Charles Redfern

On May 31, 2014, Charles Francis Redfern died from a massive heart attack in Evanston, WY.  Know by loved ones as Charlie, he began life on January 31, 1933 in Richland Circle, WI.  He was the eldest son of Orville and Rose Trefern Redfern.  In his youth, he excelled in athletics and art.  Playing both football and baseball, he received outstanding honors for his baseball skills at West Division High School in Milwaukee, WI. Upon his high school graduation in 1951, Charlie entered the United States Army and served in the Korea.  Returning home, he started a family and enrolled in University.  Charlie graduated university with a BA degree in Industrial Design in 1959.  Continuing his education, he pursued and obtained a MS in Business Management.  When he wasn’t studying, taking care of his family or working, he found time to pursue one of his passions, football. He played minor league football with the Red Wings in Green Bay, WI for several years.  He married his education and love of art working in advertising.  He started working with a local agency in Milwaukee.  As a CLIO Award recipient, he was honored and respected for his work. After relocating to Phoenix, AZ, Charlie engaged his entrepreneurial desire and opened the high end gift shop, MERU, in Scottsdale.  But his desire to create beckoned him.  Shortly thereafter, he founded The Creative Group, a marketing and advertising agency.  He later joined the team at MicroAge Computers as VP of Marketing and Advertising.  After retiring from advertising, he relocated to Salem, Oregon.  While he thoroughly enjoyed writing and painting, he opted to spend some of his time supporting the community of Philomath as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. While with the Chamber, Charlie revitalized the Samaritan Awards for the community.  He initiated the annual The Philomath Blues and Jazz Jam.  He, also, sat as Chairman of the Philomath Classic Car Show.  Upon entering full time retirement, Charlie continued indulging in his love of writing and painting, began a liberal political blog, and could be found every day at the gym with a story to share.
He is survived by his soulmate LaSonia “Sonnie” McDaniel, brothers Ronald Redfern (Sue), Patrick Redfern (Rosalie),  Jeff Redfern (Marge), and Greg Redfern, sons Scott and Todd Redfern, daughters Toni Redfern, Valerie Redfern Stapley (Paul), Victoria Redfern Logie, Allison Redfern Armstrong (Doug), Aprel Redfern Dobson (David), Rachel Redfern Rump (Kevin), and Regean Redfern Kurtz (Brian). Charlie is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Orville and Rose Redfern, several infant brothers, and niece Amy Redfern.

A memorial service will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 501 NW 25th Street in Corvallis Oregon, Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 12 noon.