Fu ‘Fred’ Shih plans to trade in mail delivery shoes for hiking boots
Fu ‘Fred’ Shih
SAN JOSE, CA — Fu Shih figures he’s walked around the world without ever leaving his neighborhood; and he is not about to stop walking now, even after he delivers his last letter. Shih plans to continue what he enjoys most, walking; however, instead of his mail route, he will be walking and hiking at many of the National Parks.
On Thursday, July 27, 2017, at 8:00 am, at the Blossom Hill Station, 5706 Cahalan Ave., San Jose, CA 95123, his coworkers and managers will hold a special fete before he plans to leave on his feet.
Shih, a letter carrier for 29 years, plans to swap his mail delivery shoes for hiking boots right after he makes his last delivery stop on Monday, July 31, 2017.
When Shih started his postal career in 1988, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin was a top hit. Throughout his 29-year postal career, Shih has radiated an aura of happiness on his daily appointed rounds.
Shih started as a letter carrier in Newark in 1988. After a couple of years delivering out of the St. James Station in San Jose, he transferred to the Blossom Hill Station in 1992 and has carried mail there for the past 25 years.
Married for 40 years, when asked the secret of marriage, he said, “Don’t argue with your wife. Appreciate her for everything she does.” He has a daughter who is a doctor, and two grandsons, ages 2 and 5.