Fred L. Oats

Dec. 7, 1947 ~ Nov. 22, 2016

Fred L. Oats, 68, died at his home in Spring Creek, Nevada on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 with his beloved wife Marcia of 39 years and family at his side.

Fred was born in Reno, on December 7, 1947, to Alfred and Della Oats, and grew up in Fallon, NV on the family dairy farm.

Fred graduated from Churchill County High School, Fallon, NV, 1965; the University of Nevada, Reno (B.S. with distinction, 1969); and the University of California, Berkley, Boalt Hall School of Law (J.D., 1972.) Upon graduation from law school Fred fulfilled his obligation to the US Army ROTC, followed by a short term of service in the Reserves.

Fred lived in Reno, after law school, and worked two years for Kafoury Amstrong & Co. to complete his CPA requirements. As an attorney partner, he then joined the law firm, Walther, Key, Maupin and Oats (currently Maupin, Cox and LeGoy), specializing in tax law, estate planning and business matters. His law firm is one of the most respected in Nevada. Fred retired from full-time practice in 2009, but continued as an important member of the firm working part-time up until his death.

Fred was an avid bird hunter and fisherman. When he was not working he was enjoying his sporting adventures with his best buddies, dogs and family. He and Marcia enjoyed their semi-retirement at their new home in Spring Creek, NV, where they could be close to his favorite outdoor places. His enthusiasm for fishing was even more fulfilling for him when he discovered wiper fishing. He held the state wiper record for a short time.

Fred’s law partner of 33 years, Procter Hug summed up Fred’s life in his blog Tuesday:

Fred was a lawyer’s lawyer, a wonderful friend, and a great partner. There was no one better at balancing work and play than Fred. During hunting and fishing season, Fred could produce six days work in three, so he would have time for hunting and fishing. He always took care of his clients first, but he made sure he still had time to enjoy the other things he loved. Fred had a mind like a steel trap, whether discussing the intricacies of tax law, or minute by minute recaps of his hunting and fishing trips. Fred was one of those rare people able to live their entire life without making a single enemy. He lived a full life, though I wish it could have been longer. We will all miss our dear friend, his wise counsel, and his stories of chukar and wipers. My thoughts and prayers are with Fred, Marcia, their family, and their many friends. Rest in peace Fred, Heaven is made for men like you.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Fred is survived by his wife, Marcia Oats of Spring Creek, his sister Mildred (Bob) Pistner of Mesquite, Nevada and by 4 sister in-laws, a brother in-law and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on December 12, at The Grove, 96 Foothill Rd, Reno, Nevada, at 2:00 to 5:30pm.

Donations may be made in Fred’s memory to HealthwellFoundation.org for Specific Disease of Melanoma.