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Charles P. Alexander, former Gunnison resident and attorney passed away on Friday, April 15, 2011. Born on January, 16, 1927 in the coal-mining town of Crucible, PA, Charles was originally named Vasily by his parents, Alexei and Zofia Pyskach. He graduated in 1943 from North Union High School in Uniontown, PA and then worked in a steel mill in Ambridge, PA. Before entering the military, Charles legally "Americanized" his name and then added an Americanized version of his father's name, thus becoming Charles P. Alexander. Chuck enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1944, and was called to active duty in June, 1945. He attained the rank of 1st. Lieutenant and served overseas from March 1946 to December 1946, and was then released from active duty. He briefly attended business school in Des Moines, IA and then moved to Denver in September 1947. He graduated from the University of Denver in June 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies. While in Denver, Chuck met his future wife, Frances Tanner, and they were married at Central Presbyterian Church on December 30, 1950. They then moved to Washington D.C., where Chuck attended the George Washington University law school at night and worked as a janitor during the day. Chuck was recalled to active duty in August 1953, and served as a Foreign Service Officer until released from active duty in August 1954. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve until January 1987, when he retired at the rank of Major. In September 1954, Chuck transferred to the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder where he graduated in June 1956. Chuck and Fran moved to Gunnison in July 1956 where he began his legal career with the Dutcher and Seraphine law firm. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar on September 10, 1956. In 1971, Chuck joined with his colleagues to form the Seraphine, Bratton & Alexander law firm. In 1974, Karl Ranous joined the law firm. Beginning in October 1979, Charles practiced law on his own until he retired in 1987. During his long career in Gunnison, Chuck served as the Hinsdale County Attorney from 1956-1958 and then again from 1983-1987; a brief stint as Deputy District Attorney in 1956; and as the Gunnison City Attorney from 1958-1971. From 1977 to 1987, he served as on the Board of Directors for the First National Bank. He successfully argued cases at the Colorado Supreme Court and was known to have a very sharp legal mind. One longtime colleague observed that Chuck was motivated by a true sense of right and wrong and that he showed a genuine concern for the underdog. Chuck retired in 1987 and he and Frances moved to Las Vegas, NV. In 1990, they relocated to Albuquerque, NM where they made their home for the remainder of their lives. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Frances. He is survived by his four sons, Chuck, Roger, Bruce and Dan; daughters-in-law Katy, Anna and Deanna; grandchildren, Michael, Tara, Dillon, Kelsey, Paul and James; granddaughter-in-law, Mircalla; and great-granddaughter, Beatrix, who was born just five days before he passed away. Chuck will be interred, along with his wife Frances, at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Thursday, April 21, 2011. FRENCH 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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