Andrew Elson, Jr.

Andrew Charles Elson, Jr (Charlie) beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away Friday October 28th at The Denver Hospice in Lowry.  Charlie was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Andrew and Frankie Elson. His childhood in Kansas was filled with time spent on the family farm where his love of cooking began.  He studied engineering at Kansas State University and Southwest Texas University at El Paso. He then joined the Army where he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a Captain before marrying his wife Margaret, of 36 years before her passing in 2000.

Motorsports were a lifetime passion of his, competing with his Austin-Healey on various tracks around the country, including the Continental Divide Raceway just south of Castle Rock back in the early 1960’s.  Later in life he enjoyed attending Indy 500 races with his sons and friends.

Charlie and Marg began their married life in Olathe, Kansas, where he started his career as a Structural Engineer. His career would take him to Omaha, Nebraska, with Gate City Steel and then Denver with Grett Steel in 1970.  Later he founded his own steel estimating and construction management firm and worked on a number of large projects including Denver International Airport.

Charlie’s life in Denver was filled with raising four children, which included coaching elementary school basketball games, hauling kids to practices and games and spending evenings with friends. He also enjoyed vacationing at many of the Colorado Dude Ranches during the Summer. Charlie especially looked forward to spending the 4th of July at Vail where he tested his luck with many card games of gin and everyone welcomed his gallons of margaritas!

Another passion for Charlie was cooking delicious meals for family and friends. He had been accepted to Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris, but he and Marg had already started their family, so decided not to attend.  Charlie continued his passion for cooking with joining gourmet dinner clubs around Denver for over 20 years.  Friends and family were particularly fond of his famous French toast and cinnamon rice pancakes on Sunday morning, cherry-wine soup on Christmas Day, big pots of chili, and numerous other culinary delights. He was a true foodie who loved not only to experiment in the kitchen but was a great resource on Denver’s restaurant scene.

After retiring, he spent the last 20 years enjoying time with his family, and especially his 11 grandchildren - known as Fuzzy Grandpa to some. He also enjoyed talking about cars, playing poker and spending time at his favorite cigar lounges with his friends who fondly referred to him as Tuna.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Frankie Elson, his brother Conrad, sister Shirley, and wife Margaret. He is survived by his children; sons, Andy (Lisa), and Chris (Jennifer) and his daughters Stephanie Sinek (Jim) and Megan Eggleston (Scott) and his grandchildren Lauren and Libby (Andy); Christopher, Mary Kate, Caroline, and Patrick (Chris); Quincy and Joe Sinek; and Maggie, Max, and Mallory Eggleston.

Funeral Mass will be Friday November 18th at Church of the Risen Christ at 10:00 a.m.

The Mass will be followed by a Luncheon and Celebration of Life at Risen Christ Parish Hall 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project, The Denver Hospice at Lowry or St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School in Thoreau, New Mexico.