Charles Paul Brown wasn't supposed to die.
He was supposed to live forever, along with disciples in a half-dozen countries all over the world who embraced his philosophy of physical immortality.
But Brown died in October of complications from Parkinson's and heart disease, according to the website for People Unlimited, the group he began in Scottsdale more than 30 years ago. He was 79.
The community of immortals he founded is left without its figurehead — and with an apparent contradiction to reconcile. Yet its leaders continue to conduct business as usual, collecting thousands of dollars per year in fees for monthly meetings, retreats and coaching that they say lead to the secret to unlimited life.
His wife, Bernadeane "Bernie" Brown, and business partner James Strole preach Brown's evangel at weekly meetings in a converted office at a north Scottsdale business complex near Bell Road and 94th Street. Adherents watch on a live stream in countries as far away as Israel and New Zealand.
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In the six years that John Lloyd was part of the organization, he said he spent more than $14,000 learning how to be immortal in addition to out-of-pocket costs when picking up the tab for golf outings and dinners.
"I recall when my accountant saw how much I was giving CBJ (Charles, Bernie and James) he called because he thought it was an error or I was going out of my mind," he said. "Honestly, I feel like a damn fool for falling for it all."
The group's non-profit status designates it as an interfaith organization, but Bardin said People Unlimited is a business.
Immortality eludes People Unlimited founder
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