Charles Folsom

Charles Ivan “Chickivan” Folsom, age 75, of Durango, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2020, at Pine Ridge Hospital in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Chickivan, as most called him, was born on May 19, 1945, to Charles and Iris Ruenett “Nett” Folsom of Durango, Colorado, and was the oldest of their three sons.

He attended Durango Senior High School and was a straight-A student. He especially excelled in Calculus and Trigonometry and graduated in 1963. He went on to study Jet Engine Familiarization & Aviation Fundamentals, with Naval Aviation Technical Training Command, graduating at the top of his class of 300 (Navy & Marine) as a jet mechanic.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and received an honorary promotion to Lance/Corporal in 1964. He was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1965, at the Da Nang Air Base, and served as a jet mechanic on the F-4 Phantom Fighter jets.

In 1967, he returned to Durango and was the Vehicle Maintenance Manager at Purgatory Ski Area. He was married for a time to Connie Madera Folsom, and their daughter Margo was born in 1971.

He later went to work for Zapata Oil and Gas, in South America, where he was a diesel mechanic on the oil rigs. Chickivan eventually retired in Durango, Colorado, and spent some of his time with friends in Farmington, New Mexico.

He had the undeniable Folsom sense of humor and gave the gift of laughter to all who knew him. He enjoyed music, especially Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Rolling Stones. He also enjoyed taking his boat to Vallecito Lake in the summers during his earlier years. He was kind-hearted and a very giving person. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Chickivan is survived by his daughter, Margo Folsom McClellan; mother, Nett Folsom; brothers: Lane Folsom, and Cody Folsom; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Chickivan is preceded in death by his father, Charles Folsom.

A ceremony will be held at a later date.