FRANCIS--Charles G., 85, died peacefully at his home at The Osborn in Rye, NY on November 18, 2009. Born in Murdo, South Dakota, he had a wonderful boyhood that he cherished all his life. After serving in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army from 1943-46, he attended U.C.L.A., where he was editor-in-chief of the Daily Bruin newspaper. It was there that he met his beloved wife Barbara, to whom he was happily married for 60 years. After working for a number of years in journalism, he joined IBM in 1957 in Los Angeles. In 1961, he moved to Chappaqua, NY where he lived happily until 2001. He had a distinguished career at IBM for 30 years working both in communications and advertising. Beginning in 1971 until his retirement in 1987, he was the worldwide Director of Advertising where he developed numerous memorable campaigns and oversaw the IBM sponsorship of over 40 television specials, many of which were seen around the world. After retiring from IBM, he spent 20 years as the creator and editor of IdeaBank, a subscription internet service whose collection of quotations, anecdotes and humor were used by subscribers in a multitude of professions from over 14 countries. Shortly before his death, he published a book, "Wisdom Well Said", that includes many of the anecdotes and stories from IdeaBank. He was the proud father of two children, Abby Francis Kohnstamm and Paul Francis, and the proud grandfather of Sarah and Paul Kohnstamm and Charles and Eleanor Francis. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at The Osborn in Rye, NY at 11am on December 5, 2009. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to The Osborn Retirement Community, Rye, NY 10580 and Hospice of Westchester, 311 North Street, White Plains, NY 10605.
Published in The New York Times on Nov. 20, 2009
