Charles R. Chainhalt

Honor Thy Father We have lost someone very special, thank you for sharing our grief. Charles "Grandpa" Chainhalt devoted his life to kids throughout the Denver area. His dedication is truly one of the key parts of the legacy he leaves us in his passing. He taught us that support is unconditional, in his eyes if you were a loved one, friend or one of his players he always backed you to the finish. He was the glue for his entire family which he was always proud to boast totaled 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. In addition he was honored to be called "Grandpa" by hundreds of current and former West High athletes who have benefited from his wisdom and courage. Coach Chainhalt's career as a beloved coach and mentor dates back sixty five years and the list of those who played for his teams or coached with him traces many generations in the Denver area. Beginning with his playing days at Manual High in the early 1940's and ending with his honorary coaching position at West High until his death our Father embodied a spirit that was contagious to all those he met. As I travel throughout the athletic circles of the Denver area it astounds me and fills me with pride at the number of people that ask about our Father and show so much respect for his dedication to young athletes. Everyone has a "Charlie" story and all of them are truly wonderful. Coaching was a labor of love for our Dad; he never needed payment, but always gave everything he had to every one of his teams. From the early years of "The Dutchman" and "The Lighthouse" semi-pro teams through his years in the Young America League working with the Cowboys, the Redbirds, the Phantoms, and the Panthers Coach Chainhalt was the consummate players' coach. He led summer baseball programs in Denver spanning the 1960's through the year 2003 and took teams to national championship levels in the 70's, 80's and 90's. His teams always played hard for him and were always in the hunt for the championship. More important than championships, his players truly wanted to play for him and he always made it special. Where do we find the words to say, how do we honor him as he deserves? Each day I realize that he showed us so much about treating people. Many believe as you live, so shall you die; perhaps those words were never truer than in our Dad's life. He never let the family drift apart, he never let a game close without telling his team how proud he was of their effort and he never let his passion wane. His passing was much like his life, he had an understanding that it was time and he gave all he had to finish with honor and dignity. We are so glad that his suffering was limited, but that his class showed no limitations. We celebrate the life of Charles "Grandpa" Chainhalt and understand better than ever now how much he taught us all. We respect the strength and zeal he brought to our lives and we understand that we are all better for having known and loved him. I know I speak for him by quoting W.B. Yeats' famous words - "think where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was, I had such friends." We know he's with us in our hearts and that we will carry a piece of him within us forever. Charles R. Chainhalt, 88, of Denver. Husband of Marjorie. Father of Robert Chainhalt, Richard Chainhalt, Nadine Kesterson, Charlene Eby, Sherron Hagen, Beverly Monaco. Grandfather of 17. Great Grandfather of 12. Visitation Sunday, 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Service Monday, 10:30 am, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Memorials to Denver Rescue Mission.