CHARLES G. FRANCIS

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University of California Los Angeles

CHARLES FRANCIS Obituary

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.

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Published by New York Times on Nov. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES FRANCIS

Sponsored by Barbara.

11 Entries

Michael Fanning

November 23, 2009

I was fortunate to know Chuck during my 10-year career at IBM and later when I worked at Reader's Digest in Chappaqua, N.Y. On occasion we would meet at the Kittle House for lunch and stimulating conversation.

After I left RD and joined Michelin in South Carolina, I would see him now and then on trips to the New York area. Chuck was a mentor but more than anything I cherished his friendship. He possessed a quick wit, an encyclopedic mind and an infectious laugh. He was an early adopter of the Internet, which offered a convenient home to his unique IdeaBank service for speechwriters. Although we didn't see each other much over the past few years, we corresponded occasionally and I was always cheered by his voice. He was a wonderful man and I shall miss him very much.

I offer sincere condolences to his lovely wife Barbara and to Abby, Paul and the grandchildren.

Jim Eggensperger

November 23, 2009

Chuck was always a gentleman, one with a quick wit and a sharp business mind. He loved writing and writers and you always knew that he would have something interesting to talk about.

My condolences to his family.

Walt Gray

November 23, 2009

Chuck was exceptionally gifted – as a human being and as a professional. From the day I met him, when he interviewed me for a job in March 1966, to our last lunch 40 years later and in phone calls and emails after that, I always found that when you shared some of your day with Chuck Francis, that was a good day. Like so many others, I’ll remember him and miss him.

Josh Kohnstamm

November 22, 2009

A quote from Chuck’s book seems apt at this time:

“An anonymous verse maker once made this insightful observation:

Mr. MEANT-TO
Mr. Meant-to has a comrade,
And his name is Didn’t do,
Have you ever chanced to meet him?
Did he ever call on you?
These two fellows live together
In the house of Never-win,
And I’m told that it is haunted
By the ghost of Might-have-been.”

Chuck was the furthest thing from a Might-have-been there was and an inspiration to all lucky enough to be around his unique sense of drive, purpose, geniality, and love for the craft of English language. He will be missed.

My heartfelt sympathies to Barbara, Abby and Paul and their families at this time

Michael Dutton

November 22, 2009

Chuck Francis welcomed me into the IBM family as one of his video and film producers. He was a gracious, wise, and creative visionary. I will cherish his thoughtful generosity and leadership the rest of my days. God bless Chuck. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Dick and Gloria Hill

November 22, 2009

Our lives intertwined early and late, from serving together on the Daily Bruin to email and telephone pals nearly to the end. We have always honored Chuck for his wisdom, courage, honesty and integrity; now add dignity and grace, for the way he faced the inevitable.

Our deepest sympathy to Barbara and the family.

November 22, 2009

Chuck Francis was a fine gentleman whose style and manner and grace we would all do well to emulate.

With condolences to Barbara and the family,

Bill Dunne

November 21, 2009

Chuck Francis was a real gentleman. He was one of the most talented, generous and nicest people I've ever known.

With great respect,

Ken Allen

November 21, 2009

Chuck Francis will long be remembered for his sharp mind, his quick wit and his gentle soul. We'll miss you Chuck.

With sympathy to the family,

Kathy Riemer

Michael Lazare

November 21, 2009

Chuck Francis was a genuinely nice man in a business in which niceness was definitely not a requirement for success. Yet he was indeed successful at whatever task he undertook at IBM. I never worked for him or directly with him, but I always treasured his calm personality, his friendliness, and his constant willingness to help others. He truly exemplified generosity of spirit. May he rest in peace.

Zeke Seligsohn

November 20, 2009

Chuck Francis was an innovative and courageous communications executive, directing a major IBM investment in public service TV programs. Starting with IBM underwriting the famed 1972 national PBS telecast of the Fisher-Spassky chess match, he led the way in US corporate support of cultural programming---a far-reaching contribution in the years that followed.

With fond memories, and deepest respects to his family,

Zeke Seligsohn

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