Fred F. Scherer died at Valley Cares in Townshend, Vt., on Nov. 25, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on March 1, 1915 in Queens, N.Y., one of nine children of William and Mary Ellen (Gerken) Scherer. He was the last remaining one of his siblings.
In 1930, while in an apprenticeship program of The School Art League of New York City, Fred was awarded the Saint Gaudens Medal for Fine Draughtsmanship and the Haney Medal for Fine Craftsmanship.
Fred spent the majority of his working life, 1934 through 1972, in the Exhibition Department of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). He learned the techniques of painting dioramas from his mentor, artist James Perry Wilson. Fred created and collaborated on numerous dioramas that are still on display at the AMNH, including 15 that he personally painted in the Chapman Memorial Bird Hall, The African Hall and the North American Mammal Hall. Millions have seen his work and the dioramas are recognized worldwide.
In 1967, Fred produced a Peruvian desert mural at the World’s Fair in New York. After retiring from the AMNH, Fred and his wife, artist Cicely Aikman, lived for 32 years in Friendship. He worked for 20 years as art consultant for the Maine State Museum in Augusta where he also painted dioramas.
A tireless and energetic spirit, he turned his attention to other pursuits including designing and building the family home. An intrepid inventor, he made an endless stream of practical devices, some specializing in successfully deterring squirrels from bird feeders.
He was an early supporter of the “modern organic gardening movement.” He cultivated blueberry bushes and loved harvesting vegetables from his and Cicely’s large garden. While in Maine, he enjoyed going out to fish the waters in and around Friendship Harbor with his lobstermen friends.
Fred grew up in a house filled with music and he was a wonderful self-taught pianist who played by ear. He loved music of all types. He continued to paint and draw up to his final days.
Fred Scherer attended the Advent Christian Church of Friendship for many years, and more recently, the Calvary Chapel in West Townshend, Vt.
Fred was predeceased by his first wife, Marguerite Scherer. His second wife of 44 years, Cicely Aikman Scherer passed away on Dec. 6, 2013.
Fred is survived by his children with his first wife, Janice-Ellen Scherer-Dufner and husband Frank Dufner of Lyman, William Scherer and wife Sitora of Cold Spring, N.Y., Deidre Scherer and husband Steve Levine of Williamsville, Vt., and Gregory Scherer and wife Makhiruy of Cold Spring, N.Y.; adopted daughter, Kim Scherer and husband Paul Young of Seattle, Wash.; stepson, Paul Breslin and wife Catherine of Paris, France; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a large extended family.
Services were Dec. 4 at Valley Cares, Townshend, Vt. and Dec. 8 at the Calvary Chapel, West Townshend, Vt.
Donations in Fred’s name may be made to Valley Cares, 461 Grafton Rd., Townshend, VT 05353; or Calvary Chapel, Rt. 30, West Townshend, VT 05359.
