Charles Henry Taylor

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles H. Taylor, known by friends and family as “Charlie,” at the age of 63, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 after fighting a long and hard battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife, Lu, his three children Christie, Steph, and Mike, his two grandchildren John and Wendell, and his two brothers Ted and Tom. Charlie lived a life of love, generosity, and dedication. Born on February 2, 1961 in Caledonia, New York, Charlie grew up in the countryside raising and caring for horses with his parents, which led to his affinity for animals. Charlie was a soft-spoken “peoples’ person” always eager to get to know everyone he met. This started in his youth working on the Yearbook Committee attending High School events; he showed a genuine curiosity for everyone he interacted with and sought to discover the “spark” in others. While in school, Charlie worked summers for his brother Steve, learning construction and valuable hard skills. Charlie also pursued higher education and an ambitious career. From pursuing a Ph.D. at Colorado State University (CSU) in Statistics, and later a career as the head of the Statistics Department at Procter & Gamble working on consumer products and pharmaceuticals (ironically, he worked on a number of drugs that helped prolong his life in his battle with cancer), to showing unwavering support and love towards his family–Charlie showed dedication in all that he did. As Charlie raised his family, he would work tirelessly Fall through Spring at P&G in order to save up enough vacation days to take his family on multi-month cross-country roadtrips throughout the U.S. every summer. Despite criticism, Charlie spearheaded this novel work-family balanced schedule and remote work knowing that these experiences with family were worth it. He gave his wife and children the gift of a lifetime. Charlie’s dedication to family also showed in his unconditional love and acceptance of his family members both in his extended and immediate family– he made sure everyone knew they were welcome and a part of the family. He maintained close relationships with his brothers, Ted, Steve and Tom as well as their spouses and children. He was a uniting force and “glue” that brought everyone back together. Charlie was a loving husband to his wife, Lu. Charlie and Lu met in college at the University of Rochester, and later moved onto graduate school at CSU. They shared a love for the mountains, and in their retirement decided to return to Colorado where their marriage began. Charlie and Lu enjoyed going for motorcycle rides through the mountains, reminiscing on their times in graduate school driving up Trail Ridge Road or exploring Cameron Pass. Charlie and Lu’s love was inspiring–supporting one another during Charlie’s 5-year battle with cancer, walking through the experience side-by-side, and not forgetting to take advantage of the good days! Charlie was an incredible father– from sitting through countless dance recitals, mentoring his son’s Robotics Team, driving across the country numerous times in order to show his support for his children at important events, or even to help them out when their car broke down in a blizzard, the list goes on. Most importantly, he equipped his children with the skills and lessons to thrive independently in this world, provided a listening ear without judgment whenever he was needed, role modelled gentleness, kindness, and accountability, and knew how to support each kid in the way they felt support by truly learning and showing an interest in each child as individuals. Charlie made people feel seen, and loved. Charlie was also an active community member. Charlie was the Treasurer of his HOA, often going above and beyond what was asked of him. He was a member of the CSU Science Club, participating in CSU staff and alumni seminars exploring and discussing science & research. He helped those who were in need–no questions asked. For example, he helped a couple experiencing homelessness who his daughter had befriended. Soon after, this couple became close friends with Charlie as well. He participated in events at his children’s schools, and volunteered with his children at Soup Kitchens, and at the Mt. Auburn shelter in Cincinnati at Christmas time. A Memorial Mass is planned for Monday, January 6, 2025, at 9:30am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 300 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins CO 80521. A Graveside Service will be held at 3:00pm that afternoon, January 6, 2025, at Grandview Cemetery, 1900 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins CO 80521. We welcome friends and family to join in celebrating Charlie’s life with us! If you are unable to attend, you can show your support by donating to the Cancer Center & Oncology Services of UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation, or by donating blood to the American Red Cross Foundation. Charlie’s life was significantly prolonged due to the generous donations of blood & platelets, and due to the incredible care of the staff at UCHealth Cancer Centers of Anschutz Medical Center and Harmony Road Cancer Center. Please visit: https://www.uchealthnocofoundation.org/donate/

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Charles Henry Taylor

February 2, 1961 - December 31, 2024