The world and Lowry just lost a hero; Chuck-don’t call me Charles-Woodward is gone. Husband to the beautiful Judy, proud father to Eric (LeeAnn) and Kristi (Daron), and supportive and adoring grandfather to Erica, Berkley, Charley, Ella, Stephanie, Scott and Michael, died surrounded by love.

Chuck was a proud graduate of North High and CU and an exceptional teacher at Gateway High School in Aurora. He taught 9, 10, 11,12th grades Social Studies, US History, Psychology and Sociology. He had many accolades during his teaching career including expanding the U.S. History Honors Program and assisting in the creation of a peer counseling program class for students returning to school from drug and alcohol treatment. In 1992, he won the Milken Educator Award.

When he retired from teaching in 1993, Chuck continued relationships with many students. He was a long-time soccer coach, a lover of all thing’s tech, which led him to the hapless job of introducing computers to reluctant Aurora teachers. He was a dedicated volunteer at Denver Public Libraries, a compassionate pet lover (he adored his beloved cat Molly) and a doer of kind acts such as placing newspapers on porches while getting 10,000 steps a day. Chuck’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge led him to travel the world and research any small fact on his ever-present phone. (OK, one might mention a pretty flower and receive a history of botany.)

Chuck co-authored a history book about our community – Lowry: Military Base to New Urban Community, which documents the history of the former air force base and its transformation. The book was published in 2002 by Historic Denver, Inc. He served as our community advocate being one of the first residents to move into the redeveloped neighborhood in the late 1990’s and remained a highly active community member. Additionally, he served on the Lowry Design Review Committee (LDRC) which reviewed proposed construction and landscaping plans for compliance with architectural and design guidelines. And perhaps most importantly, Chuck is the only resident of Lowry that has a street named after him! (See photographic evidence, right.)

So many talents, but I think his outstanding gift was his ability to bring people together and stay connected. He had such close connections to nieces and nephews, his numerous committees, charities, neighborhood and coffee groups. Most of us benefited from his (or his buddy Sally Kurtzman) generously including us in a project, gathering, or activity. He made a difference.

Just knowing him gave us a community and we are grateful.

This month’s In Memorial – Your Lowry Neighbor is penned by Donna Wallace, one of Chuck’s closest friends, with love and assistance from Sally Kurtzman.