Chet K. Hampson

Hampson, Chet (Chester) K.
01/15/2023

Chet (Chester) K. Hampson, (76), born in Denver, CO to Chester K. Hampson, Sr. and Wenona Casady (Hampson), died peacefully at home January 15, 2023 following a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife Susan Martin, daughters Ashlee Vogt and Ilana Jouppi (Brad) and grandchildren Evelyn Vogt and Finley Jouppi.

Chet was an inquisitive child who loved comic books and directing the neighborhood children in scenes from Shakespeare's plays. He began his lifelong pursuit of music and the double bass in the 4th grade. By middle school he was performing with area community orchestras and was later offered a full scholarship to the inaugural high school class at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. Chet earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music at the University of Michigan and went on to perform with the Milwaukee Symphony, Denver Symphony, now known as the Colorado Symphony, and Central City Opera.

Sharing his love for classical music Chet became familiar to thousands of teachers and school children from throughout Colorado through the Colorado Symphony Youth Concerts. He greatly enjoyed hosting and narrating these programs on stage with the orchestra for a number of years.

Chet was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather and friend. An exceptional storyteller, Chet had a wry sense of humor and penchant for words, grammar and writing, especially relishing the creation of personalized limericks. An enthusiastic home chef, avid reader, Western history buff, dry fly fisherman and occasional hunter, Chet loved a good meal, classic literature as much as a good mystery or adventure novel, the mountains and exploring the outdoors.

A celebration of life will be scheduled later this year. The family would be honored for donations to be made in Chet's memory to Colorado Symphony, Central City Opera, The Denver Hospice or charity of your choice.