Charles J. Kier
December 21, 1911 - August 11, 2011
Charles J. “Bud” Kier went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 11, 2011, at the Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. He was 99, but in his mind he was 100 just the day before, which was a goal he wanted to make.
Bud was born Dec. 21, 1911, in Cañon City to Delpha A. and Walter M. Kier. He was raised between Cañon City and the Toponas area of Routt County. He learned about raising cattle and horses from his dad and other members of the family, which became his passion and grew to be his livelihood. While in Cañon City, Bud learned the character of being a gentleman with great honesty, integrity and leadership from his grandparents, aunts and uncles. Learning to live off the land, he also was taught the importance of gardening, canning and laying up food for winter use, which he did until he was 96.
Bud was a leader during his school years, participating in football and basketball. He was captain of the ROTC unit. He was an excellent math student. He participated in the local rodeos with friends and family.
Bud met the love of his life and married Loi Brooks in a double wedding ceremony with Loi’s brother, Bud Brooks, and his wife, Elsie, on Dec. 22, 1935, in McCoy. They were married 67 years. During these years, Bud and Loi operated their cattle ranch at Toponas, raising three children, Beverley Jean, Larry Irwin and Colleen Joan. They were always examples of goodness, kindness, love and much laughter.
In 1966, Bud and Loi left the ranch and moved to Longmont, where Bud continued carpentry, which he had done for six years in Cañon City while still maintaining the ranch. The next summer, they moved back to the Black Mountain Ranch in McCoy, working there for three summers. As time passed, carpentry work found Bud in all parts of the Western Slope. Bud was very articulate and was a perfectionist in all that he did.
After retiring, Bud and Loi built their own home in Yampa. They later moved to Cañon City, Rifle and Eckert. After Loi’s passing, Bud remained in their home until 2008 and thereafter lived with his daughter, Beverley, in Cañon City and later with his daughter, Joan, in Rifle.
Bud always stayed active and served in his church and communities on school boards, election boards and as the building inspector in Yampa. He wrote a book about the Kier family history and gathered information about the South Routt County school districts and homesteading in that area.
Bud was a person of dry humor, quick wit and had a fantastic memory, always talking about past happenings and adventures he or others had participated in. He was a man of detail and organization.
Bud is survived by his daughters, Beverley (Don) Reuker and Joan (James) Carnahan; a son, Larry (Charlotte) Kier; 12 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; nephews Charles and Walt Bratton; niece Evelyn Drager; and cousins Jack Kier and Dorothy Kissenger.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Loi; his parents, Delpha and Walter; a sister, Rosemary Bratton; five grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles and grandparents.
A memorial service is at 2 p.m. Aug. 27, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Yampa. In lieu of flowers, send memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 2754 Compass Drive, Suite 377, Grand Junction, CO 81506.
