Charly Atkinson has roped his last steer, tagged his last calf, baled his last hay, taken his last bike ride, built and restored his last rat-rod, tossed his last firecracker, and sailed his last wave. Charly passed peacefully in his home the morning of Friday, December 15, 2023. He was comforted by his family who stayed close throughout his last days.

The family will host a Celebration of Charly's life, Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the Crook VFW, 203 Bird Avenue from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P. M., serving chili and cinnamon rolls.

Charly was born in Fort Belvour, VA, February 22, 1950, to Charles W. T. Atkinson and Gertrude Gayle Sparks Atkinson. He graduated from Fleming High school in 1968 and attended Boulder CU for two years before returning to farm and ranch on the Sparks Twenty Bar Ranch near Fleming and Crook with his family in 1973. He referred to himself as a "francher".

Charly is survived by his wife Maggie of 49 years, daughter Sara and her husband Eric Martinez of Fleming, and his son Ryan Atkinson of Holyoke.  Their stories of sharing tasks, love, and laughter as they worked and learned through and with him on the farm and ranch are epoch novels, and his friend Ripley, the dog who shared the shop and pasture rides.

He was blessed to have five grandchildren, who have survived him and provided pride, laughter, and the understanding to the meaning of life. Sage and Tayler Lopez, involved with show cattle and animal husbandry, Fleming.  He was looking forward to the birth of their baby, his first great grandchild. Kasen Atkinson, currently on his second season working and snowboarding the slopes at Beaver Creek, CO. "PopPop" relived his days on the slopes through Kasen's pictures and stories. Cash Nab, McPherson, KS, studying automotive restoration, whose mechanical escapades were shared in "PopPops" shop. Vandyn Atkinson, the juggler, Sterling, who provides the essence of strength in character and quick wit, who PopPop knew will take the right route as he is just beginning to travel his own path, and Willow Martinez, a junior high student, his animal whisperer.

Many evening hours at the Twenty Bar Ranch revolved around music. There wasn't a stringed instrument he couldn't play.  Ryan and Kasen inherited and perfected his guitar talent and enjoyed "jamming" as well as entertaining the family with him. Charly wrote and recorded Wind Tunes, as Charly Jumbo.  A magazine article described him as the "Jimmy Buffet of wind surfing." Charly may have written his last song, but the music lives on.

Memorial contributions may be addressed to the Fleming Fire Department, PO Box 257, Fleming, CO 80728, or the Crook Fair Board, PO Box 203 Crook, Colorado 80726