Charles Sullivan

Our beloved Charles Nicholas Sullivan left his beautiful, creative life on December 17, 2015. Charlie was born in Durango, Colorado, on March 16, 2005, to Craig and Danielle Sullivan. He lived his entire life in the area, first in Pagosa Springs, then in Breen, and most recently, in Durango. He was in the fifth grade at St. Columba School.

With his inquisitive nature, Charlie brought joy to all who knew him. He loved to tell jokes to anyone who would listen, play Legos and video games, ride his bike with his mom, and tease his brother. He was an avid reader with almost encyclopedic knowledge about animals, particularly sea creatures. He loved having pets, and throughout his life tended to dogs, cats, goats, chickens, a lizard, hamsters, a rabbit, and numerous fish and amphibians. His friends and schoolmates talk of his creativity and wild imagination, his messy locker, how thoughtful and caring he was, and his nickname "Churro Charlie."

Charlie traveled many places in the U.S. and world and especially treasured visits to the sea where he could visit "his friends, the fish." He enjoyed exploring and having adventures at his grandparents' property in Montana and participated in various clubs and activities. He was most recently involved in aikido, Lego League, and playing the trumpet at school.

He is survived by his mother, Danielle Sullivan, who absolutely adored her "Char-Bar;" his older brother, Ethan, who was patient beyond belief with Charlie's teasing and antics; his grandparents Pam Olson, Robert Ralphs, and Keith Sullivan; several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Montana and Wisconsin; and a loving circle of friends who are like family and played important roles in raising him.

A celebration of his life will be held at the PowerHouse Science Museum on February 6 at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to wear their favorite animal shirt to honor Charlie's love of animals. A Charlie Sullivan Memorial Scholarship has been established at Saint Columba School. Donations can be made at Pine River Valley Bank or at Saint Columba School.

Special thanks to Dr. Brenda Huffman for her outstanding care of Charlie throughout his life and to Hood Mortuary and PowerHouse Science Museum for their generosity during this difficult time.

We wish for sting ray dreams for our dear little buddy and are blessed to have shared in his exuberant life.