great man, friend, educator, mentor, voice, laugh and presence.

Shine on in light and love.

Fred was an amazing teacher and amazing human all in one, he educated and helped achieve things within my work I didn't think I could all whilst being the kindest genuine man to us all. I will greatly miss him and do him proud, always remembering him. Sending my love to his family and friends. ~ Mollie and family.

Fred, thank you for being an inspirational lecturer, for being a friendly and supportive colleague at Farnborough Airshow Radio, and for having such positivity about everything you were involved in. You will be sorely missed. Rest easy.

Dearest Fred. You were such a generous person and it was a pleasure to know you. You had such warmth and a wonderful sense of humour. Thank you for your generosity. You will be missed greatly. Stephen

I suspect if Fred is able to, somehow, read these messages, he would be immensely touched, but, probably, also surprised. He was like that. And then, of course, he’d find some humour in it all. He was like that too. So many laughs. He loved to laugh. I’m honoured that we even shared a laugh so near the end too, even though we didn’t realise at the time.

Interesting and intriguing conversations, not necessarily always agreeing – but, if necessary, differing in a gentlemanly, honorable way. Fred was always a great sounding board in times of trouble – never judging, just giving some perspective where he could. Then there was radio. Boy, could we talk radio! I’ll miss that too. Working with Fred over the years was fun with always an edge of unpredictability on air which was so engaging. Our ambition, on various occasions, was to always steal away for lunch, if we could, to somewhere with pizza! Fred was a model of vibrancy, one of life’s contributors. Bless You Fred.

Fred you were a dear friend and cherished God-Father to Nicholas. We were so honoured to have had you in our lives, and are far poorer to have lost you too soon.

May you rest in peace friend. You will be missed by so many that you touched with your kind, nature and inspire with your zest for life!

all our love x

Bless you Fred - rest in peace. We are all missing you and can't believe won't see you again.
Lots of fun and action during Lantern days when we first met all those years ago. Important business meetings with my hubby Paul over serious matters in The New Inn - only found out when spotted you out of the Radio Station flat window!
Have enjoyed many good times with you since then through ups and downs and was always lovely to see you when you came to stay with us in Petworth when working in Surrey or you doing shifts at Eagle. Sorry didn't manage to see you in Ireland and understand your life where latterly you felt peace and enjoyment of being Irish.
Love always. Nicky xx. and Paul too xxxx

Fred was my lecturer, colleague and above all friend - without his love and passion for radio and wise guidance I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Just reading all the condolences I can see how many lives he touched - the world is a little emptier now, especially radio! But Freds legacy, his achievements, his stories, the people he’s met and guided and helped through their journeys, well that’s absolutely overflowing!!

God I’m going to miss you Fred, but our loss is the Heaven FM’s breakfast show’s gain x

Anybody who knew Fred will agree that life was a little better for that, no more words are needed.

Rest in peace big man

Many of us if we're lucky have one inspirational teacher. I am very pleased to say that Fred was mine. He inspired me so much and gave me the confidence to go for a job in radio, something I had always wanted to do. He was encouraging and supportive and for me, I think he was so special because he delighted in seeing students succeed - of which there have been many.
He always took an interest in others and I was so pleased that we kept in touch over the years. I loved seeing his posts on FB with his dogs, it was evident that they gave him so much joy.
Fred, you will be hugely missed. I sometimes wonder if you ever knew quite how well respected and admired you were. I do hope so. It was a huge privilege to have known you and I will always be grateful for having been taught by you at Farnborough. Rest in peace.

Fred was a joy. A joy to listen to on the radio, where he excelled in his job, a joy to chat to and a joy to be around. Lots of fun and laughter guaranteed. I will miss him so much. While working together at Lantern FM in the early 90s he was a great guide as I started out in broadcasting. Without him, I wouldn't have taken those next vital steps in the career. We would often chat on the phone over the years and soon be cracking up again. God bless you Fred, you'll be much missed by so many because you always had time for everyone.

Dear Fred, so sad to hear of your passing. Such a warm hearted and decent chap. I enjoyed very much idling away the hours after work at the Green Man! You’ll be missed. Rest in peace old chap. Darren.

A great loss of a truly great man. I'm so proud and honoured to have known and been guided by Fred. I will miss our calls, stories and shared analysis of the media. And will be raising a glass to honour you. Shocked and sad that I can't see you again. Thank you for everything you have done for me and fellow alumni of your lessons.
Rest in peace.

Fred - you knew how to talk to anyone about anything. A master of communication and ability to make people feel inspired, important and that they mattered. I am honoured that I got to be part of that. Jackamo & Bellini are going to miss you, as am I, beyond words. Rest in peace, My Dear Friend

Fred was a bad influence on us... radio, planes and wine (lots of it) always involved. We will raise a glass and remember the day he had to break into his car after a very drunken night at ours! A fitting day to say goodbye on World Radio Day xx

Fred was my radio tutor at Farnborough Technology College for a while in the late 1990's.

