Remembering...

Charles Frederick Sharp was born in Madison, Wisconsin on April 21st, 1957, the son of Emmit Frederick Sharp, who preceded him in death, and Robbye Lewellyn Sharp. He died February 19, 2011 at the age of 53 from complications of swine flu. He is survived and loved by his mother, Robbye Richards, who will miss him every Bronco’s football game, his sister Marti Nelson of Houston, Texas, who lost her personal photography teacher, and most of all, his daughter Rachel Sharp, whom he loved more than anything in this world. He is also mourned by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members, and many friends, some now informally adopted as family.

Chuck has resided in the state he loved since 1967, graduating from Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins in 1975 and attending jewelry school in Paris, Texas. He began his career at ESAB, a robotics firm, now Wolf Robotics, learning computer networking and maintenance on the job at a time when such skills were rare. After sixteen years, he went to work for Aspen Pet Products as Director of Information Technology. At the time of his death, he worked as Director of Operations at Variety Pet Foods.

Chuck was a photographer, wine aficionado, mountain climber, jeeper, lover and respecter of nature, never happier than when he could crawl up the side of a mountain and take a few pictures at the top of the world. Although a hobby only, his photographs of the Rocky Mountains and its wildlife were first class and much admired. His latest adventures involved sailing, and he was planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest with his best friend, A.J. His wit, honesty, and kind heart won him the love of his family and some dear friends. He will be long mourned and remembered.

An open house for friends and family in his memory will be held Saturday, March 12 from 6 to 9 in the evening at his home. His ashes will return to the mountains that were his second home. In lieu of flowers, contributions to help with expenses can be made in care of Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Home, 303 Terry Street, Longmont, CO 303-776-4477.

Uncle Chuck

My uncle got the flu which gave him double pnemonia which sent him to ICU where he fought for his life for the past week and a half. He lost that battle this afternoon. I am sad. Sad for my grandma. Sad for my mom... I want to hug her. Aching for my cousin who lived with him and I imagine knew him best. My thoughts and prayers are heavy for them right now.

I did not know Uncle Chuck super well. My parents were so good about taking us to Colorado every year to visit and so as a child we saw him a lot. I remember wanting whatever car Uncle Chuck had when I grew up because he always had the coolest cars. As an adult, I have not spent a lot of time with him. But as I've been reflecting the past few hours, I feel a lot of gratitude for a recent memory I have. The most beautiful outdoor adventure I have ever been on was with Uncle Chuck a few years back. Mom and Grandma watched the girls and Jared, Colby, & I went with Uncle Chuck on a jeep trail in Colorado. It was a little scary at times but mostly fun and breathtakingly beautiful. Look at the picture - I told you he had cool cars! We stopped at the Continental Divide and hiked. We took pictures. We ate. We talked. And we rode. Thank you Chuck for that memory! I have and will forever treasure that day. I miss you Charlie Brown.

One reason I actually enjoyed the cold today...

My beautiful bundled up baby! With two ear infections and a grouchy disposition, Avalyn still won my heart with her layered adorable-ness:)