Charles Shom

Charles L. “Chuck” Shom, beloved educator and avid outdoorsman, died on January 29th 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

Chuck was born in 1936 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Sidney and Dora Shom. His pursuit of lifelong learning took him across the country as he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, and his PhD from the Union Institute in Ohio.

A passionate educator, Chuck worked as a teacher, counselor and vice principal in the Jefferson County School District for most of his career. He was a founding member of Temple Sinai, and a forty-year member of Colorado Mountain Club.

After his retirement, Chuck maintained an active schedule of hiking, backpacking, cycling, and skiing. He was a tireless traveler, and his love for the outdoors took him everywhere from Alaska to Sweden, Hawaii, Patagonia and the Alps. On game days, however, you would be sure to find Chuck, a loyal Buffs supporter, parked in front of his television to cheer on his team.

Chuck was well-known in his circles for showing up to events and parties in humorous costumes, most famously his blue dog suit and funny noses.

He will be sorely missed by his wife Jean, daughters Susan (Torbjörn) and Karen, stepsons Bryan (Anne) and Patrick, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 4th, 2022 at 11am at Temple Sinai, 3509 South Glencoe Street, Denver.

Donations may be made in Chuck’s memory to the Brain Research Foundation, https://www.thebrf.org/ .