Charles A. Vail Jr.

Charles A Vail, Jr, age 72 of Beulah, CO passed away on February 8, 2022 in Beulah, CO. He was born October 23, 1949 in Pueblo to Opal Notestine Vail and Charles Alden Vail, Sr. Growing up in Pueblo he attended Columbian, Corwin and graduated from South High School in 1967. Chuck attended the University of Northern Colorado and later graduated from University of Southern Colorado (CSU-P).

Chuck made his family proud. His dad many times said, “I never thought a son of mine would graduate from college, play the lead in a musical, be a carpenter, play concert level piano, renovate homes, live in such a beautiful home, drive me around Oklahoma in a Cadillac, raise horses, live in New Orleans or travel to Europe.

Music was always a huge part of Chucks life. At the age of 3 when his parents found him sitting on the piano bench playing, they knew it was not too early to begin piano lessons. He became an accomplished concert pianist. In high school he frequently accompanied performers at Memorial Hall. Chuck enjoyed playing in piano bars, at parties and gatherings for special occasions. Both Chuck and his sister Dottie sang in the Pueblo Coral. As the music director at Christ Congregational Church, he led the choir and coordinated and directed the Church Madrigals. There was always a jazzy tune to dance down the aisle after services and many people arrived at church early just to hear him play. In high school he was involved in the City Summer Musicals. He never tired of singing songs from Carousel or Camelot, where he played King Arthur.

One of Chucks first jobs was delivering the newspaper at St. Mary Corwin Hospital, both morning and evening editions. He did carpentry work, had his own painting company and restored Victorian homes in New Orleans. The physical labor took a toll on his body, and after returning to Pueblo, he returned to school to get his teaching certificate. For 15 years he taught 4th and 5th grade in Pueblo District 70. Chuck was known for inspiring kids to read. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – Frederick Douglass. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss. Chuck had a love affair with books. The joke was that he was on the “12 Step Program for Barnes and Noble.” His personal library was as diverse as his interests, and he loved sharing and talking with friends about what he was reading. He enjoyed traveling and after retiring from teaching, he and his wife, Sandy spent many a vacation traveling through Europe and Mexico.

Chuck was a proud Democratic and an advocate for social justice and immigration rights. A leader in Indivisible, he rallied and marched. He supported women’s rights and joined his wife Sandy at the Women’s Marches wearing “the hat” too.

Comments frequently made about Chuck include, “he was always a gentleman”, “he was one of the good guys,” and “because of him music will live forever in our hearts.” He was well read, a kind friend to everyone, funny, compassionate, and gave the best hugs. He was an accomplished gardener and enjoyed sharing the beauty of his garden through photography.

He is survived by his wife Sandy Taylor, sister Dottie (Tom) Rougas, sister-in-law Gidget Bailey, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother Denny Vail and parents Opal Notestine Vail and Charles Alden Vail, Sr.

Celebration of Life, 2:00 pm June 11 at the Goodpasture Barn, 7970 Hwy 78. Beulah, CO.

For those who were not able to join the family of Charles Vail for his Celebration of Life, here is the link to his service.

https://youtu.be/5rtiOHOKEbg

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Fire and Ambulance District, P.O. Box 826, Beulah, CO. 81023, Christ Congregational Church, 1003 Liberty Lane, Pueblo, CO. 81001 or Smile Train, https://www.smiletrain.org.