Charles 'Chuck' Dudley Key

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Chuck was born and raised in Pinedale. He died suddenly and will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him.

He is proceeded in death by his grandpartents Richard and Ann Key, Francis and Glenn Simonton and father Richard Dudley Key. Survived by his longtime partner Lynn Reno, mother Virginia Delagdo (Vernon Delgado), aunt Liz Martin, uncle Kenneth Simonton (Neb Simonton), brothers Mike Key (Amanda Key), Pat Key (Jody Key), Jim Key (Tally Key), son Derek Key (Irene Key), son Casey Key, daughter Brittany Chavez (Rolando Chavez), daughter Jackie Key (Brett Baker), nieces and newphews Tanner, Cody, Zack, Tara, Jonathan, Kayla and his grandchildren Bay, Nayali, Cruz, Roman, Ace, Oaklee and Mason.

Chuck was kind, funny, generous and was always there to lend a helpful hand. His smile lit up the room he was in and he had countless friends from all ages and backgrounds. He was a master meat carver, worked hard in various roles in the difficult oil and gas fields and, like his dad, was a terrific softball and horseshoe player. He loved the Chicago Cubs and was rarely seen without his signature “C” cap. He had fun seeing them play twice in Chicago and was thrilled when they won the World Series in 2016 after a 100-year drought. As former mayor Steve Smith recently said, “He was Pinedale through and through.”

Our hearts are broken but our memories with Chuck are priceless and forever.

A memorial will be held July 10 at St. Andrew’s in the Pines Episcopal Church from 1 to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate Chuck’s life.

Our family would like to thank Mike Fitzgerald for writing this beautiful obituary.