More Than a Car: Steve Fritz’s Nissan “Zentra”

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Joanna Evoniuk, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Steve Fritz tragically passed away in a car accident today, driving a vehicle that had become his trademark. Fritz proudly drove his zebra-painted Nissan Sentra to his job as a psychiatrist at the Oregon State Hospital or to events supporting his wife, City Commissioner Amanda Fritz.

Steve Fritz Car

Fritz's Zebra Nissan, "Zentra." Photo credit: Amanda Fritz (Image Cropped)

Yet for the family, the car was more than a mode of transportation. It was a symbol of the individuality and care-free, fun-loving spirit of their husband and father. On Amanda’s blog, she posted a college application essay by her son Maxwell. In the essay he explains the impact his father had on his life.

“He has simplicity in the logic behind his decisions that makes many of the worries in my life seem silly,” Maxwell wrote. “He constantly teaches me that even in the real world, being content is not contingent on adhering to the expectations of others.”

To Maxwell, this mind-set was shown through the painted zebra striped car, with stuffed animals, seat covers, and air fresheners to match.

Although the car received its share of stares, the family embraced it for what it was. Amanda wrote on the blog that the attention she received behind the wheel was alright.

“I am proud to be associated with both my husband and children,” Amanda wrote. “I find the Zebra car, and the smiles I get when I drive it, simply fun.”

For Steve Fritz, driving the car was part of his cheerful daily routine, as Maxwell wrote in his essay.

“[Fritz] wakes up early every weekday, straightens his tie, and happily drives in the 12 year old Nissan Sentra.”