Charles Robert Huggins, known by everyone as Chuck, passed away on October 13 in Greeley, Colorado after a long illness. Chuck was born in Denver, Colorado to parents Robert and Esther (Pedersen) Huggins. He grew up in Golden, and graduated from Golden High School in 1975. His love of music really took off when he became active in Band during junior high and high school, where he played the sousaphone and tuba.
After high school, Chuck worked as a forklift operator, and was very proud that he lost a lot of weight before attending his 10-year high school class reunion in 1985. He joined the army shortly after that, but was unable to complete basic training due to health issues. He suffered a debilitating injury a few years later from an accident where he was hit by a drunk driver. In 2009, he moved to Greeley to be closer to his sister.
Chuck enjoyed his solitude, and loved to watch old movies and read about astronomy. He had several poster-sized photos of stars, galaxies and nebulas on the walls in his apartment. Friends and neighbors would keep him company, and they gathered frequently to sit outside and talk until illness prevented him from getting out very much. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and his ability to make them laugh with his impersonations and foreign accents.
Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his sister Debi (John) Oster of Kersey, nephews Paul Oster of LaSalle, Dan (Lindsey) Oster of Evans, and Eric (Toni) Oster of Colorado Springs, along with two great nieces, three great nephews and several cousins. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local Hospice organization.