Allan Roemer Redfern

Allan R Redfern, 76, of Saunderstown died May 2 after a valiant battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He never gave up and never let Lewy take over. Allan's spirit was always there and always fighting this terrible disease.

A citizen of the world, he lived a life defined by doing new things. While most people say, 'wouldn't it be cool to...?', Allan went and did it. He worked for the Swiss rail system, was a Distributive Education teacher at Westerly High School for over a decade, drove tour buses, owned Pal's General Store in Misquamicut and the Zermatt Inn in New Hampshire for which he did all the cooking. He sold financial securities, for which he wore a new tie every day and got weekly manicures. (Those who knew Allan know he lived life in shorts, a t-shirt and no shoes). He backpacked around the world for a year with his former wife Susan and another couple. He co-owned the original incarnation of Morning Star Nursery and was the 'hydrangea expert', including discovering a new variation which he named Shady Character. His list of occupations was nearly endless.

He was a valued volunteer for WaterFire since 1996 and was instrumental in bringing WaterFire to the world. He traveled to Singapore, Rome, Kansas City, MO, Columbus, OH, and a little town in Western Pennsylvania called Sharon where his kind and quiet leadership helped to transform a dying steel town into a destination to visit.

Allan lived his life with curiosity, kindness, and wonder. He set down some of his adventures in his book, Beyond Borders: Short Stories of a Long Life. But for those who knew and loved him, his life wasn't nearly long enough.

He is survived by his long-time partner Marita Stapleton with whom he traveled the world and shared a love of reading, crabbing and relaxing on the shores of Lake Pettaquamscutt. He also leaves behind his friend of 50+ years Norman Langlois, and his former wife Sue Redfern, as well as his nephew Christopher Alexander of CA and his partner, niece Mary Catherine Burke of NY and her family, and Allan Alexander of TX and his family. He was pre-deceased by his parents Alden and Hermine Redfern and sister, Janice Ann Alexander.

The first law of Thermodynamics states energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Allan's energy continues to pulse through the universe and in all of those he leaves behind. We are all better human beings because of it. A celebration of life will be held this summer.