Charles Drage

On Saturday, January 7th, Charles "Chuck" Justus Drage, loving husband, dad, grandpa and brother, passed away at the age of 79. Chuck lived an incredibly abundant life, with no regrets and left a beautiful legacy. Chuck was born on September 15, 1943, in Longmont, Colorado, to Eleanor and Roy Drage. His early years were spent in Crook, Colorado. It's here that Chuck and his brothers, Bob and Donald as well as sister, Carolyn, lived the best of small town, rural community life. They learned about true hard work, family values and the Grace of God. Life took the family to Longmont, where Chuck attended Longmont High School. He continued on to Colorado State University where he was involved in ROTC, and here he discovered his love of flying. He was very involved in all things music, to include being a talented trumpet player in multiple bands. He was an active member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Chuck was a Rams fan for life! Soon after graduation, Chuck started pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, and then on December 18th, 1966, Chuck married his college sweetheart, Carol Jaffee. They recently celebrated fifty-six wonderful years of marriage. In 1967, commitment to service and love of country took Chuck and Carol to Beale Air Force Base in California. He was a proud Air Force pilot and served in the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his military service, he joined American Airlines and enjoyed thirty years as a commercial airline pilot on both domestic and international routes. Chuck absolutely loved his job and forever recognized the rare fortune of really doing what you enjoy. Life with American Airlines lead Chuck and Carol to Crystal Lake, Illinois. It's here that they raised three children; Stephanie, Scott and Brent, and they were the pride of his life. He was actively involved in all areas of their lives and held many roles, some to include soccer coach, scout leader, running partner, homework helper, ski buddy, faith leader, supportive and loving parent, and overwhelming influence of all that is good. Chuck and Carol had the good fortune of returning to their beloved Colorado in 1998, and settled in Evergreen. This chapter was a favorite in Chuck's life and he reveled in being back home, able to pursue retirement adventures and spend time with Carol and surrounding family. Chuck was an athlete; an avid runner, hiker and skier, he tackled adventures across Colorado and beyond. Together they traveled Colorado, the US and numerous countries around the world. He was blessed with the ability to be intimately involved in the lives of his two granddaughters, Sophie and Lindsay and grandson, Benjamin, and attended hundreds of piano and violin recitals, holiday plays and musicals, soccer games and ski races, class events and field trips. He was 100% present in their lives and considered every moment with these kids to be precious. Chuck is profoundly missed by all who loved him. He touched the lives of many and always asked how he may help others, with no expectation of anything in return. One great friend best described how we feel, with the following words, "We pray for strength to live life like Chuck would, smiling, helping others and caring genuinely." He loved God and attended Rockland Community Church and served generously in leadership roles for many years. He loved his family, to include his wife, kids, grandkids, siblings, pets and others near and far. He loved his country, Colorado and community, fought for freedom, volunteered endlessly, and embraced conservatism and the Republican party. He expressed his love for all of these, every day, with unapologetic strength and pride. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Eleanor Drage. He is survived by his wife Carol Drage, daughter Stephanie Seybold(Tom), sons Scott Drage and Brent Drage(Jane), granddaughters Sophie and Lindsay Seybold, grandson Benjamin Drage, brothers Robert Drage(Sue), Donald Drage( Kristie), sister Carolyn Crawford(John) and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 1pm at Rockland Community Church in Golden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockland Community Church, Tunnels to Towers Foundation and Evergreen Animal Protective League in Chuck's honor.