Charles Collopy M.D.

Charles T. Collopy, MD, 93, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Dr. Collopy, known by his siblings as "Bud" and "Chuck" to his friends, was born January 1, 1923, in Fort Collins to Joseph and Lydia Collopy. Chuck grew up on the family farm -now the site of The Plaza at Foothills Mall- until he moved at age 17 with his parents and six siblings to the city of Fort Collins. He was the grandson of William and Mary Troutman and helped develop their farm south of town, the present site of Target. Chuck was an outstanding student and athlete at Saint Joseph Catholic School; Fort Collins High School, 1941; and Denver University, BA, 1944.

The focal point of Chuck's life until her death in August 2012 was his beloved wife of 64 years, Frances Collopy, whom he always called or referred to as "Franny." They were married in1948, a year after he graduated from CU Medical School.

After interning at the US Marine Hospital in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Collopy practiced family medicine in Miami, AZ, from 1948 to1960. Dr. Collopy completed his orthopedic training in 1962 at the VA hospital in Oakland, CA, and immediately returned to Fort Collins to become one of the founders of the Orthopedic Center of the Rockies.

Although Dr. Collopy retired in 1983, he retained his commitment to medicine and patient health. With Dr. Tom Wera he founded The Children's Clinic of Fort Collins, for which he received The Community Builder of the Year award in 1992. For his work in promoting awareness of multiple sclerosis, Chuck received the Hope Award from the Colorado Neurological Institute in 2003. He was elected a member of the International College of Surgeons, a global organization dedicated to promoting surgical excellence.

Dr. Collopy served on the board of directors for Poudre Valley Hospital. Mr. Gene Fisher and Chuck helped CSU found the interdepartmental Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory.

During his retirement Dr. Collopy also wrote three short books: Back to Basics, Medicine in the Mines of Miami, and Correct Me if I'm Wrong.

Three siblings predeceased Chuck: Joseph P. Collopy, World War II casualty, Solomon Islands; Mary Catherine Parsonault, Cheyenne, WY; Frank Collopy, Broomfield, CO. Three siblings survive Chuck: Bernard J. Collopy, MD, Phoenix AZ, William Collopy, Battle Creek, MI, and Elaine Johnson, Eloy, AZ.

Dr. Collopy is survived by his children, Ann Collopy, Cannon Beach, OR; Mary Collopy, and her husband Tom Southworth, Newfane, VT; Charles T. Collopy, Jr., and his wife Pat, Lake Oswego, OR; and Frances Collopy and her husband, Paul DiSalvo, Fort Collins; his grandchildren, Matthew Roberts, Denver, CO; Adam Trister, Washington, DC; Lauren Collopy, San Francisco, CA; and Sean Collopy, Portland, OR; his great grandchildren Hannah Trister and Jacob Charles Trister, Washington, DC, and 26 beloved nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 23, at 2:00 pm, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 101 North Howes Street in Fort Collins, reception to follow.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint Joseph Catholic School, 127 North Howes Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521 ~ Attention: Dr. Chuck Hubberling, Principal.

Please visit www.goesfuneralcare.com to leave condolences and share memories.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Coloradoan on Sep. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Collopy

Sponsored by Goes Funeral Care & Crematory - Fort Collins.

9 Entries

Rose Morgan Necoechea

November 24, 2020

My name is Rose Morgan Necoechea.

Dr. Collopy wrote about my father (Oakie), in his book, “Medicines in the mines of Miami”. My cousin, Virgil Alexander, recently sent me a portion of that book where Dr. Collopy described the truth about my fathers death by the hand of his murderer, Ruby Morgan. I had searched for evidence for the facts on this shooting a few years back at the Globe Court House but found no hard evidence of her guilt because all history of that trial had been erased because of a “not guilty” result. Dr. Collopy’s testimony in his book, now years later, has put to rest the truth about my Dad’s death and has vindicated to us what we already knew. I am eternally grateful. My one regret is that I could not speak my gratitude to Dr. Collopy personally for writing the truth down in his book, but maybe I will be able to do that in eternity.
Blessings on all of his family.

Rose Morgan Necoechea
November 24, 2020

Sandra McCloud (Brandenhoff)

September 17, 2016

To the family of Dr Collopy,
Your Mom and Dad were such wonderful people! I will always remember them both very fondly as they made such an impression on me as a child. Both your Mom and Dad were generous, loving people to everyone! My Mom really enjoyed working with your Dad and believed he was the "best"! You all had such a great family! May both your Mom and Dad rest peacefully now. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jo Ann Berrong

September 12, 2016

I worked 3-11 in the operating room in the 1970's. Dr. Collopy was a favorite of ours. As long as you had his favorite instrument (a sharp square) on the table, he was very pleasant. He was a kind and caring person. He helped the 3-11 head nurse find a home for herself and her animals when she was forced to move with little notifications. He often would pay for meals to be brought in for us and entertain us with stories from his days of family practice. I can not recall knowing any of the doctor's wives name but everyone knew of Frances. He must have talked about her often enough that we all knew her name. One evening shortly after Dr Collopy turned 50, he proclaimed one third of his life was over. Although, he didn't make it in years, he certainly accomplished much for his patients, the staff that worked for him and certainly the Fort Collins community.

Jana McDowelll

September 9, 2016

I will never forget your stories!
An Oklahoma credit card and Honey Hill never will get old.
Your kindness and caring nature will live on in my heart.
Love always

Jana McDowelll

September 9, 2016

I will never forget your stories!
An Oklahoma credit card and Honey Hill never will get old.
Your kindness and caring nature will live on in my heart.
Love always

Jill Humphrey

September 7, 2016

Dear Family of Dr. Collopy: Your mother and father were so instrumental in my parents lives! The trips and memories are fruitful! God bless you all... Your father, as my father would say, was "top cabin"! The very best husband ever to your dear mother! I am so glad that they are back together again! Sincerely, Jill Humphrey

Jeanette Frison-Taylor

September 7, 2016

I am sorry to hear about your dad. I remember your parents as very caring people. The "olde guard" of Ft Collins is fast disappearing. Dr Collopy has certainly left a legacy. My sympathy to your family.

Brenda Gardner

September 6, 2016

I remember going to Dr. Collopy at the OPC when I was a little girl because I was pigeon toed. Then I met his daughter later and worked with her for awhile.
My condolences to the family. He was a very good man.

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