Charles Albert Geesey

Charles A. Geesey, resident of Fort Collins for 32 years, found his wings again, flying free of his earthly bonds to the peace of Christ, Thursday, November 9, 2017. Born and raised in Dallastown, Pennsylvania the devoted son of the late Albert Charles Geesey and Erma (Fillmore) Geesey, his brilliance directed him to be among the top of his class, while his desire to serve and soar led him to the U.S. Air Force, and beyond. Though his less than perfect eyesight thwarted his wish to become a pilot, Charles still proudly served to help train other pilots at Perrin AFB in Texas during the 1950s’ Korean War years. After his Air Force service, Charles acquired a BS in Botany and Plant Pathology at Penn State University, where in 1956 he met and married his first love Dorothy Kaliszewski of Erie Pennsylvania. Moving to Lincoln Nebraska in 1960 with his wife and two children, Charles pursued a Masters in Botany at the University of Nebraska and as a result of his research became an honorary inductee to the Society of the Sigma Xi. He soon found a natural fit with the U.S. Department of Agriculture when in 1962 he began serving as a border inspection agent in Nogales Arizona. Charles’ personal interest in law, politics, and a good mystery drove him to a hobby of closely following the JFK assassination investigation and hearings in an attempt to solve the case. His findings are in a briefcase… somewhere. His dedication and brilliance in the field led to a life career of Civil Service with the U.S.D.A. and as a Contracting Officer, and beginning in 1965, Charles lived for over 17 years in Slidell Louisiana, serving the New Orleans regional office. While in Slidell, he rekindled his love of flying and realized his dream to fly by obtaining his private pilot’s license. When consolidation was to close his New Orleans office, in 1983 Charles transferred to Leland, Mississippi to work at the Stoneville Research Station. Having developed a love of the West while in Lincoln and Nogales, Charles transferred to the Fort Collins, Colorado office of the Agricultural Research Service in 1985. Through hard work and dedication, Charles received numerous awards and recognition for his service, completing his U.S.D.A. career in 1989 to retire in the shadow of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Charles proved a devoted and loving husband to Dorothy who, in 1991, preceded him in death, and throughout his life, Charles remained a faithful, though often and justly firm, father to his four children. With a sincere charm, wit, and sense of humor, Charles kept all who knew him guessing or in stitches, while likewise he was as kind and generous a stranger as anyone might like to meet. He lived a fulfilled life of family, friends, card playing (especially Bridge and Poker), square dancing, traveling, fishing and camping. One of Charles’ lifelong desires was to skydive, and this could finally be attempted after his Dorothy could no longer object. But, as a trial run he chose to go up in a hot air balloon… then jumped out attached to a bungee cord. Thankfully, he missed the ground. He really liked it, however for some reason never tried it from a plane. After retiring, Charles loved to dabble in the recycling of discarded treasures through the auction-to-flea market system. In time, he ended up with over 75 thousand baseball cards that he spent countless hours to sort, price, sell and distribute (mostly to family). Having such a kind and generous soul and restless in his retirement Charles spent time volunteering for anyone in need, including the Poudre Valley Hospital Thrift Store, the Larimer County Food Bank, and his Bridge Club at the Senior Center. Charles’ father taught music part time, so his love of music began at an early age. He played piano and took swings at the clarinet which explains why his tastes were tailored to the big-band era, though he became a fan of crooners like the “Rat Pack”, early country and some later contemporary singers. Charles enjoyed watching many sports and his favorite teams became the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, for obvious reasons. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, especially watching them perform in programs, play music, or participate in baseball, basketball, soccer and bowling. Charles devoted nearly all of the last four years of his life to his best friend and great love, Darlene Coor. To Darlene, to his last, Charles shared all he was and all he had, knowing she gave back as much. Charles Geesey had a strong passion to live and be known, though at the same time requiring only to stand out as a light in the shadows. He strove for a clean, simple life with few needs and fewer demands. He worked extremely hard, to maintain his independence, to avoid being a burden to anyone, keeping his troubles close while preserving outwardly a positive, cheerful attitude. He loved and is loved—he succeeded. Charles was as unique as he tried to be and will be profoundly missed. Thank You God, for loaning Charles to us—we are so happy that You have him back again! Charles is survived by: Daughters—Cheryl A. Montgomery (Mac), Vicksburg, Mississippi and Karen J. Price, Denham Springs, Louisiana. Sons—John A. Geesey (Laurie), Eight Mile, Alabama and Roy A. Geesey (Donna), Fort Collins, Colorado. Sister—Grace D. Flory, Red Lion, Pennsylvania Brother—Bruce F. Geesey, California Grandchildren—Jeff, Michael, Jacque, Ian, Bryce, Kellie, and Lauren Great Grandchildren—Elijah, Alyssa, Zayne, and Mila His love and best friend—Darlene Coor, Fort Collins, Colorado Per Charles’ request, there will be no local services… just a small national monument outside Washington, D.C. ;) The family plans to arrange a small, private service for Charles in Erie, Pennsylvania at a later date. Now, as always, we welcome your thoughts and ask for your prayers for Charles in your own time and place. Thank you all for being a part of his life. Cheers!

Tributes

Charles Albert Geesey

September 21, 1933 - November 9, 2017