Charles "Chuck" Calkins

Chuck Calkins, 81, of Cheyenne died Sept. 30 at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born Dec. 11, 1933, in Detroit, Mich. to Charles and Dorothy Calkins.

He graduated from Evanston Township High School in Illinois, Beloit College in Wisconsin and received a Master's Degree from Duke University School of Forestry.

His career was in forestry and fire management with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

He married Janet Layman on June 30, 1956 in Evanston, Ill.

He had long ties to the Valley starting when he became the Assistant District Ranger on the Encampment District from 1959 to1961. From 1967 to 1976 he was the District Ranger for the USFS in Saratoga. His ties continue with family and friends still in the Valley. He would make the drive over the mountain to visit as often as he could.

He and Janet enjoyed family camping trips in the Snowy Range and motor home travels around the country. He was an avid sports fan and he enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many sports endeavors. He went out of his way to attend their many events. He was extremely proud of them.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; two brothers, Ken Calkins, of Ohio, and Phil Calkins, of Virginia; children, Debby Blake (Gary), of Gillette, Karen Youngberg (Rick), of Saratoga, Julie Williams (Ed Wonch), of Cheyenne and Chuck Calkins Jr. (Stephanie), of Oakland, Maine; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Bryan Blake.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Nov.14, in Cheyenne at Frontier United Methodist Church.