Charles Anthony Schaffner

Charles “Chuck” Anthony Schaffner, lovingly known to many as “Gnarly Charlie” or simply “Gnarly,” passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2026, at the age of 66. Chuck was born on May 5, 1959, in Oregon. During his early childhood, he attended school in Olympia, Washington, from kindergarten through third grade. His family later moved to Oak Creek, Colorado, where Chuck grew up and attended Soroco schools from fourth grade through graduation. A natural athlete, Chuck excelled in wrestling and achieved one of his proudest accomplishments in 1977 when he won the Colorado State Wrestling Championship in the heavyweight division for Soroco High School. His success on the mat earned him a wrestling scholarship to Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely, Colorado. Chuck was raised by his mother, Anna Schaffner, alongside his large family of nine siblings: Raymond, Dorothy, Jean, Francis, Sandy, Lucille, Frank, Bill, and Jason.

In 1987, Chuck married the love of his life, Helen, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built a life and family, welcoming two children, Lyle Anthony Schaffner and Kimberly Rae Schaffner.

Chuck had a lifelong love of cooking, a passion he learned from his mother at a young age. Throughout his life, he worked in various cooking positions and later worked in security for Security Plus in Steamboat Springs. Chuck had many passions in life. Music was always playing wherever he was, and it seemed there was never a quiet moment without a song in the background. He enjoyed relaxing with his favorite shows on cable television and was known for recording the ones he didn’t want to miss. Chuck also had a deep love for sports. He enjoyed watching football, wrestling, and, honestly, any other sport that was on TV. He was a die-hard Raiders fan, one of his favorite players was the legendary Lyle Alzado, whose fearless and aggressive style of play Chuck admired so much that he named his son after him. Chuck didn’t just love watching sports; he loved being part of them with his children. He spent many years cheering from the sidelines and proudly supporting them in their activities. He coached peewee football for his son, Lyle, and coached softball for his daughter, Kimberly, creating memories on the field that his family will always cherish. Whether coaching, watching from the stands, or talking sports at home, those moments were some of the ones he treasured most. More than anything, Chuck loved his family. He especially enjoyed watching his grandsons compete in wrestling and other sports and was always proud to cheer them on. Time spent with his grandchildren meant the world to him, including visits with his youngest grandson, Brody, from Hotchkiss. Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Helen Schaffner; his son, Lyle Anthony Schaffner, and daughter-in-law, Jayme Schaffner; his grandsons Jason and Jaxton Schaffner; his grandson Brody Benton; and his son-in-law, Max Benton. He is also survived by his siblings, Raymond, Jean, Sandy, Frank, and Bill, along with many nieces, nephews, and a large extended family who will continue to carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Schaffner; his brother Jason; his sisters Francis, Dorothy, and Lucille; his beloved daughter Kimberly Rae Schaffner; and his granddaughter Raelynn Benton. Chuck will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his love of music and sports, and the great pride he carried for his family. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the games watched, the music played, and the love he leaves behind. While his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with those who went before him, especially his beloved daughter Kimberly and granddaughter Raelynn. Together again, they watch over the family he loved so deeply. A celebration of life honoring Chuck will be planned for a later date, so family and friends can gather to remember and celebrate his life