Charles (Chuck) L. Rider

April 18, 2022

Charles “Chuck” Leroy Rider was born on December 18, 1927 in Longmont CO. Chuck and his younger siblings, Donna and Dudley grew up on a dairy farm. Through high school Chuck helped his dad milk cows and take care of the farm. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1945 and moved to Boulder, CO to attend the University of Colorado. In 1948 Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Neighbors, and they made their Home In Boulder while Chuck finished up his final year of college earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. After college he got a job working for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company in Boulder, starting at the bottom rung of the ladder, climbing telephone poles to repair the wires at the top of the poles. He worked his way into a desk job and received several advancements which meant transferring to Colorado Springs, Denver, and finally back to Colorado Springs where he eventually retired from what was then Mountain Bell after spending over 30 years with the phone company. He soon realized retirement didn’t suit him and he reentered the job market going into the insurance business for a second career which lasted for another 15 years. His second retirement was in 2003 and he and Marg packed up after living in Colorado Springs for 35 years and moved to Fort Collins CO to be close to children and grandchildren. In 2010 Marg passed away after they had been married for 60 years. In 2014 Chuck married Dee Morris who he spent the rest of his years with. Throughout the years he and Marg raised 4 children, Nancy, Mike, Craig, and Sarah. Wherever they were living, Chuck and Marg were committed to their Catholic Parish deeply involved in many aspects of the church. They held Marriage Prep classes for young couples preparing for marriage having the experience of having built a strong and loving marriage themselves. Some of their favorite times were following Craig as he played football for the University of Texas travelling to Texas for many games each season. Often, everyone in the family drove to Austin and Dallas, Texas to share in some memorable times. Once their last child left home, Chuck definitely got the desire to travel and he and Marg travelled the world. In his later years he and Dee were able to travel as well. While living in Fort Collins Chuck volunteered at the Fort Collins Visitor Center, which he so enjoyed. The best of days was when a traveler would stop by and he would explain to them all of the wonderful places In Colorado they must visit. As a fourth generation Coloradoan he was full of great information. Chuck also volunteered at the CSU games working in the press box updating the announcers on college football scores as they were reported in from around the country. The cornerstone of Chuck’s life was his deep faith in the Lord, starting everyday attending Mass which was his north star that guided him every day. His deep love for his family has left a legacy of kindness and love which is embodied within each of his kids, their spouses, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He will always be remembered standing on the sidelines of the field, gymnasium or ice rink being the best of fans, always encouraging everyone with a big smile and a “good job”. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marg, brother Dudley, grandson Davis Stewart and great-granddaughter Merida Rider. He leaves behind his wife Dee Rider, children Nancy Daniel (Mick), Mike Rider (Diane), Craig Rider (Christy), Sarah Stewart (Jim), and his Columbian daughter, Tachi, 15 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many friends who deeply touched him throughout his life, and those whose lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either St. Joseph Catholic School and/or Charter Hospice St. Joseph Catholic School 127 N Howes Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 Charter Hospice, Northern Colorado 1562 Taurus Court Loveland, CO 80537 Charles "Chuck" L. Rider passed away Monday, April 18, 2022 in Fort Collins, CO. A Memorial Mass will begin at 10:00am, Monday, April 25, 2022, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. Please visit goesfuneralcare.com to read his full obituary and share condolences with his family.