Charles "Kit" Hallack Cowperthwaite

Kit Cowperthwaite, beloved patriarch of the Cowperthwaite family, left this mortal earth with his loving family by his side. He chose to leave with the old year, on New Year's Eve 2025.

Kit was a fourth-generation Coloradoan from a pioneer family, named after his great-grandfather Charles Hallack, who crossed the plains in a wagon to settle in Denver and enter the lumber business in 1867. Born in Denver to Blanche and Arthur Cowperthwaite on August 22, 1936, Kit enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up in the Country Club neighborhood - riding his bike with family and neighbors close by, including his Aunt Jo and Uncle George and their children David and Karen next door, his maternal grandmother living in an apartment over the garage, and his paternal grandparents across the alley.

He adored his six-years-older brother Steve, his two-years-younger brother Jim, and—arriving sixteen and eighteen years later - the cabooses of the family, his little sister Jill and brother Arthur "Tee." He also held especially fond memories of two wonderful women who helped care for him as a child, Bahde and Lucille.

Kit attended East High School, Dartmouth College - where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity - and the University of Colorado Law School. Following law school, he joined the Army Judge Advocate General Corps, attending the Army Law School in Virginia before a four-year duty assignment in Munich, Germany. It was there that he met and married his first wife, Barbara DiPrima. In 1966, he completed his service as a Captain, and the couple returned to Denver, where Kit was appointed Assistant Attorney General.

He then embarked on a 25-year career in private law practice, beginning with Rothgerber, Appel and Powers, representing some of the country's largest financial institutions and their real estate portfolios. During these years, he and Barbara welcomed their son Scott, now working in marketing and communications, and daughter Jennifer, now a retired firefighter. In 1994, Kit and Barbara ended their marriage amicably.

Around that time, Kit made a momentous decision to leave his active law practice and pursue a new career in real estate brokerage - a move that proved both wise and deeply fulfilling. He spent the next 36 years loving his work and those he served. His leadership roles included President of the Denver Board of Realtors (2003-2004), Denver Realtor of the Year (2005), President of the Colorado Association of Realtors (2005-2007), and induction into the National Association of Realtors Hall of Fame. He was widely respected and deeply loved within the real estate community. As one well-wisher wrote, "He will truly be missed by many, as he touched the hearts of decades of Realtor members, serving with enthusiasm, honesty, and professionalism."

In 1996, two friends, Chris and Linda Hanson, introduced Kit to a friend of theirs, Ardy Craig. That meeting set the trajectory of their lives for the next 30 years. She was the love of his life, and he was hers. Married for 18 years, they shared a joyful partnership filled with laughter, adventure, and devotion.

With Ardy's travel business, they were constantly on the move with cruises, tours, beaches, and rivers around the world. Kit famously resisted Ardy's retiring; together, as soul mates, they simply had too much fun. Among his favorite activities were bicycling tours, including Ride the Rockies (many times), the MS 150 (many times) with stepdaughter Ashley, and Elephant Rock—an event that proved an abject failure for Ardy.

At the heart of Kit's life was an abiding devotion to family and a deep pride in the generations that came before and after him. Few places held more meaning for him than Ute Park Ranch, discovered in 1890 by his maternal grandfather, Arnold Taussig, who - along with a cousin - caught a glimpse of the Williams Fork Valley while riding horseback over Jones Pass and convinced his family to homestead there. That place became woven into Kit's identity, a source of joy, continuity, and countless shared memories. He carried its history with reverence and loved sharing it generously.

Kit believed strongly in giving back. He was an integral part of Denver Metro Partners, mentoring at-risk young people, and served as a mentor to "Louis" for several years. They shared many adventures together, and Kit was a steadfast and inspiring role model. He was also deeply involved with the University Club of Denver, serving on its board, as past President, and as an enthusiastic participant in the club's annual - and infamous - "Twelfth Night" productions.

He lived with a strong sense of gratitude for his life, his community, and the people around him. While he took his responsibilities seriously, Kit never lost his sense of fun and remained forever known for his love of practical jokes, delivered with impeccable timing and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Ardy Cowperthwaite, with whom he shared the last 30 years of his life; his son Scott Cowperthwaite; daughter Jennifer Cowperthwaite Dines; stepdaughter Ashley Hofwolt; grandchildren Clayton, Cameron, and Christopher "Kit" Dines, and Reid Cowperthwaite; siblings James Cowperthwaite (Irma), Jill Cowperthwaite Jones (Chas Jones), and Arthur "Tee" Cowperthwaite (Brenda Stockdale); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Stephen Cowperthwaite and Stephen's wife Lucia.

The family is deeply grateful for the care Kit received during the last year of his remarkable life at Rosemark at Mayfair Park in Denver. He enjoyed a steady stream of visitors - family and friends - with his wife Ardy beside him nearly every day. The family could not have asked for more loving caregivers and staff. Kit loved them all and especially delighted in the music and dancing. He always loved a party!

A memorial will be held on February 1st at 2:00pm at First Plymouth Congregational Church, 3501 South Colorado Blvd, Englewood, CO 80113. In lieu of flowers, Kit would want contributions made to the Alzheimer's Association: www.alzfdn.org