Charles Christian Cares

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend Charles “Chris” Christian Cares of Boulder passed away on September 9, 2026 at the age of 76 following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family and their love.

Chris was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Charles and Marian (McKee) Cares and spent time in Ithaca, New York before the family settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There, Chris would develop a lifelong love of all things University of Michigan – a love that he would pass down to his own children and grandchildren through piano renditions of “Hail to the Victors,” Saturday football games, and pilgrimages to the Big House.

Chris completed his undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Rochester and went on to obtain a Master of City Planning at Harvard’s Kennedy School. His greatest achievement from this time was meeting his wife and best friend, Eleanor. Together, they built a life devoted to family above all else.

Shortly after meeting, Chris and Eleanor headed west for a stint in Kemmerer, Wyoming before a weekend trip through the Front Range brought them to Boulder, their home for the next 52 years. Chris worked as a planner for the City of Boulder before starting his own firm – RRC Associates – with two fellow planners. For the next 45 years, he took sincere interest in every project and client, and he viewed work as a privilege and joy rather than a demand. He especially enjoyed bringing people and ideas together, working to protect public lands, and improving access to affordable housing.

To know Chris is to have felt his genuine excitement toward each day. He was happiest when spending time outdoors with those he loved, and he traveled everywhere with a fly rod and a pair of skis, just in case. He knew the outcome of every game and appreciated the joy and community that sports bring. Chris encouraged others’ ideas and dreams at every turn and regularly said, “Do it.” He was a mentor to many, generously sharing his time, wisdom, and guidance. He supported his children and grandchildren in their various pursuits. He reveled in others’ joy and wanted the best for everyone. He was kind. He had immense gratitude. He made people feel seen, remembered, and loved.

Chris’s family will never fill the void left by his loss and will never be the same, but they will aim to emulate how he lived. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children Emily (Jon), Alexa (Eric), and Colin (Caroline); his grandchildren Violet, Eloise, Lucy, Calvin, Hank, George, and a baby girl soon to arrive; his siblings Susan Cares, John Cares, and Alison Cares Pritz; and nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Boulder Community Health Foundation. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.