Forest Lawn shares Olympic connection

BUFFALO, NY — As the 2024 Olympics kick off in Paris, many local venues are sharing their ties to the popular games.

Forest Lawn shared in a social media post Friday ahead of the opening ceremony that an Olympic athlete is resting on its court.

In the message they wrote:

“As the Olympic Opening Ceremony takes place today, it is a fitting time to remember the legacy of Charles Reidpath. Reidpath was a standout athlete at Lafayette High School in Buffalo and Syracuse University, graduating in 1912. He competed at the Stockholm Olympics, winning the 400-meter dash in a record time of 48.2 seconds and leading the 4×400-meter relay team to a world record time of 3:16.6. Reidpath donated his gold medals to Syracuse University.

He served in World War II and retired as a brigadier general in the New York State National Guard. In Buffalo, he was director of buildings and helped build the Federal Reserve Bank building, now the New Era. His cousin was Isabelle Reidpath Martin, wife of Darwin Martin.

Charles is buried in Section 1, Lot 21.