Charles “Chuck” Elkins was born on April 1, 1940, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Chuck grew up in Los Angeles, where he graduated from Mira Costa High School. Chuck became the first in his family to attend college when he enrolled and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. After graduation Chuck joined the Peace Corps and served two years in Afghanistan. In what would become a recurring theme in his life, Chuck spent his time overseas helping those who needed it most.

Charles did his graduate studies at Southern Illinois University, eventually earning his Ph.D. in English,. It was here he met Mary Jane Egan, the woman who would become his wife for 53 years. Charles moved to Miami in 1972 where he became a founding faculty member at Florida International University. Chuck was loved, respected and admired as a faculty member, administrator and union organizer for 28 years. During their time in Miami, Chuck and Mary raised their two children Andrew and Jenny.

In 2000, Chuck and Mary moved to Fort Collins to care for his ailing mother. He spent a couple of years teaching at the University of Northern Colorado before taking a position with the Honors College at Colorado State University. Chuck continued to mold young minds for 10 years before retiring in 2019.

Charles spent his free time enjoying books, politics, travel, good food and bad movies before passing on Dec. 9, 2021. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Jenny, son Andrew and grandson Gabriel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Larimer County Humane Society.