Charles Beresford
Aug 25, 1925 – Jan 02, 2013
CHARLES BERESFORDCharles Chuck” Beresford 87 of Louisa VA passed away Wednesday January 2 2013 at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville VA. The son of conservationist Victor C. Beresford and Norma (Smith) Beresford Charles was born in Highland Park MI on August 25 1925. He spent his childhood in Grosse Pointe MI before enlisting as a private in the US Army September 1943. During WWII as a Combat Infantryman in the 329th Infantry Regiment 83rd Infantry Division Third Army Charles saw action in the Ardennes-Alsace the Rhineland and Central Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star. In 1948 while stationed at Fort Lee he was joined in marriage to Cadet Nurse Aideen Broach at Enfield Baptist Church Enfield NC and was appointed to Officer’s Candidate School. Commissioned 1st LT in 1956 he achieved the rank of Major before retiring in 1966. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his meritorious service in the US Army Photographic Agency and was the recipient of the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) the Vietnam Service Medal and the European American Middle Eastern Commendation among others. In 1967 Charles brought his extensive multimedia expertise to the Pentagon where he served for the next 22 years in civil service receiving the Department of the Army’s Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service in recognition of his leadership. A true pioneer in military visual information he retired from the Office of the Secretary of the Army as the senior Information Management Specialist responsible for the formulation of audio-visual policy program objectives and priorities Army-wide and as the Army representative advising the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs on all Department of Defense audiovisual matters. Charles was a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and the International Combat Camera Association. An avid lifelong photographer boater and fisherman he enjoyed his retirement at his home overlooking the waters of Lake Louisa in their pursuit. He continued to serve his community on the boards of the Blue Ridge Property Owners Association and JAUNT and never wavered in his support of our armed forces worldwide. Chuck will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Aideen Broach Beresford of Louisa VA; a son Victor Charles Beresford II and his fiancé Laurel of Front Royal VA; and a grandson Christopher Charles Beresford and his wife Carol of Fairfax VA. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Kathleen Ferris; and two beloved sons Scott Winstead Beresford and John Christopher Beresford. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 pm at the Woodward Funeral Home 200 Fredericksburg Avenue Louisa VA. The funeral service will be held Tuesday 1:00 PM at Blue Ridge Shores Baptist Church. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery where Major Charles Beresford US Army Retired will be laid to rest with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) 200 Stovall Street Suite 7N57 Alexandria VA 22332-5000; please contact [email protected] for further information. Visit www.woodwardfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.
Dad, you are the greatest man I have ever known. You had a way about you that made all who knew you feel at ease. You always put your family first and would do anything to make our lives better. Your love for your country ran deep. You were always first in time of war or peace to stand up for her and protect her. You were my mentor, my guardian, my father. I well spend the rest of my life trying to live up to your example. I will miss you every moment of the day and carry your memory in that special place of my heart that only you can fill.Till we can walk together know I love you and much moreYour devoted son, Vic
Dearest Dad…that wonderful smile of yours which would appear out of nowhere, in a flash, embodied with mischief, mirth and a touch of goofy…this is what I will carry with me always. And I know you are laughing still…With all my love…until we meet again…L.In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night.” ~ The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupery”
Chuck, it was my pleasure to meet you, the first time when John graduated massage school, the second time was when John passed. You and Deen opened your house to me when I can down for his service in Louise, Learning of your service to our country through the pictures in your basement open my eyes to a part of this country that you loved. Until we meet again Rest in Peace I will keep you in my heartJoe
This is a great picture of Mr. Beresford and is just how the Linda and Jimmy and I and our brothers will remember him. He always seemed to have a warm and wonderful, slightly bemused, smile for the Forman Court kids and was a gracious and amazingly multitalented man. His films of calving Alaskan glaciers motivated me to go to Alaska to see such wonders for myself. An Army hero and brilliant photographer, he could also sail a boat, build an addition on the house that looked like it belonged in a Southern Living magazine and host the perfect Halloween and New Year`s parties. His death is a terrible loss and he will be missed by many people who were blessed to have known him,
My Condolences – will be at the viewing
My deepest condolences to the family. I meet your father twice Vic. He was , as you stated, a great man. It was my pleasure to have known him. I unfourtunately will not be able to attend the viewing, but please know I am with you Brother. AEKDB Peace to you and your family.
