Charles Kubiak

Charles Scott Kubiak passed away unexpectedly of heart failure at the age of 63 on January 24, 2012, in Durango, Colo.

Chuck was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on May 14, 1948, to Charles and Margaret Kubiak, and raised in Brookfield. He attended Brookfield Central High School before going on to serve in Viet Nam with the Armed Forces. He returned from the war to live in Wisconsin for a period and then Grand Lake, Colo., and went east to Cape Cod. But his heart was in Colorado, and he returned, settling in Durango, where he was a fine finish carpenter for many years. Besides his skill for detailed woodwork, Chuck had a talent for crafting one-of-a-kind furniture and a supreme respect for nature. He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible hiking and camping in solitude. Chuck made it clear that he was at peace and happy with his life in Colorado.

Chuck is preceded in death by both parents and his adored grandparents. He is survived by and was big brother to his two sisters, Deb (Bill) Warren of Anaheim Hills, Calif., and Peggy (Jay) Utley of Reedsburg, Wis., and brother, Andy (Eve) Kubiak of Oconomowoc, Wis. He was a quiet but respected uncle to Katie, Nick, Kelsey, Liz and Angie and stepson to Kathryn. In addition, his many surviving cousins and revered uncles and aunts have fond memories of Chuck (known as Scott) in his youth.

He was a beautiful soul whose ashes will be returned to the nature he so dearly loved.