Charles Fredrick (Fred) Cornforth IV (December 20, 1959 – March 15 2024) was born in Blackfoot, Idaho to Charlie and Eleanor Cornforth. He was the first of 5 boys. While Fred was born in Idaho, he experienced much of the west coast through his upbringing as he was raised from San Diego to Los Angeles CA, Salem OR, and on to Whidbey Island WA. After Washington, he went on to attend high school in Belgrade MT where he graduated in 1978. Fred excelled in both sports and the arts. In his love of music, he played trumpet in the band and sang in the state choir. In sports, he had a great love for competition and excelled as a state competitor in the long jump, javelin and relay races for the school track team as well as playing key roles (QB, WR and safety) on the football team where they won state in 1977. Fred had offers to play college football but chose to serve a student mission for the SDA church in Japan where he loved the culture and the kindness of the people there. While in Japan, he taught conversational English and PE. He was well loved by the students and staff members.
After returning home, he attended Walla Walla University and Idaho State University, ultimately graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business & theology. He would go on to earn his Masters of Divinity Degree at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. While at Andrews University, Fred served on an archeology dig in Egypt, he very much enjoyed that! Fred was passionate about archaeology, history and astronomy throughout his education. He was regarded very highly by his professors at Andrews.
In 1985, Fred married Kelly Blue and had two beautiful children, Kadie Dawn Cornforth (1988) and Charles Fredrick (Charlie) Cornforth V (1991), He was so proud of them both and maintained a very close and loving relationship with his kids over the years. He and Kelly would separate in 2001, but maintained a relationship focused on raising their children with love and respect.
In the start of his career, Fred served as a pastor for the SDA church in Twin Falls & Filer ID, John Day & Long Creek, OR, Meridian and Kuna, ID. He also served as youth pastor at Gem State Academy in Caldwell, ID. While at Gem State, Fred organized and led numerous service missions to Mexico, San Francisco, Russia and others where they built housing, orphanages, medical clinics, much more. Fred worked at the Seventh-Day Adventist World headquarters in Washington, DC. He then served in Ohio as the Conference Youth Director before returning to Idaho.
Fred had an excellent mind for business and founded the nonprofit company, Community Development Inc (CDI) in Caldwell, Idaho from the spare bedroom in his family’s home in 1994. CDI combined two of Fred’s passions and talents, with dedication to business growth while committing the greater majority of his efforts towards philanthropy. He acted as CEO and chairman of the board until his passing. He developed over 6,000 affordable housing units in 19 states from Alaska to Louisiana.
Fred worked very hard to improve living conditions in the cities and communities he served in. CDI donates to and supports many universities, nonprofits and various other charitable programs. In 2022 Boise State University recognized him with the Silver Medallion award for his contributions to the student food bank. When the 2002 Winter olympics were held in Salt Lake City, UT, Fred was asked to represent Caldwell, ID as one of the torch bearers as the olympic flame made its way through the city.
Fred served as the Chair of the Idaho Democratic Party from March 2021 to January 2022 when he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, brain cancer. He had a dream to make Idaho a better place for everyone, regardless of political party, race, religion, gender or orientation. Fred was a man of the people, and truly wanted the best for everyone.
Fred met Jill Middag in early 2013. Fred was immediately in love and proposed on their first date, they married later that year. Together, they traveled the world and shared many adventures together. They successfully brought their children together to build a very tight knit blended family. Jill shares Fred’s passion for serving others and they’ve led many charitable & humanitarian efforts together. In 2023, they founded and built ‘HUB 365 Community Center’ in Boise that serves as a thrift store, food bank and educational center to the local community. She & his children lovingly cared for Fred in his final days.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Jill, his children Kadie Byers, Charlie Cornforth V (McKenna), Holly Riddle (Trae) and Andrew Middag along with special grandchildren Aiden, Jordan and Olivia. He’s also survived by his father, Charlie Cornforth III, brothers Ed Cornforth (Kay), Jeff Cornforth (Susan) Sean Saxon (Kim) and several nieces and nephews.
Fred had a great love for people, he firmly believed we were placed on this planet to serve and love those around us. He led by example and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Cloverdale SDA Church on April 6th at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, Fred’s wishes were that donations be made to HUB 365 Community Center to continue his mission of making the world a better place for those in need.