I recall meeting Mr. Beresford for a New Years party at their home in N. Va. while still at the university. Both he & Mrs. Beresford were so gracious & hospitable to the entire household of guests. I still fondly remember our wonderful time together. Charles will be sorely missed by everyone who met him.
Deen, you are in our thoughts at this time. Chuck was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories of the times I spent at the lake with Betty and Stuart and enjoyed get togethers with you and chuck.
Did not know Mr. Beresford, although his son Vic will be his extention, his imortality through the things he was taught by him and the traditions that Vic will carry on. From what I have have witnessed, Mr. Beresford did his job well as a father, and a mentor. His memory, traditions. and character will live on and will be passed on to a new generation. I pray for your Familiy that the Lords Arms will hold you when you are in need to feel the warmth, hold you you up when you are looking for the strength of his loving arms, a watchful eye looking over protecting you and give you the joy of family and friends until you can be re-united.
Aideen, I met you and Chuck through Betty and Stuart Queen at the Lake many, many years ago ~ I worked for Betty in the Washington, DC government. Several of us even visited you a number of times when we visited – in the 60s I think – and had a wonderful time. So, so sorry about Chuck passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Rosemarie (Suit) Moore
I was so sorry about your father Vic, I only met him once or twice several years ago at their home and he was truly a great individual, and a real family man. It has been some time since I have seen you and I have a deeper appreciation of and for the military folks and your father sacrificed much on behalf of his country. I knew you were quite a photographer yourself Vic, and it is obvious where it began. It was my pleasure to have known him. I will bu unable to attend the viewing, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. God Bless you all and be with you at this time. AEKDB
Vic, Kathy and I offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. I only met your dad once, but I remember him, and how much he reminded me of my own dad. To have lived and shared such a long life is truly a gift. Your father was one of the good ones, and I am sure he will be missed. We will unfortunately not be able to attend the viewing, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. AEKDB
I am sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
While, I did not have the pleasure of knowing Charles, I am working with his son, Vic. Given the many comments written above, I understand, Vic`s commitment to the Army and to his duties in Visual Information. My sympathy is extended to Vic, family, and friends in their loss. May God comfort you and provide the strength necessary to sustain you in this time of great sorrow. You are in my prayers.
We knew Chuck as an extraordinary neighbor and friend at lake Louisa. His sense of humor, his abilities, and his willingness to contribute to his community were exemplary. We cannot recall a better BRPOA President, a better raconteur, or a better dinner companion. We cherish our memories of time spent with him and with Deen. Chuck will be sorely missed here, but we are also grateful that his suffering is over. We wish we could be there to help celebrate his life and offer comfort to his family.Sarah and Hal Davis
We regret that we cannot be there with you, Vic, but know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We didn`t get to meet your dad, but have no doubt that we would have had the same affection for him as we do for you. God bless you. Love, Tom, Ginny, and the kids
I have such wondeful memories of all of you. Our families go way back .We all grew up together. But, much time has passed since then. .However, the moment I saw the picture of Chuck on this website the years fell away and I was flooded with emotion and memories of time spent together and my great affection for all of you. Deen and Chuck were always there for our family. My parents as well as all 6 of us kids. I know this loss is so difficult for all of you and you are all in my thoughts. I also know that you have so many wonderful memories of time spent with Chuck. He was a remarkably inclusive, warm and thoughtful man. To have shared your lives with him is a wonderful gift. You are all in my thoughts.
I was assigned to the 593rd. Signal Photo 1965-1966 during the time Major Beresford commanded the unit. It was my pleasure to have worked for him as he was the finest commander and one of the finest men I have ever known. Stanton Pratt
I served with Major Beresford in Vietnam. I highly respected his guidance and support, he was always there to help. He was more of a father figure than a commanding officer. My deepest sympathy for the loss of a very good man.
Deen, I wish I`d known about Chuck`s service so I could have been there. He is one of the few from the lake that I still carry with me. After all these years I still think of him regularly. He always knew how to make me feel at ease, to settle my nerves when everything was going crazy. He had a way of helping me put things in perspective without telling me how, by talking it out with me. He was a mentor. Deen, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
As a young first lieutenant I had the honor of serving under Major Beresford in Vietnam. I apologize that I am just learning about his death. He was a wonderful leader who brought out the best in us.