Charles Edwin Brainard Jr.

Charles Edwin Brainard, Jr., 85, beloved husband of Rosalie (Cameron) Brainard, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6, 2023. A long-time resident of Hartford, CT, Charlie was the son of the late Charles Edwin Brainard and Katherine (Keeney) Brainard. Graduating from Kent School in 1956, where he captained the soccer and ski teams, Charlie went on to serve two years in the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division/Mountain Cold Weather Training Command at Camp Hale, Colorado and in Alaska, teaching skiing and mountaineering to the winter troops. While serving in the 10th, he won the first biathlon held in the U.S. competing on behalf of the Army against leading college athletes in the country.

Charlie later received his Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Yale University, Class of 1962, where he also captained the University's ski team and was a member of the Fence Club. After beginning his career at Connecticut Printers, Charlie moved into the ski insurance business as an agent for Barringer & Williams in Farmington, CT. He ended his career as a financial planner at Connecticut General.

Throughout his lifetime, Charlie was an avid sportsman. He grew up skiing with his family at Bromley & Stratton in Vermont and developed a lifelong love for the sport. He enjoyed his annual adventure of backcountry skiing at Mt. Washington's Tuckerman's Ravine, Hillmans' Highway and once skied the most extreme run, Dodge's Drop. He spent many summers fishing, sailing and golfing with his family in Fenwick, CT and Fishers Island, NY. Charlie was President of East Haddam Fishing and Game Club and a member of The Hartford Golf Club, The Fishers Island Club and The Yale Club of New York.

Charlie was a unique and memorable character. He initiated conversations and made connections with everyone he encountered. At the gas station, the supermarket, or simply walking down the street, he found great joy in the moment as he turned strangers into friends with his friendly disposition and witty conversation. An animated and talented storyteller, some of his most memorable and joyful occasions were holding court and captivating all at big family feasts. He was the life of the party with his irreverent wit and affable demeanor. He was a savant in areas of his interest: skiing history, boats of all kinds, upland bird hunting, American shotgun manufacturers, and the best greasy spoons in New England.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Jennifer Philip of New Haven, CT; Alison Hall of Charleston, SC; Charles E. Brainard III of Wenham, MA; Alexandra Nostrand of Hamilton, MA; his brother Peter Brainard of Canton, CT and his sister Anne Schmitt of St. Helena Island, GA; seven grandchildren, Katherine, Rosalie, Samantha, Lydia, James, Alexander and Virginia; and one great-grandson, Edward.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, MA on Friday, September 15 at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Colorado Snowsports Museum, www.snowsportsmuseum.org, or send a check to: Colorado Snowsports Museum, 231 South Frontage Road, Vail, CO 81657