Charles O. Elliott, 104

MONTE VISTA— Longtime resident Charles Orson Elliott, 104, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2018 at his home in Monte Vista with family present.
He was born on Nov. 18, 1913 on the family homestead on Elliott Creek near Wagon Wheel Gap, Colo. to Thaddeus Alonzo and Lena (Pfeiffer) Elliott.
Charles served in WWII in the Army Air Corps as a weatherman and cryptographer. After the war, he worked for the SLVREC electrical utility for most of his career. Charles made numerous contributions to the San Luis Valley community as a National Ski Patroller (#874), Red Cross First Aid instructor, and Scoutmaster. In 1981, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his many contributions to the Boy Scouts of America. Charles was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge #73 of Monte Vista.
Charles had a passion for the outdoors inherited from his great-grandfather Colonel Albert H. Pfeiffer. He was a lifelong hunter, fisherman, mountain climber, backpacker, and skier. Charles was honored for his early contributions to the establishment of the Wolf Creek Ski Area by being inducted into the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also a longtime member of the Gray Wolf Ski Club.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 40 years Virginia Malin, brothers Lester P. and Thad “Cy” Elliott as well as sisters Ludean Hunt and Pauline Nielsen.
Charles is survived and missed by his eight children, Charles of Delta, Colo; Vernon of Monte Vista; Gregg of Mesa, Ariz.; Roger of Phoenix, Ariz.; Annette Gentz of Colorado Springs; Steven of Pennsburg, Pa.; Donald of Montrose, Colo. and Martin (Artie) of Delta, Colo. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Charles is survived by numerous nieces and nephews including a special nephew and buddy Thad R. Elliott.
A memorial service was held at Strohmayer’s Funeral Home in Monte Vista on Saturday, Aug. 25 with internment following at the Monte Vista Cemetery. A local celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.