Redfern, John Tamlin - 1926-2012

HASKELL, HOLLAND, LUKKEN, REDFERN

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 8/28/2024 at 17:41:02

John Tamlin Holland Redfern, July 6, 1926 to May 31, 2012.
John died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was an intelligent, generous and good-humored man who will be deeply missed. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the only child of Tamlin Silas Holland and Alma Urdahl Lukken. Following his father's early death, his mother remarried Donald Webster Redfern of Los Angeles, who loved and adopted him as his own son. He graduated Beverly Hills High School in 1944, received a Bachelor of Science degree from USC in 1950 and a Master of Science degree from UCLA in 1952.
He married Abigail Louise Haskell in 1954 and made a home in La Jolla, California. He worked as a civilian researcher for over 35 years at the US Navy Laboratory in San Diego specializing in underwater acoustics. In retirement John traveled widely with Gail, the love of his life. He studied his Norwegian family heritage and visited his ancestral home at Vinstra, in the Gubransdahl Valley. John was a gifted photographer who exhibited his work locally. He volunteered at the San Diego Historical Society and for over 30 years worked to preserve its collection of early photographs with its curator--his longtime friend Larry Booth.
He is survived by his wife Abigail, children Donald, Tamlin, and Charles, and grandchildren Grace, Gabrielle, Chloe, Avery, Alma and Karl Alexander. Donations may be sent in memory of John Tamlin Redfern to the San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Saturday, June 30, 2012, page 5B