Charles E. “Chuck” Richardson died on April 30, 2015, at the age of 69. Chuck was born in Long Beach, California, to Edward R. “Richie” and Stella E. Richardson. With the exception of a few years living in Grants Pass, Oregon, Chuck lived his childhood in Long Beach. As a high-school senior, he met the love of his life, Sandy; and a year after high-school graduation, they were married. In 2014, they renewed their wedding vows in celebration of their 50th Anniversary.

In 1975, Chuck moved his family to Grand Junction, where he operated two small businesses, worked various other jobs and ended his working career at Ute Water Conservancy District, when he retired in 2010. Chuck enjoyed fishing and camping and was talented in woodworking. He was often asked if he would sell his creations, but he most loved to just give them away to family and special friends.

As a member of Elm Avenue Baptist Church, his love for his Lord and his knowledge of the Bible became the guiding force in his life. He never knew a stranger and made many life-long friends. Chuck is survived by his wife, Sandy; son Sam (Amy) of Palmyra, VA; daughter Sherry (Scott) of Freeville, NY; five grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; brother James Mahan (Carol) of Crawford, CO; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richie and Stella Richardson, and sister, Bennie Jo Stevenson. A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Elm Avenue Baptist Church (1510 N. 17th St., Grand Junction). A private internment service will be held earlier that morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elm Avenue Baptist Church or Hope West Hospice (3090 North 12th St., #B, Grand Junction, Colo. 81506), Wounded Warriors (1 S. Nevada Ave., Suite 205, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903), and National Jewish Fund (78 Randall Ave., Rockville Centre, N.Y. 11570).