Folks,

 I am very sad to report that Fred Dileo was killed yesterday morning about 11:00 a.m. when his pickup was stuck by a huge truck hauling fertilizer while he was stopped waiting at an intersection.  Fred was at the top of his game, having just won the 2006/2007 Purina handler of the year and the National Championship with Ch. Funseeker’s Rebel.  As I understand it, Fred just won the Tar Heel Championship with Ch. Funseeker’s Rebel shortly before this tragedy.

 Here is a link to a Georgia newspaper’s website that will give you more information:

 http://bainbridgega.com/news/publish/111307semi.shtml

 This year, Brad Bates and I decided to campaign our CH. Phantom’s Wizard dog with Fred.  Over the last few years, Fred or his owners have acquired Ch. Phantom’s Last Dime, Phantom’s Evolution, and just recently Phantom’s Zeek from us.  I chose to work with Fred because I considered him to be one of the top all-age handlers in the world and was always straight up with me.  We were friends and I will certainly miss him.

 Sincerely,

 Dan Hendrickson