John Russell Redd, 62, passed away quietly at home on January 22, 2014, while under the care of his family and Aspen Home Care and Hospice. John was born to Blanche Keefer Redd and David Russell Redd in Idaho Falls, where he spent the majority of his life. He attended local schools, including Idaho Falls High School. He enjoyed his place in the family, and maintained close relationships to his parents, siblings, and children throughout his life. In 1969, John married Roxana Clapp and added two beautiful children, Aaron and Darcie, to his family. He and Roxana later divorced, but he never remarried. He felt a sense of pride and unending love for his children, as well as his seven grandchildren. From an early age, John took joy from family, music, travel, and any excitement he could find. He made many lifelong friendships, and was a charming presence in any social gathering. He had a thirst for knowledge, and continued to learn throughout his life. He was always willing to try new things and saw adventure everywhere. He never settled into any particular career, working at various memorable points as a traveling musician, print-shop operator, explosives technician, labor organizer, Census Bureau supervisor, and a candidate for the Idaho state legislature. However, almost every job John held during his adult years was secondary to his primary passion of music. He was very talented and enjoyed having part of every day devoted to listening to or playing music, whether in rehearsal or performance at venues throughout the West. As his parents advanced in age, John stepped up to help them with daily living to ease their transition into a slower way of life, often at the expense of time and energy for his own. He grew into both a skilled caretaker and a beloved grandfather, becoming a key figure between the generations of his family. John loved the nighttime and all the good things it could bring. He saw the dark skies as intimate and comforting: the lights and nightlife as an extension of excitement, glamour and fun. In recent years, he would often stay awake most of the night, watching PBS and other educational programs. He loved good food, and visiting with his friends as well as family. John had a great sense of humor, keeping folks around him chuckling with his perspective delivered with wit and style but no malice towards any individual. He was kind, friendly, and devoted to familywe will surely miss him. John is survived by his son, Aaron John (Lisa) Redd of Madison Wisconsin; daughter, Darcie Marie Hyde of Vale, Oregon; grandchildren: Derek, Alexandra, Jacob, Conner and Caitlyn Hyde, Kenneth and Muriel Redd; sister, Laurel Redd and brother, David Paul Redd both of Idaho Falls; and his mother, Blanche Keefer Redd, one uncle, Hal R. Keefer; and nephew, James (Jamie) Thiessen, of McMinnville, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his father, David R. Redd; sister, Joyce M. Redd, grandparents, Hannah and James Keefer as well as several uncles. There will be private family services held in the spring. The family invites you to leave messages or condolences at www.coltrinmortuary.com.