Charles Randolph Burket

Dr. Charles (Charlie) Randolph Burket, 68, of Greeley, died August 8, 2014, at Medical Center of the Rockies. He was born September 20, 1945 in Greenville, TX to Lt. Col. Paul Edward and Joyce Laverne (Walker) Burket. Charlie’s early childhood was spent living in Texas with his grandparents, as well as traveling with his parents abroad and living in such places as Okinawa, Japan.

During his teenage years the family was stationed in Lincoln, NE. He spent his time participating in 4-H activities, riding his beloved horse “Queenie,” and causing trouble on the Air Force base. Charlie attended Lincoln Southeast High School graduating in 1963. It was during this time that he met his future wife Kathleen Ness. He then stayed in Lincoln earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska in 1969.

Charlie and Kathy married on September 13, 1969 and moved to Omaha, NE for Charlie to attend medical school. Charlie was granted his medical doctorate from The University of Nebraska in 1972. The couple stayed in Omaha, and also lived for a short stint in Hawaii, for Charlie to complete his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In 1975 Charlie and Kathy moved to Greeley, CO where Charlie joined the North Colorado Medical Clinic. Throughout his career Charlie delivered more than 3,000 babies and cared for the health needs of countless numbers of women. He continued to practice medicine up until his recent illness.

Charlie’s motto in life was to work hard and play even harder. With his family and friends in tow he enjoyed spending his free time fishing, camping, four-wheeling, jet-skiing and boating. He was a competitive tennis player and avid mountain and water skier. More recently he had found a love for golf and could most often be found playing a round or enjoying a cocktail in the bunkhouse with his gunslinger buddies.

Those who knew Charlie will remember him as a strong, quiet man, with a wry sense of humor. He was a devoted and faithful husband, and a proud and protective father. To his friends he was honest, loyal, and trustworthy.

Charlie is survived by his children Meredith (Jordan) Fritts of Fort Collins, CO, and Nicholas Burket of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Olivia and Norah Fritts, of Fort Collins, CO; mother Joyce Burket, of Greeley, CO; brother Phillip (Stephanie) Burket, of Bastrop, TX; brothers-in-law Patrick Ness, of St. Petersburg, FL, and Phillip (Jolene) Ness, of Houston, TX; as well as a niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy, his father, and his parents-in-law.

In celebration of Charlie’s life a memorial service and golf outing are planned for September 13, 2014 at the Greeley Country Club. Details will be posted by Stoddard Funeral Home in the weeks to follow. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Charlie to the National Stroke Awareness Association in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.