Write a commentKen Redfern passed on to his eternal home in Heaven on October 2nd 2026 in Johnstown NY after a series of long-term illnesses that he valiantly fought.
Ken was born in Eschwege, Germany on July 31 1953. Ken was adopted as an infant at 4 months by Louise and Master Sergeant Robert Redfern while his father served with United States Army Air Force in England. The family lived in several US Army bases in the states as well as England and Japan. Master Sergeant Redfern succumbed to his war injuries in 1962 the day before Ken's 9th birthday. In 1965 Louise and Ken moved to Oswego NY.
Ken attended Kingsford Park elementary school and graduated from Oswego Catholic High School, Ken attended Flagler College, Wichita State College and graduated from SUNY Oswego with a BA in Political Science in 1987.
After moving from Oswego to Albany NY, Ken met Lyn (Foster) Matthews, the love of his life and true life partner, Lyn supported Ken through all the good and bad times and through his persistent long term health issues.
Ken worked in several capacities in the transportation, heavy equipment and automotive fields. Ken's employment included Horan Taxi, Barilla's Rotary, over the road trucking with Mayflower and later as in independent owner/operator covering all the lower 48 states, and with the Oswego DPW and Water Department as a heavy equipment operator. Ken subsequently spent many years in trucking management in Albany NY and Atlanta Ga.
In additional to his trucking career he was an entrepreneur and had several businesses including food retail preparation, wholesale marketing of his own chili recipe through Sam's Club and his most valued enterprise, Quest Associates where he marketed NASCAR replica street cars which was featured in Auto Week magazine. Through Quest Associates he made many contacts with OEM personnel, NASCAR Cup Series sponsors, NASCAR Cup team owners and drivers, with his most prized accomplishment his direct interface and many conversations with Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Ken was an enthusiastic automotive and race fan and owned and maintained many classic cars over the years and enjoyed watching NASCAR racing.
Ken was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Ursula Faust-Roth.
Ken is survived by his wife and life partner Lyn, and their son Jay and his family.
Arrangements were through AG Cole Funeral Home, Johnstown NY.