Then in 2019/20 we both covered shifts on Eagle Radio and I got to be in his presence when he was on air (with me following his show).

It was such a pleasure to spend some time with him in his natural habitat!

Always kind, always happy to talk and always guaranteed to improve your mood. I really liked Fred and am very sad to hear the news of his passing.

I hope he knew how loved he was.

Rest in peace Fred.

You mocking my New Zealand accent and softly laughing despite my protestations, you doing an impersonation of Kenneth Williams... "Oh Matron", which had us in stiches, the phone ringing: "Oh it's Fred, how long have I got
t?", you and I still chatting an hour later , me saying: "You can talk for bl**dy Africa" , both of us laughing cause we know it's true, you could! How I miss that now. You the romantic and me the cynic, you with the courage to have faith and me the atheist. You were always the brave one, ready to put yourself out there, put yourself on the line. The one constant was and is that you are and will forever be my sharply intelligent, deep thinking, witty, humorous and deeply compassionate friend.

So sad. I've known Fred for around 50 years and fom the start, in primary school, he has kept me laughing and educated. His keen and exploring mind, his lucidity of speach and sense of the ridiculous was his mark from the starr. He used words no one else knew. He played with electronics when the rest played with wooden bricks. His holidays were foreign and adventurous when building sandcastles was the norm for the rest of us. Of course, his amazing parents were hugely influential and I remember them fondly

Through senior school, keeping regular contact as undergrads, less regular as we got our careers going, right the way through Fred had immense energy to be curious and humorous and in pursuit if his interests (his faith, his dogs, broadcasting....). And he was terribly sociable, which worked because he was great to spend time with - interesting and funny. I'll miss your big laugh, Fred.

I have so many stories involving Fred, and I'm extremely grateful to him for them. I regret there will be no more but I'll cherrish the ones I have.

Rest well, Fred.

So incredibly sad to hear this news. Fred was my university tutor and helped me so much in my radio days. He was a lovely guy and I want to pass on my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

I was devastated to hear the unexpected news that Fred had passed away. Sometimes in life you meet a true gentleman. Fred, you were one of those. Caring, charming and passionate about the medium of radio - inspiring many others that you taught. I’m so grateful for the wonderful chats that we shared during lockdown. We had got back in touch and put the world to rights on many a call. I’m sad that we won’t get to laugh together again, but your wise words will be a fond memory I’ll treasure forever in your memory. Fred, you’ll be missed by many, including myself. I am so pleased that you made it home to Ireland to be laid at rest with your parents. A friend. A tutor. A radio star in Heaven forever more! Shine bright and sleep well. God Bless. Helen x

Fred, it was such an honour to be your first friend. We had many great adventures in our back gardens as children. That hole in the hedge was the doorway to our imaginations. I remember our joint fear of the Anderson shelter & the many stories we made up to scare each other! Thank you for frequently popping up in my life to remind me of our fun times. You were an entertaining Gent & I will miss you! Enjoy being back with your precious Mum & Dad. RIP Freddie

So sad to hear this news. Fred, you were already a legend when I first got involved with GCR. Your influence was enormous and, as a more peripheral member of the gang, I suspect I didn't spend nearly enough time in your company. My sincere condolences to all your family and friends. If I miss you, I can't even imagine how they must be feeling.

I only met Fred once, I bought my house off him in Culcastle almost 2 years ago. We kept in touch as I had a few questions about the place and he was always charming, funny and informative, I'm a bit shocked at this news. Sincere condolences to the family.

Over the last couple of days since Fred’s untimely passing, I’ve been reminded of so many wonderful adventures, like the time we went on a whim to see the last Concorde land in France and ended up on Sky News! Fred had a remarkable zest for life and thrived on living for the moment.
Then, there was all the other fun stuff that happened on the radio too: ‘Fred and Mark in the Morning’, which he always explained was copyright 2001, the all-night election show where we stayed on for 12 hours or the ridiculous games like the ‘morning horn’. There was also the silliness of someone - I can’t think who - turning the lights off just as I was about to read the news.
We laughed so much when we worked together at Star FM, then carried on the fun further down the line at the BBC.
I hope Fred’s now looking down and enjoying all the lovely tributes - and I hope he’s now a fixture on ‘Heaven FM’ too.
Rest in peace.

I first met Fred at Farnborough College. He was inspirational in lectures with his stories, humour and take on life.

Then followed decades working with Fred on Airshow Radio, County Sound, Delta and Eagle Radio. Fred was just as happy with a big breakfast show, or broadcasting on a small station to one town.

He loved playing radio. During those Saturday sports shows at FCT FM, he had an audience in the studio of students, just wanting to see and hear him in action. More recently in Sunderland where he wanted to “anorak” round some local stations. Then of course a good meal after to boot.

