Sad News - Passing of e-Club of Houston Rotarian Chuck Pyle
“Zen Cowboy” and fellow e-Club Member Chuck Pyle of Palmer Lake, Colorado has died
With great sadness, we announce the passing of our friend and fellow Rotary E-Club of Houston member, Chuck Pyle. Chuck passed away of unknown causes while fly-fishing on November 6th in his hometown of Palmer Lake, Colorado. He was 70. Our club had planned a fellowship outing for this weekend to hear Chuck perform at the Millbend Coffehouse, so please know that the plans are cancelled. There will be another musician entertaining, but our interest was to share the evening listening to Chuck's music. If you had already purchased tickets, please contact Teresa Allen at the Millbend Coffeehouse. Of course, you may still attend to hear another performer.Chuck was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Newton, Iowa. Chuck moved to Boulder in 1965 seeking to immerse himself in the rich Colorado culture of music, poetry, and outdoorsmanship of the late 1960's and wishing to hone his guitar playing and songwriting talents. Chuck moved to Amsterdam in 1972 to sample its then-thriving folk scene. Returning to the United States circa 1974, he went on to play solo gigs. In 1985, Chuck recorded his first widely released album, Drifter's Wind. The 1990 release of the acoustic-only Step By Step was followed by Endless Sky, Camel Rock, and Affected By The Moon; all critically acclaimed and cherished by his fans.
Pyle was affectionately dubbed the "Zen Cowboy" and known for his songwriting and finger picking. Pyle performed for more than four decades around the country and many musicians, including John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Suzy Bogguss and Chris LeDoux, have covered his music.
Pyle released his latest album, titled "Cover Stories," last January.
Chuck spent much of his career traveling to gigs all over the country. He participated in Rotary fundraisers for replanting trees after the brutal Texas droughts and also to raise money for Rotary water projects. This summer several Rotarians joined Chuck’s performance in Spring, Texas where he introduced his new CD and shared many old favorites. He was always excited to be performing at the next venue, an excitement he never lost. Over the last thirteen years, Chuck shared his travels and experiences with his partner, Terri. She would sit in the back of the hall, and Chuck could look up to see her smiling face and know that he would not be headed back to an empty room.
All of Chuck's fans had a personal connection to him, one they will always have. Although the pain of his leaving much too soon will take time and tears to ease, we will continue to listen to our favorite songs and know that he is still with us.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th 2015, at 11 a.m., at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, 304 State Hwy 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chuck Pyle Memorial Fund. Donations can be mailed to:
The Chuck Pyle Memorial Fund
PO Box 726
Palmer Lake, CO 80133