Charles "Charlie" Hodges

With a gentle heart and natural gift for numbers, Charles "Charlie" Richard Hodges began his life on September 23, 1948, in the town of Fremont, NE. Born to Richard and Jessie Raeside Hodges, Charlie's early years took an important turn when his family relocated to Albuquerque, NM in 1952. His future career was encouraged by his brother Jim, whose invitation to volunteer at a junior high school inspired Charlie's passion for teaching mathematics.

While pursuing his own education at the University of New Mexico - where he majored in Math and minored in Art - Charlie met Marie Elaine Cadieux. They married in Albuquerque in 1971, with one semester to go for Charlie. They then began their adventure in January 1972, as substitute teachers in Mountainair, NM. By May that year they had followed Charlie's brother to Lakewood, CO, where he found his professional home at Bear Creek High School within the Jefferson County Public Schools system.

For 28 years, Bear Creek students knew him not just as their math teacher, but as a renaissance man who brought humor to his teaching style. His involvement ran deep - from teaching photography and computer science to coaching golf teams and managing student activities. His playful spirit came through in unexpected ways, whether donning a Santa suit for the Christmas concert, being the gymnastics opponent "All Arounder" for a celebratory Girls Gymnastics assembly, or stepping into the spotlight as a cast member in the school's 1988 production of South Pacific.

Charlie's greatest joy was being a father to Stacy and Brian. Rather than letting parenthood slow him down, he simply wove his children into his daily life. From bowling alleys to golf courses, or high school games to splashes at the swimming pool - he made sure his kids were part of every moment. His dedication to both family and education came full circle when Stacy (1997) and Brian (2000) graduated from Bear Creek High School, where their father had touched so many lives.

Golf was more than just a hobby for Charlie - it was a passion that became a family legacy. While his students groaned good-naturedly at his beloved math jokes, he spent over three decades sharing his love of the game at Foothills Golf Course, with additional time at The Club at Rolling Hills and Bear Creek Golf Club. His greatest pride was watching his son, Brian, follow this passion to become Director of Golf at The Club at Rolling Hills.

In retirement, Charlie rediscovered his artistic spirit, creating paintings that captured snapshots of his life's experiences and loves. He drew inspiration from family photographs of New Mexico and Colorado landscapes taken by his father and brother, beloved vacation spots, cherished pets, colorful flowers, and his passion - golf courses, with Augusta National holding a special place on his canvases. For two decades, friends and family received his Christmas cards and displayed his paintings. Even his used canvases found new purpose at Deer Creek Middle School, where students were initially so taken with his work that they hesitated to paint over them.

Charlie died peacefully on December 12, 2024, surrounded by his family at The Denver Hospice. He is survived by Marie, his wife of fifty-three years, daughter Stacy of Denver, son Brian (Hannah) and granddaughter Charlotte of Littleton, sisters-in-law Diane Hodges and Patricia Hodges of Littleton, and Elaine Moore of Tome, NM; nephews Peter Hodges (Kelly) of Sedalia, Chad Hodges (Lissa) of Greenwood Village, and Ryan Early (Hollen) of Novato, CA; nieces Jenny Cook (Shane) of Johnston, IA, Shannon Lewis (Terry) of Golden, CO, Sarah Cadieux of Los Lunas, NM, Marie Justine Cadieux of Tome, NM and numerous grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Richard in 1999, mother Jessie in 1994 and brother Jim in 2016.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Masters Sunday at Foothills Golf Course, 3901 S. Carr St, Denver, CO, on April 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. If you like, please wear bright, colorful outfits to celebrate Charlie's vibrant spirit.

Nearby hotel rooms have been reserved at Fairfield Marriott - Lakewood, CO.

Donations in Charlie's name may be made to the Foothills Animal Shelter or First Tee - Colorado Rocky Mountains.