In 2015 Fred helped us at Eagle Radio cover the Armed Forces Day in Guildford. He was able to commentate on the spitfire with ease. In 2020 he was still presenting shows on Eagle, 3 decades after his first show on 96.4. He was proud of that, and rightly so. He was equally proud of the students he had mentored over the years.

He loved radio, and that passion inspired so many people. I’m glad to say many of Fred’s students came through the doors at Eagle. He always had words of support and encouragement. Even recently, as Eagle Radio was in its last days, Fred was on the phone, saying how great we all were, letting us know he was listening in Ireland, as staff were doing their final shows.

The last couple of days I’ve been listening back to Fred’s final Eagle Radio shows. I thought I’d be sad, but even in death, he has been making me laugh. Thanks Fred.

Fred, I had the great privilege to know you at City of Westminster College. We shared our doggy passion and our Irish origins. You were a thoroughly lovely guy - smart, funny, kind. It is heartbreaking that you have been snatched away from a world to which you had so much more to give, and it is a darker place today without you. Rest in peace, lovely man.

Fred’s first record “on air” was ‘Communication’ by Spandau Ballet in either Jan or Feb 1984. He often reminded me of that - and I was there at the time, being a fellow student. Over the course of 37 years, We have been friends, fellow radio presenters, and at one time partners. He has just always been a presence in my life, whatever the relationship. So many great memories, and such a loss of such a fabulous person. He will be greatly missed by many people - and very fondly remembered too. Rest in peace, with your mum and dad.

I was so saddened to learn of Fred's death. We only talked a couple of weeks ago and he was his usual self, funny, big-hearted and a great listener. I was privileged to know Fred from our days working and laughing together at Farnborough College. Farnborough always had a corner of his heart, and he will always have a corner of his friends' hearts. Rest in pease, my friend.xxx

So sad to hear of Fred's passing. I talked to him just a couple of weeks ago and he was the same old friend he had been for many years, since we worked and laughed together at Farnborough College. I will really miss our chats and his kind heart shown to all who knew him. Rest in pease, my friend.xxx

The world is a sadder place without you Fred. As a former colleague in radio and education your passion for radio was not lost by the students we taught and I’m very saddened to hear the news. Keep broadcasting in your new home, you know everyone will enjoy it! x

Sincere sympathy to the uncles, aunts, relatives and many friends of Fred on his untimely passing. A true gentleman, a great character and our neighbour at one time. May God give you comfort and may Fred's gentle soul rest in peace.

I was privileged to know Fred through broadcasting on university radio in Swansea.
Fred was passionate and committed to the cause of broadcasting. He was a pleasure to work with and his charismatic, generous and gentle personality was a joy to know.
His loss to the world is incalculable and, while his loss is cruel to us, his soul lives on to make an other place all the richer for his full hearted and great qualities.
Fred will be very sadly missed.

Fred was a brilliant teacher At Farnborough College of Technology and was an influence on many to go into radio broadcasting. Some of us had the pleasure, and fun, of working with him on Airshow Radio as well. He was always a friend to all. x

I knew Fred mainly through my brother. On the occasions when I met him I was always left with a large imprint of Fred’s personality. This consisted of a massive smile, a crazy laugh and generosity. We also shared an interest in motorbikes, cars and aviation. I could not match Fred’s encyclopaedic knowledge of these. Rest in peace Fred, you are missed already

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Fred touched so many people’s lives positively. May God bless his soul and may he Rest In Peace.

Deepest sympathy to Fred's family and friends. So sorry to hear of his untimely death. May he Rest in peace.

Fred was a friend for 43 years and during lockdown, there was barely a day when we did not speak. His death has stunned me and robbed so many of a good, decent, honest and forthright friend. We shared an Anglo-Irish heritage and I know how much his love of Ireland meant to him. However, our friendship was forged four decades ago whilst at secondary school in Farnborough, Hampshire and I know that that part of England was held in affection by him.

I am already missing your calls, Fred. I know that I will not be alone in missing your voice, whether in person or on the airwaves. May you find the peace you yearned for.

I knew Fred as a colleague who was a pleasure to work with and be around in the studio. He was always warm,friendly and helpful and always up for a chat. And clearly a radio man, through and through. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Fred, I hope you have DAB up there...RIP.

So shocked to hear such sad news. Fred was a wonderful man, he inspired me and motivated me while I was one of his radio students back at Farnborough. So glad I was able to help his current students with recent zoom calls to his class.

Enjoyed our chats and he always had such great advice. We sadly never got to have that curry.

He was a radio man, an outstanding broadcaster and was such a warm, funny and kind soul. Gone long before his time, a pleasure to have know him and will be hugely missed. Love to his family. Thank you Fred. Sleep well. Xxx

Deepest sympathies to Fred's family and friends. He was a kind and caring person with a warm personality, and always had a thought for others. May he rest in peace.