Charles Fitts Obituary

Charles Richard Fitts moved on from this life on August 6, 2025 at 76 years old. Affectionately known as "Bud", he was born in Chicago on January 7, 1949.

To know Bud was to love him. He grew up in Chicago where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Judi on May 31,1969. He was a fireman and EMT in Glenview, Illinois until the couple moved with their 3 children, Jenny, Amy, and Brian to Durango, Colorado to live a simpler life out west. Shortly after moving to Colorado, they adopted their nephew, Tom, who completed the family of 6. Bud served as a volunteer fireman while cycling through a variety of jobs from owning the video store above Durango Music (Durango Video) to striping parking lots and carpet cleaning. He had an outstanding work ethic and his kids were lucky enough to witness this first hand as his trusty sidekicks. He finally ended up in water and sewer management and worked in Hermosa and Hesperus for over 30 years until he (sort of) retired in 2020.

Bud is best known for his gigantic and generous heart and his sense of humor. He loved people and went out of his way to make sure everyone he encountered felt like a familiar friend. He had a forever twinkle in his baby blue eyes that showed his zest for finding joy in life. Strangers would often tell his family members about his generosity "He brought us a turkey on Thanksgiving" "He pulled my mom out of the ditch in a storm". You couldn't walk down the street without someone stopping Bud with a fun story or a joke.

It is impossible to summarize what an impact Bud had on his community, family and friends. His number one priority was keeping his family, including his 8 grandchildren, happy and healthy.

He died peacefully surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judi, his 3 children, and their spouses Jenny Fitts Reynolds and Geoff Reynolds, Amy Fitts and Aaron Jodoin, Brian Fitts and Brooke Miller, and grandkids Kegan D'Aleo, Lilia Reynolds, William Reynolds, Gillian Reynolds, Dylan Reynolds, Sam Fitts Jodoin, Jacques Fitts, and Calvin Fitts.

He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Edith, his brother Joe, and his son, Tommy.

There will be a celebration of life honoring Bud at the El Rancho Tavern in Durango on Sunday, September 21st from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, do a good deed for a stranger, or tell someone a joke - just make sure you slightly mess up the punchline. We love you forever, Papa.