Charles William Keddie, 89, of Tewksbury, formerly of MA, NY, NJ, CT, FL, and CA, passed away on January 13, 2022, at his home in Tewksbury, MA, surrounded by his children.

Charles was born in Lowell, MA and was the son of the late James A. and Annabelle (Lorigan) Keddie, father of the late Todd Lockwood, and brother of the late James E. Keddie.

Charles was an established graphic designer and photographer, having studied at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Cambridge School of Design, and the Art Center of Los Angeles.  After graduating from Keith Academy in Lowell, Charles joined the Army and served as a draftsman during the Korean War.  After the service, he began his career at Ayer Publishing, NY before joining IBM in White Plains as art director of the advertising department and freelanced as a professional photographer and album cover designer. Charles was also a colleague of the world-famous graphic designer, Milton Glaser, who designed the iconic "I Love New York" logo. Years later, he moved to South Florida to design songbooks for a Music Publisher, and graphics for clothing. Charles also spent several years with his family in NJ and worked in graphic design before moving to Los Angeles, where he was employed at Touchstone Pictures, MGM, and Universal Films in their graphics departments. His early work was exhibited at the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the NY and NJ Art Directors Shows, and in several art magazines.  Charles received two Grammy nominations for his photography and graphic design on album covers, and was listed in 100 Best Designers, a British publication.

Charles was a creative thinker and avid reader who loved Edgar Allan Poe, Albert Camus, and Dylan Thomas and studied the lives of the great classical composers, and writers.  He loved visiting museums and cherished the works of Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams. He loved sharing his knowledge with others. He was ahead of his time and introduced his children to the rock and roll music of the 60's and 70's.  A health food enthusiast, he shared his passion for holistic living with his family and friends. His letters, cards, and decorated envelopes displayed his creative flair. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox and NE Patriots fan, cared deeply about Veterans causes, and volunteered as an art teacher in California at the Israel Levin Senior Center of Venice Beach. When he wasn't working, Charles enjoyed coffee on the boardwalk, conversations with other artists and veterans, and shopping for antiques.

He returned to the East Coast from CA in 2018, and enjoyed his time with family before moving to Heatherwood Gracious Retirement Living Community in Tewksbury, Mass.  He made many friends, met a few old acquaintances, and enjoyed his years there.

He is survived by his children, Karen Anderson and husband, Arthur of Pepperell, Massachusetts, Colleen Blauer and husband, Stephen of Lexington, Massachusetts, Timothy Keddie of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Kelly Hughes and husband, Michael of Hollywood, Florida, Kathleen Keddie of Ocala, Florida, Sean Keddie and wife, Diana of Methuen, Massachusetts, Roxanne Craft and husband, Jon of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, brother Kenneth Keddie and wife, Gwen of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, and sisters, Phyllis Rice and Linda Gianoulis and husband, William, all of Naples, Florida. He also leaves behind two former spouses, Ellen Bell Skovholt and Jill Lockwood LaMontagne, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Family and friends will gather to remember Charles Keddie on Thursday, January 20, at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, Mass from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Private burial will take place in Lowell Cemetery in Lowell, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fisher House Foundation (for Veterans), https://fisherhouse.org or the Gary Sinese Foundation, also a Veterans charity, https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/