September 27, 1934 – June 17, 2024
Charles (Chuck) Philip Vermeyen Sr passed away on June 17, 2024 in Rifle, Colorado while residing in the Grand River Health Care Center. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret (Marge) in 2013 and his wonderful grandson Scott in 2019. Chuck started his life journey on September 27, 1934 in Antwerp, Belgium. He and his family immigrated to the United States after WWII when he was 13 years old, settling in Chicago IL. After completing his architecture degree from the University of Illinois, he met Marge and got married on November 29, 1958. Their first child, Julie, was born in October the following year. Sons Chuck Jr (1961), Tracy (1962), and John (1963) soon followed. Yes, they had 4 kids in four years!
After 14 years living in Skokie, Illinois the Vermeyen family packed up and made the big move to Carbondale, CO to pursue an opportunity to develop the Orchard Estates subdivision in Emma, CO. Chuck and Marge raised their kids in the Roaring Fork Valley, and with his business partner, Rob Classen, opened The Drawing Board in Glenwood Springs. In 1986, Chuck and Marge moved to Connecticut for a new job and rekindled their love for sailing. Chuck retired in 1997 from a long career in architecture. They returned to Carbondale to spend their summers and to be closer to their many dear friends. They wintered in Cape Coral, FL where they spent most days on their sail boat the Catatonic.
Chuck was a very talented architect and was a man of many talents and hobbies. A few of which include: sailing, fishing, handball, tennis, pickleball, horseback riding with his buddy John Nieslanik, beekeeping, stain glass art, rock sculptures, and most prolifically, water color painting. His paintings are one of his lasting legacies that will be enjoyed by family and friends for many years to come. One such painting hangs on the wall in his favorite restaurant, The Village Smithy, which he traded for several meals along with his favorite beverage, coffee.
Along with being a beloved dad and brother (sister Donna and brother Fred), Chuck was affectionately known as “Poppy” to his six grand children (Eric, Katelyn, Jack, Scott, Natalie, and Matthew). He will be deeply missed.
Chuck took great pride in helping to design and construct the St. Mary of the Crown Catholic Church in Carbondale where his funeral Mass will be held on July 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.